The Upper Division Writing Proficiency Assessment

The Upper Division Writing Proficiency Assessment (WPA) is a test that all UM undergraduates who are working toward their first bachelor degree must pass in order to satisfy their general education requirements. Please browse the FAQs for answers to the most common questions about the exam. Other questions should be directed to growl@mso.umt.edu.

The WPA helps students determine their readiness for upper-division writing coursework. Use this checklist to get ready for the exam:

Have you taken 45 credits, including ENEX 101 and a lower-division W-course? If so, be sure to take the WPA before you reach 70 credits.

The WPA is offered six times/year. Register on Cyberbear during normal registration periods. If Cyberbear registration is closed, go to the Registration Counter in GrizCentral.

Read the information provided in the "How to Prepare" portion of this website.

Two weeks before your test-date, return to this site to download the assessment text, a short essay you'll respond to at the exam.

Attend a free WPA workshop to ask questions and get more information about the test. For times, dates, and locations, go to WPA workshops.

Pick up reading questions and a practice essay question at the Writing Center (LA 144).

Sign up for a free tutoring session to talk about your approach to the WPA text and practice question. (Link to the web-based scheduler.)

On your test-date, arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bring a photo ID and a pen or pencil. All other materials will be provided. Good luck!