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. General Information about the exam.
When should a student register to take the College Writing Exam?
Students are eligble 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 under the 2007-2008 Academic Year pursuing an AA Degree must also successfully complete two Writing Intensive Courses.
Where can an eligible student register to take the College Writing Exam?
Students can inquire about registration on the Paterson campus in Room A206 or A219 or by emailing testing@pccc.edu. Students may also be asked to give a brief writing sample before choosing a test date.
Students can register for an exam date on the Wanaque campus in Room W128 (Kathy Coffey's office). Students will be asked to give a brief writing sample before choosing a test date.
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 CWE Coordinator or 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.
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.
Wanaque Campus - Spring 2009 Dates and Start Times
February 19th (Thu.) | 11AM | Testing Room |
March 4th (Wed.) | 11AM | Testing Room |
April 14th (Tue.) | 11AM | Testing Room |
May 4th (Mon.) | 11AM | Testing Room |
Paterson Campus - Spring 2009 Dates and Start Times
February 20th (Fri.) | 10AM & 2PM | Room E215 |
February 21st (Sat.) | 10AM | Room E215 |
February 23rd (Mon.) | 6PM | Room E215 |
March 6th (Fri.) | 10AM & 2PM | Room E215 |
March 7th (Sat.) | 10AM | Room E215 |
March 9th (Mon.) | 6PM | Room E215 |
April 17th (Fri.) | 10AM & 2PM | Room E215 |
April 18th (Sat.) | 10AM | Room E215 |
April 20th (Mon.) | 6PM | Room E215 |
May 9th (Sat.) | 10AM | Room E215 |
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 CWE Coordinator or Writing Center Coordinator.
Wanaque campus students should arrange for CWE assistance with Kathy Coffey in room W128, 973-248-3019, kcoffey@pccc.edu. Coordinator, (currently Rhoda Rhodes, A219). We offer a one-credit Writing Intensive Course (EN117) which lasts only eight weeks. It is offered at least twice each semester. The final exam for this course is the CWE itself and will be offered on a special date NOT shown on the schedule above only for those who have taken the course.
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).