Transfer Writing Portfolio
If you are not eligible to submit a portfolio,
Plan to take College Writing in your first year of study at Washington University.
If you are eligible to submit a portfolio,
You will be redirected to a webpage that allows you to submit a writing portfolio for our review. On this page you will provide information about your previous course and writing samples from it.
All submitted work must be your own and adhere to the College Writing and Washington University policies on Academic Integrity.
Portfolios should include 3-5 analytical, argumentative essays (minimum of 4 pages each) from previous college coursework, including one researched essay, and a brief description of the original assignment / goals for each essay submitted. Essays should be ones written for college (preferably writing) courses. They should have analytical or argumentative thesis statements; use evidence to support claims; integrate and cite researched sources responsibly; and engage critically with sources. (The following items should not be submitted: responses to essay examinations, personal or creative writing, book reviews, journalism articles, response papers, or writing done during high school.) Where possible, essays should not be marked or graded; grades received in previous courses have no bearing on the portfolio review process.
If you do not have a complete portfolio, you should contact the College Writing Program as soon as possible. In most cases, students who do not have complete portfolios are required to take College Writing.
Some students may also be required to take a placement exam, in addition to the portfolio review process.