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Writing Placement Exam

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» What is the exam?
» Who takes the exam?
» What is the Purpose?
» Registration Instructions
» What happens on exam day?
» Who do I call?
» Exam Dates
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What is the Writing Placement Exam?

The Writing Placement Exam (WPE) is a timed essay exam that determines what level writing course you will be assigned to if you do not possess SAT-W or ACT scores.

Who does not take the exam?

You do not have to take this exam if you meet at least one of these criteria:

  • you possess SAT scores* or ACT scores **which will determine what English course you are placed into
  • you are a Regents' or Chancellor's Scholar
  • you scored a "4" or "5" on the Language and Composition Advanced Placement Exam.
  • you have transferred a course from another college that is officially equivalent to ENG 100. You must have verification of acceptance of this transfer course from UH Hilo Admissions Office.

*SAT Score Table

  • English 100T = SAT-W 474 and below
  • English 100 = SAT-W 475 and above
  • English 100H = SAT-W 625 and above

**ACT Score Table

  • English 100T = ACT 17 and below
  • English 100 = ACT 18 and above
  • English 100H = ACT 28 and above

Who takes the exam?

You have to take the exam if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • you do not possess SAT-W or ACT scores
  • you have been accepted to and intend to enroll at UH Hilo
  • you are an entering non-native speaker of English
  • you have not transferred a course from another college that is officially equivalent to ENG 100 at UH Hilo

What is the purpose of the exam?

This exam is the University's way of placing you into the course that will best prepare you for academic writing. On the basis of the English faculty members' evaluation of your essay, you will be assigned to one of the following courses:

  • English 100H
  • English 100
  • English 100T

Or

  • English as a Second Language (ESL) 100
  • ESL 100T
  • Pre-100 ESL

How do I register for the exam?

You must reserve a seat for the exam by completing the online registration form. See the left sidebar for contact information if you unable to use the online registration form.

  1. Registration is limited to the number of seats for each exam date.
  2. Walk-in seating will only be available after those who have registered have been accommodated.
  3. All students must check in at the exam site no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled exam starting time.
  4. All currently enrolled students must bring their UH Hilo photo ID. All newly accepted students must bring their acceptance letter and a photo ID.

What happens on the day of the exam?

  1. You must bring your registration email confirmation, a pen, photo ID, and proof of UH ID number to the exam. Please also bring your own dictionary.
  2. You will write a complete essay during the timed two-hour exam. You will have half an hour to plan and draft. You will have one additional hour to write, revise, and edit your essay.
  3. Paper will be provided for you.

Who can I call if I have questions about the exam?

You may call Karla Hayashi, Writing Placement Exam Coordinator, at (808) 974-7545 or e-mail her at karlah@hawaii.edu if you have questions about the exam.

Students who may require accommodations should contact the University Disability Services office before taking the exam.

How and when may I get my results?

The exam proctor will let you know when you can expect exam results to be posted. Exam results are posted online at http://hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/wpe/search.php

What are the exam date(s), time(s), and location(s)?

Exam dates are posted on the same page as the on-line registration form page.

Students who do not possess SAT exam scores must take the Writing Placement Exam if you intend to register for a 100-level English course at UH Hilo.

If you are considering enrolling for the 2012 summer session, you can register for the May or June WPE.

Students planning to register for the 2012 fall semester can register for any of the three exam dates currently available.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Exam Date Location Building/Room Exam Time Seats Available
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 UH Hilo UCB 118 10am to 12noon 16 of 35
Wednesday, June 6, 2012 UH Hilo UCB 118 10am to 12noon 32 of 35
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 UH Hilo UCB 100 9am to 11pm 112 of 135

Complete the online registration form to sign up for an exam.