Writing 121 Waiver Exam Process

Writing 121z Waiver Exam Process

(effective January 2025)

Who Should Take This Exam

The Writing 121z waiver exam is specifically designed for transfer students whose previous institution does not have an articulation agreement with Oregon State University for first-year writing courses. Most transfer students will not need to take this exam, as OSU maintains articulation agreements with:

• All institutions within the State of Oregon

• Most institutions in neighboring states

• Many other colleges and universities nationwide

This exam is intended for strongly proficient writers who have excelled in their academic writing skills and have clearly demonstrated their capacity for analytical writing, information literacy, rhetorical awareness, and academic genre conventions. To be eligible for this exam, students must have completed college-level coursework in writing or English composition. Coursework from other disciplines, even if writing-intensive, does not fulfill this eligibility requirement. The writing or composition coursework must demonstrate advanced writing ability but lack direct equivalency to WR 121z through existing articulation agreements.

Under OSU's Academic Regulations for "Special Examination for Credit" (AR 23, AR 24), this exam allows for a waiver of the WR I/Writing Foundations requirement only, and does not provide a grade or course credits. The exam may not be taken in a term when a student is currently registered for WR 121z.

Application Process and Requirements
Eligibility Verification

Before beginning the application process, students must verify their eligibility:

Ecampus students should contact [email protected] for procedures.

Undergraduate students should contact Dennis Bennett before applying.

Graduate students should contact Dennis Bennett for case-by-case evaluation.

Application Steps
  1. Email Assistant Director of Writing, Dennis Bennett, providing qualifying 7–10-page writing sample from prior institution.
  2. Once eligibility has been verified by the Assistant Director of Writing, download and complete the "Examination for Credit or Waiver" form from OSU's registrar's office.
  3. Pay the registrar's fee of $80, which will be charged to your student account. (Note: Willamette Promise students are exempted from this fee.)
  4. Obtain the following required signatures:

5. Submit documentation:

  • Deliver the original signed form to the Office of the Registrar (Kerr Administration Building)
  • Deliver a photocopy to the Assistant Director of Writing (Moreland 208)
Exam Structure and Evaluation

The exam consists of two components designed to comprehensively assess writing proficiency:

Component 1: Writing Sample Essay
  • A polished college essay (7-10 pages minimum, not including works cited)
  • Must be from a previous college writing or English composition course (not from writing assignments in other disciplines)
  • Typically received a grade of A or B
  • Must include course name, instructor's name, institution, and date
  • Should demonstrate critical thinking, information literacy, and skilled academic argumentation
  • Must incorporate a minimum of three sources
Component 2: On-Demand Essay
  • Written and completed within 48 hours
  • Responds to a provided reading and prompt
  • Tests ability to critically read, interpret, and generate academic arguments
  • Requires proper documentation of source material
Evaluation Criteria

Writing instructors evaluate both components based on:

Critical Thinking

  • Demonstrates rhetorical analysis and critical thinking
  • Moves beyond summary to meaningful analysis

Information Literacy

  • Shows ability to locate, synthesize, and respond to multiple sources
  • Properly integrates and documents quotations

Skilled Academic Argument

  • Intervenes in ongoing cultural conversation
  • Proposes and supports original arguments with evidence and clear reasoning
Additional Information
Accessibility Accommodations

Students registered with OSU's Disability Access Services may arrange for accommodations as needed.

Timeline and Results
  • Signed forms must be received at least one week before the exam date
  • Evaluation takes approximately two weeks
  • Results are communicated via email
  • Passing the exam:
    • Satisfies the Writing I requirement of Baccalaureate Core
    • Allows registration for courses requiring WR 121
    • Does not provide course credits or appear on transcript

Questions For questions about the application process, contact Kristin Benson, Associate Registrar. To schedule the exam, email Dennis Bennett.