Frequently Asked Questions: Undergraduate Advising

The Top Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I get into English courses that are restricted to English Majors Only when I'm not an English Major?

Courses that are restricted to English Majors are restricted only during Period I Registration (approximately the first five weeks of pre-registration for continuing students). Once Period II Registration begins, this restriction is lifted, and anyone can register for these courses as long as there is still space available. To find out the dates for Period I and Period II registration, refer to the Academic Calendar.

If no space is available on the first day of Period II, keep watching enrollment: a space may open up for you, as students will be adding and dropping courses on line every day through the first week of the quarter. You can also come in to see an English adviser to talk about options; there may be other, comparable courses that you can take. Finally, you're always welcome to attend class during the first week of the quarter (the beginning of Period III Registration) and check with the instructor about gaining entry into the course. To increase your chances, be sure to be on time for the first class and to ask the instructor about the entry code policy for the course -- and do not miss any class time during the first week.

Unfortunately, there's no way around this restriction. We're sorry if this has made it difficult for you to register for classes you want to take. The restriction is there because students who are already in the English major need these courses in order to graduate, so they receive first priority. Most UW academic departments have similar restrictions for the same reason.

How can I get into a Creative Writing class (ENGL 283, 284, 383, 384, 483, 484, etc.)?

ENGL 283 and 284: Beginning Verse and Beginning Short Story:

These classes are typically open to English majors only during Registration Period 1 (though check the course's Time Schedule notes for the particular quarter in case there are variations). Once Registration Period 2 begins (about five weeks into the pre-registration process), those classes are open to non majors. You can register through MyUW if there is space available; no entry code is needed.

These courses are never open to students with senior standing (students who have already earned 135 credits or who will earn 135 credits by the end of the current quarter), even if there is space available. They are designed for freshman, sophomores, and juniors; seniors will not be admitted.

If these courses are full, you should keep watching enrollment through MyUW to see if someone drops and a space opens up for you. There are typically no overloads in any Creative Writing classes.

If you are not currently a matriculated UW undergraduate student, these classes are not available to you except during Summer Quarter. They are offered, however, through UW Online Learning. There are other writing resources that are available at the UW and in the community at large. Click here for more information about creative writing courses and programs.

ENGL 383 and 384: The Craft of Verse and The Craft of Prose:

These classes are restricted by add code and reserved for Creative Writing Majors only for the first ten days of Period 1 Registration. (Creative Writing is a competitive-admission major with a formal application process. More information can be found on our creative writing application pages.) Once all Creative Writing Majors have had an opportunity to register, the restriction is lifted and all students can register provided they have completed the course prerequisites. No entry code is required and registration is through MyUW.

The prerequisites for either of these courses are *both* ENGL 283 and 284. In other words, both of the 200-level beginning courses must be completed before you can move on to either the 300-level intermediate courses. We do not waive prerequisites.

If these courses are full, you should keep watching enrollment through MyUW to see if someone drops and a space opens up for you. There are typically no overloads in any Creative Writing classes.

There are other writing resources that are available at the UW and in the community at large. Click here for more information about creative writing courses and programs.

400-level Creative Writing Classes (advanced verse and short story, novel writing, playwriting, screenwriting):

These courses are available to students in the Creative Writing Major only. Students who have not already been admitted to the Creative Writing Pathway in the English major (a competitive-admission program) may not take these courses. Except in the case of ENGL 487, Screenwriting, which is sometimes made available to Cinema Studies majors, these courses are always restricted.

Students in the Creative Writing Major can request add codes for these courses provided that they have completed their 200- and 300-level prerequisite course work in creative writing (ENGL 283, 284, etc.). See the Time Schedule for instructions on how to request add codes.

There are other writing resources that are available at the UW and in the community at large. Click here for more information about creative writing courses and programs.

Does the English Department offer a Minor in English?

No, there is no official minor in English offered at the University of Washington. Students interested in English are welcome, however, to take any concentration of English courses that are of interest to them. We are happy to speak with interested students about creating a cohesive and interesting structure of English courses.

