COLLEGE WRITING EXAM 

The successful completion of the College Writing Exam (CWE) is an important graduation requirement for all PCCC students. For the CWE, students are asked to write a five-paragraph position paper of at least 450 words about a general topic or a topic provided by their departments. The exam usually lasts for two hours. An information packet about the exam is available at the Writing Center. 

General Information About the Exam. (See also http://pccc.libguides.com/cwe)

When should a student register to take the College Writing Exam?

Students are eligible to sit for the CWE when they have successfully completed Composition II and at least half of their department's credit requirements for graduation (30 - 35 credits). Students entering PCCC in 2007 or after and pursuing an AA or AS Degree are eligible to take the exam after completing one writing intensive course.

Where can an eligible student register to take the College Writing Exam?

No registration is required at this time. Students may walk in with proper ID on any date listed.

Can failure on the CWE prevent a student from graduating?

Yes, a failing score on the CWE can delay graduation.

Is it possible to re-take the CWE if a passing score is not earned the first time?

Yes, however, students who need to re-write the CWE essay must contact the Writing Center to review the structure of the five-paragraph position paper and determine whether the student's best course of action would be short-term e-tutoring or registration in the one-credit CWE Writing Intensive course (EN117). Instructions are sent to students who do not pass the CWE.

If a student fails to pass the CWE after 3 attempts, they MUST attend a 4 session Intensive CWE Writing Workshop before they can make future attempts at taking the CWE. Please contact Rhoda Rhodes at 973-684-5546 or rrhodes@pccc.edu to schedule an appointment for the workshop.

It is important to take the exam as soon as possible, in order to have enough time to get help, practice further and re-take it, if that should be necessary.

  

NOTE: ALL EXAMS ARE 2 HOURS LONG. Please plan accordingly. If you have taken the exam previously, you MUST get an approval letter from the Writing Center in Paterson before you retest.

TBD means To Be Determined. Check back later for updated information.

---------- CWE Testing -- Wanaque Campus ----------------------------

PRE-REGISTRATRION IS REQUIRED AT THE WANAQUE CAMPUS.

Students may schedule to report for testing between 11 AM and 7 PM on test days. Registration forms are available on the bulletin board outside the Basic Skills Lab OR students may email Kathy Coffey at kcoffey@pccc.edu. When emailing you MUST include your Name, ID#, Major, Phone #, Test Date and Test Time and whether you wish to Type OR Handwrite your essay.  If you have questions, please speak with Kathy Coffey in Room W128

Wanaque Campus - Spring 2012 Dates and Start Times

---------- CWE Testing -- Passaic Campus ----------------------------

PRE-REGISTRATRION IS REQUIRED AT THE PASSAIC CAMPUS.

To make an appointment, please call Edna Ortiz at 973-341-1602  or email your request to eortiz@pccc.edu.  

Passaic Campus - Spring 2012 Dates and Start Times

-------------- CWE Testing - Paterson Campus --------------------------

SPRING 2012 - We are offering both WALK-IN testing and BY APPOINTMENT sessions at the Paterson Campus. SEE SCHEDULE BELOW.

IMPORTANT CONDITIONS FOR "BY APPOINTMENT":

1) An Appointment is required. Come to E215 to register.

2) If you have taken the exam previously, you MUST bring an approval letter from the Writing Center to be allowed to retest.

Paterson Campus - Spring 2012 Dates and Start Times

How do I get the results?

Results are mailed to students and are posted on their degree audits.

Practicing for the CWE

All students are encouraged to brush up on their writing skills BEFORE taking the exam. Practice is especially important if more than one semester has passed since the completion of Composition II.

Paterson students may make arrangements through the Writing Center (Room A113).

COLLEGE WRITING EXAM SAMPLE ESSAY TOPICS

Students are given a choice of two topics: one relating to their major, or one which is broader. Here are examples of topics offered in the past. (For a list of general topics suited to students of any major, click here).

 IMPORTANT CONDITIONS FOR "BY APPOINTMENT":

1) Come to Room E215 to register for an available date.

2) If you have taken the exam previously, you MUST bring an approval letter from the Writing Center to be allowed to retest.