- What is the First Year Writing Decision Tool?
The First Year Writing Decision Tool is a brief survey made up of reflective questions about students’ experiences as writers. After answering the reflective questions, students will be shown a number of hypothetical student profiles that correspond to parts of their answers. While these profiles will not match each student’s experience perfectly, students may use their answers and the profiles to help decide which course to take. It’s important to note that the tool is reflective only, it has no bearing on your registration and does not “place” you into a class. The decision tool is designed to help you choose the best course based on your experiences with writing and your expectations for your first year at Wake Forest.
- How long will completing the First Year Writing Decision Tool take?
This may vary per student; the reflective questions should be answered thoughtfully but will not take long. We estimate that the Decision Tool will take between 5-15min.
- Who should complete the First Year Writing Decision Tool?
All entering, first-year WFU students complete the First Year Writing Decision Tool, regardless of AP or IB credit. - When should the First Year Writing Decision Tool be completed?
Since the tool should be used to help students make an informed decision about which first year writing course to take, entering, first-year WFU students should completed the First Year Writing Decision Tool prior to registering for classes. - What are the goals of the First Year Writing Decision Tool?
- Provide students with the opportunity to reflect on reading and writing expected in their first years at WFU, prior to students’ course registration.
- Provide students with examples of common decisions that other students might make regarding their first year writing course based on each student’s individual circumstances.
- How will the First Year Writing Decision Tool be used?
- The First Year Writing Decision Tool will be used by students to reflect on their own sense of preparedness for college writing. Students should thoughtfully consider their recent reading and writing experiences and needs as they select a first writing-intensive course. It is much harder after the first year to ensure that you get foundational practice with college-level reading and writing, and students often report feeling behind in their upper-level courses if they do not get this practice in their first year. So, it is very important that you select the course(s) that will best serve your needs; the First Year Writing Decision Tool process can facilitate reflection as you consider your writing course options.
- In 2023, there are several questions at the end of the First Year Writing Decision Tool asking for feedback on the tool itself. The answers to those questions and those questions only will be analyzed by the Writing Program to help improve the Decision Tool for future incoming classes at WFU.
- What about FYS?
The First Year Seminar (FYS) course is also one of the five basic requirements that all students enrolled in the College must complete. It is not a writing course, but most students complete it during their first year. We do not recommend that you take FYS (the first-year seminar) at the same time that you take WRI 111, since it is 4 credits. While it is possible to take FYS with either WRI 109 or WRI 110 since they are both just 2 credit hours, it is recommended that you take FYS at the same time you take WRI 110 to allow yourself time to adjust to college-level course requirements. - What about AP/IB credit?
As of Fall 2022, if you have earned a 5 on the AP exam in Language, or a 7 on the English IB Higher Level exam, then you may be given WRI 111 credit and exempt the College Writing Requirement. There is no other exemption process. Most students with qualifying scores use them, because they receive both credit hours and exemption from the College Writing Requirement. However, these students often still want to receive university-level writing practice and guidance in their first year. If this is true for you, you can consider:- Taking WRI 210 or WRI 212 in your first year. Sections of each course are offered in both spring and fall, and you may take the courses in any order. WRI 210: Advanced Academic Writing offers students practice in and exposure to advanced writing and rhetoric, especially as it extends beyond the first year and into a variety of university disciplines. WRI 212: The Art of the Essay focuses on literary nonfiction and the art of essay writing (see course descriptions). WRI 210 or WRI 212 fulfill elective college credit toward graduation, are each a gateway course for the Writing Minor, and can offer a strong, writing-focused prelude to the FYS or other courses in which students are asked to write.
- Taking WRI 111, or the WRI 109/110 sequence, with the understanding that this means waiving your AP / IB credits. Please discuss this possibility with Professor Erin Branch before making this decision.
- What if I want to take WRI 210 or WRI 212?
Students with AP or IB credit for WRI 111 (see above) can take WRI 210 or WRI 212 in the fall. While we strongly encourage exempted students to take WRI 210 or 212 in their first year, these courses are not required at this time. Many other students take WRI 210 or 212 in the spring of their first year or in their sophomore or junior years; many of these students also choose to be writing minors. For questions regarding AP/IB credit, contact undergraduateadvising@wfu.edu. - What kind of writing support does WFU offer?
There are a variety of writing resources on campus for incoming and returning students. For a list, visit the Writing Center’s resource page. - What if I have problems with my WFU ID or password?
Please call the Wake Forest Service Desk at 336-758-4357.