Official minors available in related areas include Linguistics, Comparative Literature, and Comparative History of Ideas. For a complete list of official minors, please visit Minors Offered by the University of Washington.

Where can I get information about writing classes or writing programs?

For detailed information about Writing Classes and Writing Programs, click here.

The Department of English offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing (electives in the English major are distributed among creative writing classes), which selects applicants on a competitive-admission basis. The Department of English also offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in creative writing. Other academic departments that offer writing courses include the Department Human Centered Design and Engineering (technical writing), the Department of Communication (journalism), and the School of Drama (play writing). The University of Washington Professional and Continuing Education offers writing courses and writing certificate programs both on campus and through Distance Learning. Writing courses are also taught through the UW Women's Center and through various community organizations. Follow this link for more detailed information about writing and writing programs.

I'm not a UW student. Can I still take UW English classes?

If you're not a UW student, there are a number of ways that you can take classes at the UW as a non matriculated student:

Courses in literature and writing are offered through UW Online Learning.

Credit and non-credit Courses are offered through UW Professional and Continuing Education Classes.

Courses offered as part of regular UW matriculated English programs are available to non matriculated students on a stand-by registration basis with instructor permission. There is no pre-registration for non matriculated students during the regular academic year (autumn through spring quarters), and stand-by registration is offered on a space-available basis. It can be difficult to access some English courses as a non matriculated student, especially composition courses, creative writing courses, and literature courses that are popular or are required by the matriculated program. Autumn quarter is an especially difficult time for non matriculated students seeking access to English courses. Students who wish to take courses need to register through the UW Professional and Continuing Education office. Registration will occur on the fourth day of instruction for the quarter, with the instructor's permission, and provided that there is space available.

Courses are offered through UW's Summer Quarter to non matriculated students, and pre-registration for courses is available. If the course you're interested in is a composition course (ENGL 111, 121, 131, 182, 197, 198, 199, 281, 381, 471), please click here.

Individuals who already have bachelor's degrees can apply to the UW for post baccalaureate ("fifth year") matriculated status and become matriculated UW students this way. Admission is very competitive. Click here for information about admission to the post baccalaureate program. Admission is somewhat less competitive through the UW's Evening Degree Program.

The Access Program for Older Adults waives tuition for individuals who are 60 years of age or older who'd like to audit UW courses on a non matriculated, space-available basis.

I want to take an English composition class as a non matriculated student in summer quarter (ENGL 111, 121, 131, 182, 197, 198, 199, 281, 381, 471). What test scores do I need to qualify?

All summer-only (non matriculated) students who want to take one of the English composition courses listed above must present test scores to the English Advising Office in A-2-B Padelford Hall in order to be registered for a composition section. Prospective composition students must present one of these acceptable standardized test scores:

a score of at least 490 on the SAT-Critical Reading section (PSAT scores are not accepted);
-OR
a score of at least 20 on the ACT English test.
-OR-
a score of at least 90 on the MTELP;
-OR-
a score of at least 480 on the GRE Verbal exam;
-OR-
a score of at least 580 on the paper-based TOEFL exam;
-OR-
a score of at least 237 on the computer-based TOEFL exam;
-OR
a score of at least 70 on the internet-based TOEFL exam;

Scores may be delivered in person to A-2-B Padelford Hall, or faxed to us along with a copy of photo identification to (206) 616-9318. If you are faxing, please provide a cover sheet that tells us what sections you're most interested in, your UW student ID number, and how we can reach you.

If there is space available in the section that you're requesting at the time that we process your acceptable test scores, an adviser can register you for the course (provided that you have a UW student number that is eligible for registration for the summer quarter at that time; see Taking Summer Courses as a Non Matriculated Student for summer registration information). If you fax your information to us, you'll want to telephone our office to follow up with an English adviser: (206) 543-2634.

REGISTRATION and ENROLLMENT in ENGLISH COURSES

The 100*-level English composition course (ENGL 111, 121, 131, 182, 197, 198, 199) I want to take is full. How can I get in?

