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Composition Placement Essay

The Composition Placement Challenge and Re-evaluation Essay is an option for any student wishing to challenge their placement into first-year Composition courses (determined by standardized test scores) or students wanting to attempt to test out of CO150. Most students do not complete the essay, and it is not required for anyone.

Placement

Placement into Composition courses is based on standardized test scores; however, we understand that these scores don’t always fully reflect scholastic abilities and motivation for success. That is why we offer the Composition Placement Challenge and Re-evaluation Essay. Writing the essay offers students who are in Group 3 for Composition Placement [again, perhaps a good spot for a link to the Placement page that outlines the placement groups] the chance to place directly into CO150: College Composition rather than taking CO130: Academic Writing first, or the opportunity to try and “test out” of CO150: College Composition.

Placement Page

Common scenarios where a student might challenge their original placement:

  • You have been placed into CO150 and believe that your writing skills are exceptional and exceed the expected outcomes for CO150. You wish to attempt to test out of CO150.
  • You have been placed into CO150 and believe that you have fulfilled the requirement through transfer courses that have not been approved by the University.
  • You have been placed into CO130 and believe you have the writing skills and motivation necessary to succeed in CO150 and want to attempt to test out of CO130.
  • You have composition credit over 10 years old that counts as elective credit (CO1++) and are hoping for it to earn CO150 credit.

Key Information about the Essay Process

Essay access is provided through Canvas (CSU’s learning management system). To obtain access, please email your request to cla_composition@colostate.edu.

Essay results are available on a rolling timeline.

  • The Composition Placement Challenge and Re-evaluation Essay is rated by Composition faculty based on the schedule below. If you submit an essay during the date range in the first column, your scores will be available on RamWeb by 5pm on the date listed in the second column.
  • You can check your results in RamWeb. From the RamWeb home page, select the menu option in the upper right-hand corner, then select “Records,” then “Test Scores.”

  • This is a timed essay that is video-proctored. Students have 90 minutes to read the prompt and write an essay.

  • A computer is required to complete the essay (tablets are not compatible with the proctoring software).

  • No internet research is allowed while writing the essay. This includes using a computer or smartphone to look up information or browse websites. The video proctoring company will flag the essay if there are any attempts to browse websites or use a smartphone or other device while writing the essay.

  • Students must complete the essay in a quiet location and are not permitted to talk
    to others during the process.

  • There is a $22.00 charge for processing and rating your essay, which will be billed to your CSU student account.

Information Regarding Accommodations

We are happy to provide accommodations for students who are registered with CSU’s Student Disability Center (970-491-6385 or email sdctest@colostate.edu). Students simply need to contact their accommodations specialist and ask that a copy of their SDC accommodation letter be sent to cla_composition@colostate.edu.