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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. Students who have standardized test scores on file will have those used to determine their group for Composition Placement (Group 1, 2, or 3 and explained in more detail on our Composition Placement page). Students without any test scores on file with CSU are automatically placed in Group 2 and need to complete the DSP (Directed Self-Placement) Survey.

The Composition Program understands standardized test scores don’t always fully reflect academic abilities or motivation for success. That is why we offer the Composition Placement Challenge and Re-Evaluation Essay. With an essay score of 3, 4, or 5 (out of 6), students in Group 3 for Composition Placement place directly into CO150: College Composition rather than first taking CO130: Academic Writing.

Students who believe they have the writing and reading skills to test out of CO150, may complete the Composition Placement Challenge and Re-Evaluation Essay. A score of 6 (out of 6) earns students CO150 test-out credit (meaning they are not required to complete the course). It is rare to test out of CO150 and requires the demonstration of excellence in all writing and critical reading skills covered in College Composition. The Composition Placement Challenge and Re-Evaluation Essay is not required for any student.

Placement Page

Common scenarios where a student might challenge their original placement and complete the Composition Placement Challenge and Re-Evaluation Essay:

  • You are in Group 1 for Composition Placement, have placed into CO150, and believe your writing skills are exceptional and exceed the expected outcomes for CO150. You wish to attempt to test out of CO150.
  • You are placed into CO150 and believe that you have fulfilled the requirement through transfer courses that have not been approved by the University. Email cla_composition@colostate.edu for questions on transfer credit.
  • You are in Group 3 for Composition Placement, have placed into CO130 but 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. Then notify the Composition Program of their desire to complete the essay with SDC accommodations.