The only way to get into a 100-level English composition course that is full is to keep watching the enrollment through MyUW to see if a space becomes available. No overloads are permitted for 100-level English courses. No waiting lists are maintained. Instructors do not have entry codes.

Consider enrolling in a different course as a back up in case no space becomes available for you through MyUW. Note that most sections of English composition are reserved for Freshman Interest Group (FIG) students only during autumn quarter, and are reserved for freshmen and sophomores only during winter quarter. If you are a junior or senior, consider taking the course in the spring quarter, or consider a more advanced course such as English 281.

Note to Freshmen: English composition is not required during your first quarter at the University. If you choose not to participate in a Freshman Interest Group (FIG) and if all other Autumn Quarter sections are full, be assured that you will be able to obtain space for Winter or Spring quarters.

*ENGL 100 - 105 are ESL classes. ENGL 107 and 109- 110 are open to EOP students only.

The 100*-level English composition course (ENGL 111, 121, 131, 182, 197, 198, 199) I want to take is restricted to freshmen and sophomores only. I'm not a freshman or sophomore. What should I do?

If you are a post baccalaureate or graduate student, this course is not available to you. Consider taking ENGL 281 (Intermediate Expository Writing) instead.

*ENGL 100 - 105 are ESL classes. ENGL 107 and 109- 110 are open to EOP students only.

What is a "Freshman Interest Group (FIG)"?

A FIG is a group of 20 to 25 new UW freshmen with similar academic interests who are enrolled in the same schedule of classes during their first quarter on campus. Even though many FIGs include English composition courses, the English Department does not administer FIGs. Visit First Year Programs for information about FIG content and FIG registration. If an English composition course is part of a FIG, students who are not enrolled in the FIG generally cannot take the course. For more information, contact First Year Programs at 543-4905 or fyp@u.washington.edu.

What is a "Service Learning Component"?

Service Learning is a program directed by the Edward E Carlson Public Service and Leadership Center that provides the opportunity to bring so-called real world experience to academic learning. Your course's Service Learning component can include projects in community, government, and not-for-profit organizations that fulfill a need of the organization while advancing your understanding of your course goals and objectives. Traditionally, participation in a service-learning component requires approximately twenty hours per quarter of service at a specific site. The Carlson Center arranges placement at these sites. For more information, visit The Student Guide to Service Learning.

What does "PLUS 1 HR" mean?

The designation "PLUS 1 HR" means that the course may require additional meetings outside the regularly scheduled class times posted. How (and if) this time is used is up to individual instructors, who may want to use additional time outside of class for student conferencing, writing/study groups, etc. These things, if the instructor chooses to implement them, would be scheduled around your other classes. Check with your instructor on the first day of class.

What does "COMPUTER INTEGRATED" mean?

The designation "COMPUTER INTEGRATED" means that it is part of the Computer Integrated Classroom (CIC) program. The CIC program is dedicated to developing innovative computer-integrated approaches to teaching argumentative writing, literature, critical thinking, and research skills. A CIC course covers the same material as conventional 100-level writing courses, but it combines the best of traditional instruction with the benefits of computer-aided writing. Students spend time debating, writing, and working through material BOTH in the face-to-face environment of a conventional classroom and through independent and collaborative work in/on a computer network. Specific computer experience is not required. CIC instructors are prepared to teach students with diverse levels of experience with computers. Inexperienced students will find that the technology is easy to learn and that the program provides a well trained and accessible support staff to help them become comfortable in a computerized environment. For more information about CIC classes, visit the CIC web site.

The 200-level English course I want to take is full. How can I get in?

1. Keep watching the enrollment on MyUW. A space may become available for you.

2. If no space opens up, plan to attend class the first day of the quarter, and talk with the instructor about the entry code process, should space become available.

The 200-level English course I want to take is restricted to English Majors Only, but I'm not an English major. What should I do?

This restriction applies for Period 1 Registration only. Once Period 2 Registration begins, you'll be able to register for the course as long as there is still space available at that time. If no space opens up, plan to attend class the first day of the quarter, and talk with the instructor about the entry code process, should space become available.

The 300- or 400-level English course I want to take is full. How can I get in?

