ENGQ20 Basic Writing at West Chester University
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here to register for the Basic Writing Challenge Exam (BWCE)
Basic Writing Challenge Exam
What is the Basic Writing Challenge Exam (BWCE)?
The Basic Writing Challenge Exam is an optional, free essay exam, available to
anyone who has an SAT Writing score below 490* and who
would be placed into ENG020 Basic Writing. Those who pass the challenge exam
are eligible to take WRT120 Effective Writing 1.
*This score applies to fall 2009 incoming students.
Should I take the BWCE?
You should only take this optional exam if you believe that your SAT Writing score does
not reflect your writing ability, and if you think that you cannot benefit from
the extra support ENG020 can give you as a writer. Taking the BWCE does not
guarantee placement into WRT120. Click
here to find out more about ENG020.
What's on the BWCE?
The BWCE is an essay exam that asks
you to write in response to a selected reading. The exam will have several
prompts or questions relating to the reading. You will be asked to write an
essay in response to one of the prompts (of your own choosing) for the exam.
Students are encouraged to read the essay ahead of time to prepare for the exam
(See link to article below). Copies of the reading will be provided during the
exam. Previously prepared notes or writing is prohibited.
This year’s reading to be announced.
How is the BWCE administered?
The proctored exam is held in a
computer lab. You will type/compose your essay in Microsoft Word. You will have
approximately one hour to read, brainstorm, outline, take notes, and write your
essay. Once you are finished, you will be provided instructions to submit your
essay online.
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How should I prepare for the BWCE?
- Read the article on which the exam questions are based. This year’s reading to be announced.
- Make sure you have your WCU student I.D.
number -- the initials of your first and last name plus a 6-digit
number (e.g. John Doe’s I.D. is jd123456). See the letter you received
from New Student Programs, or contact their office at (610) 436-3305.
- Initialize yourWCU login and password. See “Initialize password” below or call the Academic Computing Center Help
Desk at (610) 436-3349.
- Bring a photo I.D. and a pen/pencil
and scrap paper in case you want to outline or take notes.
When and where is it offered?
The BWCE 2009 will be offered on the
following days. Arrive a few minutes before the test to check-in at the exam
site. The exam will be offered in Anderson Hall (Click here
for location, directions and parking information).
- 2009 exam dates to be announced
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How do I register to take BWCE?
Registration is on a first-come first-serve basis. We offer convenient online and email
options to register for the exam.
Online Registration:
Go to
http://www.wcupa.edu/_ACADEMICS/sch_cas.eng/challreg.htm to register
for the exam online. An email confirmation will be sent to you with additional
information.
Email Registration:You can also reserve a space via email at BWCE@wcupa.edu.
In the subject line, please write “Registration” and in the email message include
the following information for the student taking the exam:
- Full name and WCU student I.D. (if known)
- Address
- Preferred date for exam
- Email address
- Phone Number
- Highest SAT Writing Score
Phone Registration:Please
use the phone registration option only if you cannot access the online or email
options. Call the Department of English at 610-436-2822. You may also leave a
message for the BWCE Director at 610-436-2389, and someone will return your
call. If you do not hear back within 2-3 days, please call back to re-register.
What if I didn't sign up but still want to take the exam?
We will do our best to accommodate any
student who wishes to take the exam on any of the exam dates;
however, we cannot guarantee a space without a reservation. Contact the Exam
Director or email BWCE@wcupa.edu to see if
a space is available.
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How is the BWCE rated?
The exams will be read and rated by
West Chester University faculty and other qualified readers who are trained and
supervised by the Director of Basic Writing Challenge Exam and the Director of
Composition. The readers apply carefully chosen standards that reflect the real
requirements of West Chester University writing courses. The test thus provides
an excellent measure of your skills as a student writer and provides a highly
accurate basis for your placement.
How will I find out if I passed?
Students who pass the exam will be enrolled automatically into WRT120. Additional details will be posted as soon as they are available.
Can I take the BWCE more than once?
We only offer the exam once per student.
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How do I initialize my password?
Go to http://webmail.wcupa.edu and click on “Change your password/passphrase.”
Enter your WCU username (your WCU I.D. plus the email domain; e.g. JD123456@wcupa.edu).
Your “old” password is "WCU-" followed by your date of birth in
MMDDYY format (e.g. if your birthday is January 1, 1986, your “old” password
would be WCU-010186). Then, in the
“New Password” and “Confirm New Password” fields create a new password that is
at least 8 characters and includes
at least 3 of the following:
- Lowercase character(s)
- Uppercase character(s)
- Numeric character(s)
- Special character(s), such as % $ #
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Location, Directions, and Parking
Anderson Hall
The exam will be held in Anderson Hall in the
computer labs on the ground floor. Anderson Hall is located near the corner of
S. Church St. and Rosedale Ave. You may park behind Sykes Student Union or in
the Bull Center parking lot which are located nearby. There are also some meter
spots along Church and Rosedale.
Parking and Directions to Campus
Please check the West Chester University website for a campus map and additional directions:
www.wcupa.edu/_visitors/directions.asp
Directions to Sykes Student Union parking lot:
- From the north (Route 100/High Street): Make a right onto Rosedale Avenue. Just before the stop sign you will see a
street on your left (S. Church St.). Turn left onto S. Church Street and make
the next right into the Sykes Union parking lot. You are able to park in any
space that is not designated as Faculty/Staff.
- From the south (Route 202/High Street): Make a left onto Rosedale Avenue and continue with
the directions above.
- To Anderson Hall:From the parking lot, walk towards the intersection of Rosedale and Church,
continue north on Church. Anderson Hall is the first building on Church on the
right.
Directions to Bull Center parking lot:
- From the north (Route 100/High Street): Make a left onto Rosedale Avenue. Turn into the first driveway on the right
just past the Bull Center building. Follow the driveway down into the parking
lot.
- From the south (Route 202/High Street): Make a right onto Rosedale Avenue and continue
with the directions above.
- To Anderson Hall:From the parking lot, walk towards the intersection of Rosedale and High,
continue west on Rosedale. Turn right onto Church St. Anderson Hall is the
first building on Church on the right.
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Contact Information
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