Frequently Asked Questions
What is the College Writing Exam?
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 essay of at least 450 words about a general topic or a topic from their major. Students will be given the topic (but not the actual question) of the general question when they register so that they may prepare some ideas for their essay. Student may use a computer to type their essay. The computer will not allow you to use the spell check, grammar check or the Internet. The exam usually lasts two hours.
Who evaluates the exam?
Your essay will be read and evaluated by at least two readers. Typically, readers are faculty and staff members from PCCC who have been trained in scoring the exam using a standard rubric (scoring guide).
When will I find out if I passed the exam?
Results are mailed to students and are posted on their degree audits in 2-4 weeks after the exam takes place.
Can failure on the CWE prevent me from graduating?
Yes, a failing score on the CWE will delay graduation.
Is it possible to take the CWE again if I fail the first time?
Yes. Students who need to retake the CWE need to
contact the Writing Center to review strategies to improve their chances to pass on their next attempt. Taking the exam again after a failure
without getting help is unlikely to allow you to pass the next time.
Should I wait until I'm close to graduating to take the CWE so that I have had more writing experience?
No! Our research shows that students that delay taking the exam - sometimes several years after completing the required writing courses - are more likely to fail. This may be because they have not had similar writing experiences in their later courses, or because they now feel more anxiety about needing to pass the exam because they are close to graduation.
It is important to take the exam as soon as possible, in order to have enough time to practice, get tutoring and attend workshops offered on the CWE, and allow time, if necessary, to retake the exam.
When should a student register to take the College Writing Exam?
Students are eligible to take the College Writing Exam 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 Degree must also successfully complete two Writing Intensive Courses.
It is strongly recommended that students take the CWE as soon as possible after completing these requirements. Students who leave the CWE until the end of their time at PCCC may find themselves unable to graduate due to failure on this exam.
Where can an eligible student register to take the exam?
Students can register for an exam date on the Paterson campus by contacting Rhoda Rhodes at
rrhodes@pccc.edu or 973-684-5546. On the Wanaque campus, students should speak with Kathy Coffey in Room W128.
Students may be asked to give a writing sample for evaluation before selecting a test date.
You should prepare to spend two hours to complete the test.
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