Keep watching the enrollment on MyUW. A space may become available for you. If a space does not open up, plan to attend class on the first day of the quarter and ask the instructor about his or her procedure for overloads. Beginning on the first day of the quarter, all registration for 300- and 400-level courses is by entry code only and by instructor permission. Overloads are at the discretion of individual instructors, and policies will vary from instructor to instructor and from course to course. Some students choose to contact the instructor in advance to ask about the overload policy for a particular course. Be aware that faculty are not always available, especially during breaks between quarters, and may not be checking their campus e-mail or voice mail regularly.

The 300- or 400-level English course I want to take requires an add code. Where can I obtain one?

Before the first day of the quarter: Check the Time Schedule: the course listing will have instructions on whom to contact.

On or after the first day of the quarter: Entry codes for 300- and 400-level classes are issued by instructors during Registration Period 3, which begins on the first day of the quarter. If you plan to ask for an add code, you should plan to attend the class starting on the first day. Many instructors are reluctant to give late enrollment permission to students who haven't been attending because of the amount of covered material that has been missed.

Most classes that require an add code do so only during Period 3 (the first week of classes), at which time the codes for all classes are available from the individual instructors.

Certain specialized classes, such as The Theory and Practice of Teaching Writing (ENGL 471) or 400-level creative writing classes, require add codes during Periods 1 and 2 as well. The Time Schedule will indicate where you where you can request an entry code (or find out why one is needed, i.e., why a registration restriction is in place). Example:

"ADD CODE PERIOD 1 and PERIOD 2" means that you cannot sign up for this class without requesting an entry code. The Time Schedule will usually tell you where you can request one. In this case, there is a URL listed where you can make your request. Registration Period 1 runs for the first several weeks of pre-registration. Registration Period 2 runs from that point until classes begin for the new quarter.

"ADD CODE PER. 3 REQUEST ADD CODE FROM INSTRUCTOR" means that once classes start (which is the beginning of Period 3 registration), you must obtain an add code from the professor.

For more information about registration and registration periods, see the UW Registrar's pages.

Creative Writing classes at the 400 level are reserved for Creative Writing Option English majors, who've been admitted by a competitive admission process, and add codes to these courses are available from the Creative Writing Office in B25 Padelford Hall. If you're interested in taking Advanced Verse (ENGL 483), Advanced Short Story (ENGL 484), Novel Writing (ENGL 485), Playwriting (ENGL 486), OR Screenwriting (ENGL 487), you should stop by the Creative Writing Office in B-25 Padelford well in advance of the beginning of registration. Their telephone number is (206) 543-9865.

The 300- or 400-level English course I want to take is restricted to English Majors Only, but I'm not an English major. What should I do?

This restriction generally applies for Period 1 Registration only. Once Period 2 Registration begins, you'll be able to register for the course as long as there is still space available at that time. Because there can sometimes be stiff competition for these spaces, we recommend that you plan to log on to the MyUW system at 6:00am on the first day of Period 2 Registration (which begins about five weeks after priority registration has begun). Consult the Academic Calendar for the dates of the Registration Periods for the quarter.

How can I set up an independent study (ENGL 499, 492, 493)?

ENGL 499, 492: Independent Study, or Advanced Expository Writing Conference: Approach the faculty member with whom you'd like to work and ask for permission to study independently with him/her. You should have a specific academic project in mind, and it should be one that cannot be completed in a regularly-offered English course. It is best to approach faculty who know you; they are more likely to agree to work with you, being familiar with your work and your academic capacities. It is also best to approach a faculty member whose own academic interests relate to your project (e.g., if you're interested in researching and writing about a particular Shakespeare play, approach someone who teaches Shakespeare or who specializes in Elizabethan or Renaissance literature). For a list of English faculty with their academic interests, click here. All regular faculty members and acting instructors can supervise independent studies; TAs cannot. For more information, visit our Undergraduate Research page.

ENGL 493: Advanced Creative Writing Conference: These conferences require special permission. Approach the Creative Writing faculty member with whom you'd like to work in order to ask for permission to arrange an independent conference. For a list of Creative Writing faculty, click here.

