Writing Pathways and Assessment

To help you assess your own readiness for and comfort with college writing, you will begin the writing pathway at APU by taking a self-guided, online assessment called The Writing Class Placement Questionnaire. This 20–30-minute survey is a prerequisite for WRIT 110, and you must complete the assessment before you will be allowed to register for your first writing course at APU. This survey will guide you in determining your own individual writing pathway. Learn more about The Writing Class Placement Questionnaire and the assessment process.

Typical Writing Pathway

Writing 1: The Art and Craft of Writing

Your first writing course at APU will likely be Writing 1, in which you’ll be introduced to college-level writing expectations through the field of writing studies. It’s essential to take Writing 1 during your first year to keep you on track and able to complete your writing pathway in time to graduate.

Writing 1 Lab

The Writing 1 Lab (WRIT 120) is an optional 1-unit course that you take alongside Writing 1. The small-group format offers a safe space to support you and a group of 5 other students as you begin to move beyond high school writing and adjust to college-level expectations. You can likely take advantage of this opportunity at no extra cost on your tuition. Complete The Writing Class Placement Questionnaire to determine whether the lab is right for you.

Writing 2: Genre, Evidence, and Persuasion

Plan to take Writing 2 during your sophomore year. In this course, you will assess the writing styles, questions, and arguments of your broader field (humanities, science, etc.) in order to begin to enter into it yourself. You may enroll in the Writing 2 course of your choice if your major does not require a particular course, but it’s most beneficial and strongly recommended that you enroll in the Writing 2 course that pertains to your field of study during your sophomore year.

Writing 3: Writing in the Disciplines

You’ll take Writing 3 during your junior or senior year. In this course, you will practice the types of writing you might encounter in your future profession and learn how to craft polished writing products of professional quality in your major. Most majors require a particular course, so check with your advisor about what your department offers and expects.