Frequently Asked Questions
I was told I am already placed into a WRIT class. How did that happen?
Generally, students are placed into an English Composition course or a pre- requisite course by the levels of their COMPASS eWrite, ACT writing, or SAT writing scores.
What if I don't know what my placement scores are?
If you submitted ACT, SAT, or other palcement scores with your transcript or application, your advisor will have your scores recorded in Banner.
If you submitted your writing online in Moodle for our Writing Placement Exam, you may find your score in the Grades section of that Moodle page. Contact your advisor with any questions.
What if I transferred or am returning to school and I don't have scores?
If you do not have scores or are returning to college, you can either begin with WRIT 095, or you can take the Writing Placement Exam.
If I placed into WRIT 201, do I have to take it?
If you place directly into WRIT 201, we encourage you to take this course in order to be challenged academically, but you are allowed to register for WRIT 101 instead. As always, communicate with your advisor to be sure this is the best course for you.
What if I took a class like WRIT 101 at another school?
If you have passed equivalent writing classes at another university you might be eligible for the Transfer Student Petition. Please contact your advisor.
Do I need to prepare for the composition placement? Do I need to bring anything with me?
There is no preparation necessary for the placement. For the online test, you just need to request access. For the in-person test, you only need to sign up for the next session and bring your student ID# and a writing utensil. Contact mcwritingplacement@mso.umt.edu with further questions.
I already have writing placement test scores, what do they mean?
|
|
WRIT 095 |
WRIT 101 |
WRIT 201 |
|
ACT Combined English/Writing |
Below 18 |
18-31 |
32-36 |
|
ACT Writing Subject Score |
Below 19 |
19-32 |
≥33 |
|
Compass eWrite |
Below 7 |
7-12 |
[See advisor] |
|
English Language Arts (ELA) Score |
Below 18 |
18-31 |
≥32 |
|
MUS Writing Assessment |
Below 3.5 |
3.5-5 |
5.5-6 |
|
SAT Writing Section |
Below 440 |
440-690 |
700-800 |
|
SAT or ACT Writing Subscore |
Below 7 |
7-10 |
11-12 |
|
UM Writing Placement Text |
095 |
101 |
[See advisor] |
General Writing Placement Information
The majority of Missoula College academic programs include a writing course requirement. Students may register for writing courses based on their writing placement or transfer equivalencies. Students who do not have a writing placement score or transfer equivalency may elect to take WRIT 095 and not take the Writing Placement Test, before enrolling in WRIT 101 or WRIT 121.
Types of Tests Used for Placement
There are multiple types of tests that may be used to place students into the appropriate writing course. Students exempt from completing WRIT 101 or WRIT 121 at Missoula College are those that bring in a transfer course equivalent, a specific AP test, or have successfully completed WRIT 101 or WRIT 121 through a high school dual-credit program.
Students who have taken specific SAT or ACT sections, or attended a Montana high school that participated in the Montana University System Writing Assessment program (MUSWA) may use those scores to place into writing. Students who scored a 3 or higher on the English/Language & Composition AP test are exempt from WRIT 101. University of Montana students (Missoula College students are UM students) may take the Writing Placement Test.