Forms for ENGL 493 are available in the Creative Writing Office in B-25 Padelford Hall.

DROPPING CLASSES

How can I drop a class during weeks 3 through 7 if I've already used my one "annual drop"?

If you've already used your one "annual drop" (one drop available September through August each academic year), you have only two options:

(1) Completely withdraw from the University for the quarter (drop all classes, forfeit all tuition, etc.) by the last day of instruction,

(2) petition for a Hardship Withdrawal from the course if you qualify.

How can I drop a class after the seventh week of the quarter?

After the end of the seventh week of the quarter, there are only two ways to drop a class:

(1) Completely withdraw from the University for the quarter (drop all classes, forfeit all tuition, etc.). This must be done before the last day of instruction.

(2) Petition for a Hardship Withdrawal from the course if you qualify.

If you have been in attendance and done satisfactory work until within two weeks of the end of the quarter, you can request an incomplete from your instructor and, if he or she grants your request, you can make up the work during the subsequent quarter. Your instructor may require you to furnish proof that the work cannot be completed because of illness or other circumstances beyond your control. Incompletes are granted at the discretion of individual instructors.

GRADUATION and COMMENCEMENT

How do I apply to graduate?

When you are within two to three quarters of completing all degree requirements, you should see an English adviser and complete the application paperwork for graduation. This process takes about 20 minutes, but can be as short as 10 minutes if there are no unusual circumstances. Applying early (more than two quarters in advance) provides you with Graduating Senior Priority (GSP) for registration purposes. The latest that you can apply is the third Friday of the quarter in which you intend to graduate -- but applying this late doesn't give you the opportunity to take advantage of GSP registration (see below).

What is GSP (Graduating Senior Priority), and how do I get it?

Graduating Senior Priority (GSP) is a priority registration status you receive once you apply to graduate, which allows you to register early for your final two quarters of study -- a tool to help you to obtain space in those final classes you need in order to graduate on time. Once your degree application is on file in the Graduation and Academic Records Office, you may register on the first day of Registration Period I for your final two quarters. For example, if you're scheduled to graduate in December, you're eligible to use GSP registration in February, when signing up for Spring Quarter classes, and in May, when signing up for Autumn Quarter classes. (See chart below.)

You must apply to graduate by the GSP deadline for the first quarter you intend to use GSP. This deadline is usually several days before the beginning of Registration Period I for that quarter. Check with an English adviser if in doubt.

I tried to register using my GSP, but it didn't work.

There are three common reasons why your GSP won't work when you think it should:

1. You have not yet applied to graduate. See an English adviser right away.
2. You have applied to graduate, but you are not yet within two quarters of graduation.
3. You have already used your GSP status twice (in cases when you've postponed your graduation), which is the maximum for which any student is eligible. (See GSP rules in the UW Student Guide.)

If none of the above applies, contact English Advising (206/ 543-2634) or the Graduation Office (206/ 543-1803).

Click here for additional information about commencement.

I applied to graduate, but now I need to postpone my graduation date. How do I do that?

Contact an English adviser at 206/ 543-2634, or e-mail us. Please tell us when you are now scheduled to graduate, when you'd like your new graduation date to be, and why you're postponing.

I applied to graduate and want to make sure that I'm 'on track' to finish my requirements.

There are two things you can do to check the status of your remaining requirements:

Run a new Degree Audit (DARS Report) on line through the MyUW system to check your progress each time you add/drop classes.

See an English adviser. It is a good idea to check in with English Advising at least once after you've applied to graduate. If there are any problems with granting your degree, you'll be notified by the Graduation Office.

How can I sign up to participate in the annual Commencement exercises and the English Department Graduation Ceremony?

See the Graduation page for information about UW Commencement and the English Department Graduation Ceremony.

Where do I get my cap and gown, tickets for the ceremony, graduation announcements, class rings, etc?

At the Commencement web site, you can get information about garments, tickets, graduation announcements, class rings, disability accomodations, parking, and so on. You can also call 206/ 543-2592 or e-mail commence@u.washington.edu.

