UH Hilo Writing Placement Assessment
Students are urged to take the online Writing Placement Assessment as soon as possible. The online WPA instructions and link can be found on this page. Please note that if English is your first language AND you possess SAT/ACT scores, or a Smarter Balanced score of 2 or higher you do not need to take the WPA. Your SAT, ACT, or Smarter Balanced scores will be used to place you.
On this page:
Online Writing Placement Assessment Instructions
The Writing Placement Assessment site is now available to students. Students whose first language is not English or who do not possess SAT/ACT scores, or have a Smarter Balanced score of 1 are recommended to take the WPA as soon as possible.
The Writing Placement Assessment is an online assessment.
You will be asked questions at the link below. Your answers to these questions will determine whether you need to continue the assessment. If you have any questions, contact
What is the UH Hilo Writing Placement Assessment?
The Writing Placement Assessment (WPA) is a timed essay writing activity that determines what level writing course you will be assigned to if you are a non-native speaker of English or you are a native speaker of English, but you do not possess SAT/ACT scores, or a Smarter Balanced score of 2 or higher.
Who does not take the assessment?
You do not have to take this assessment if you meet at least one of these criteria:
- you are a native speaker of English and you possess SAT/ACT scores, or a Smarter Balanced score of 2 or higher, 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 Composition I (3) You must have verification of acceptance of this transfer course from the Admissions Office.
SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) Score Table
| UH Hilo Placement | SAT EBRW Score |
|---|---|
| ENG 100 | SAT-EBRW 525 to 674 |
| ENG 100T | SAT-EBRW 524 or below |
SAT Writing (W) Score Table
| UH Hilo Placement | SAT Writing Score |
|---|---|
| ENG 100 | SAT-W 475 to 624 |
| ENG 100T | SAT-W 474 or below |
ACT Score Table
| UH Hilo Placement | ACT English Score |
|---|---|
| ENG 100 | ACT 18 to 27 |
| ENG 100T | ACT 17 or below |
UH System 11th Grade Smarter Balanced Placement Policy
| SB 11th Grade Achievement Level | ELA Placement Options |
|---|---|
| 4 | ENG 100 (A dual-credit ELA course is strongly recommended in 12th grade) |
| 3 | ENG 100 , Contingent upon a grade of B or better in either of the following: • A semester long ELA course, taken in the fall semester of the 12th grade.or • The fall semester of a year-long ELA course, taken in the 12th grade |
| 2 | ENG 100 , Contingent on a first semester grade of B or better in the 12th grade transition course |
| 1 | Determined by UH campus-specific placement process (e.g. UH Hilo WPA) |
Who takes the assessment?
As an accepted and intent to enroll UH Hilo student, you have to take the assessment if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- you are a native speaker of English and you do not possess SAT or ACT scores
- you are a native speaker of English and you have a Smarter Balanced score of 1
- 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 Composition I (3) at UH Hilo
What is the purpose of the assessment?
This writing assessment 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
- ENG 100 Composition I (3)
- ENG 100T Composition with Tutorial (3)
- or English as a Second Language
- English as a Second Language (ESL 100 Composition/Nonnative Speakers (3) )
- ESL 100T Composition/Non-nativeTutorial (3)
- Pre-100 ESL
Who can I call if I have questions about the assessment?
You may call
Students who may require accommodations should contact the
How and when may I get my results?
Note: For the online WPA, it may take a minimum of 48 to 72 hours before you are notified by email what course you are placed into. This email message will be sent to your UH email address.