When will I receive my diploma?

Your diploma will be mailed to the address you specify through MyUW about four months after your degree is granted. Your degree will be granted between one and four weeks after your grades for your final quarter have been posted, and your degree will be backdated to the last day of final exams week. To check or change your address(es), visit MyUW. If you can't access MyUW, you can call 206/ 543-3868 to change your address.

If you're curious about whether your degree has been granted yet, you can use the online Degree Validation site. Note that you must have selected the "Yes" option for UW directory release in order for your degree information to be available on this site. You can change your directory release option through the MyUW system. You can also see if your degree is granted by viewing your unofficial transcript (also available through MyUW).

I never received my diploma. Why not?

Have at least four months elapsed since your official graduation date (which has nothing to do with when you participated in the commencement ceremony)? If you graduated in August, for example, you should expect your diploma to arrive in the mail some time in December. If you need proof that your degree has been granted before your diploma arrives, you can obtain a Degree Certification document from the Transcript Office.

If at least four months have elapsed, there are two common reasons why students don't receive their diplomas:

1. Your address was not up to date with the UW student database. To check or change your official UW address, visit MyUW. If you can't access MyUW, you can call 206/ 543-3868 to change your address. If you believe your diploma was sent to the wrong address, you may call the Graduation Office at (206) 543-1803 to see if the post office has returned it to the UW.

and/or

2. You have a financial balance owing with UW, and there is a financial hold on your record. The Graduation Office will not issue diplomas when there is money owing to UW. To find out if you have financial holds on your record, call the Graduation Office at 206/ 543-1803 or e-mail ugradoff@u.washington.edu.

If neither of the two reasons above applies, contact English Advising at 206/ 543-2634, e-mail engladv@u.washington.edu, or contact the Graduation Office at 206/ 543-1803, e-mail ugradoff@u.washington.edu.

INFORMATION for PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Do I need to apply to the English Department before/when applying to the University?

No. In fact, the Department of English accepts applications only from matriculated University of Washington students. If you're a transfer student coming from a Washington community college, you'll want to meet with an English adviser to enroll in prerequisite courses during your first quarter at the UW. If you're transferring from another school, please feel free to contact an English Adviser at 206/ 543-2634 or engladv@u.washington.edu about English course work you've completed elsewhere that may be applicable for departmental admission purposes.

My post baccalaureate application says that I need a recommendation from the major department I'm interested in.

This statement is somewhat misleading. You actually do not need a recommendation from the English Department in order to apply for post baccalaureate admission. (In fact, it will be difficult for us to recommend you for admission if we don't know you.) You should always feel free, however, to see an English Undergraduate Adviser to talk about your eligibility for the major. You can reach us at 206/ 543-2634, or by e-mail at engladv@u.washington.edu.

On your post baccalaureate admission application, you should list English as your intended major. The UW Admissions Office will then send a referral form to our department, asking us if you're eligible for admission to the English major. We will give one of three answers:

1. You're eligible, based on the prerequisite requirements for the major.
2. You're not eligible at this time, but there is strong potential for your admission. (We will give this response if you have completed some English courses successfully, or if your English and/or cumulative GPAs make you a competitive applicant.)
3. You're not eligible at this time. (We will give this response if you haven't taken English courses, or if your English or cumulative GPAs do not make you a competitive applicant.)

The admission decision is ultimately made by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, and not by the English Department. You may be admitted (or denied admission) to UW regardless of the response we provide in this admission referral.

I'll be applying to the UW as a transfer student. What courses does the Department of English recommend that I take before I transfer?

The Department of English resides in the College of Arts and Sciences, which has a foreign language requirement for graduation purposes. If you did not complete at least three years in high school of the same foreign language (e.g., three years of high school French is good, but two years of French plus one year of Spanish won't suffice), then you'll be subject to the UW's requirement for foreign langauge. If possible, it is a very good idea to complete a year of college-level foreign language (two semesters or three quarters) with a grade of 2.0 or above ("C") in the final quarter or semester. This is especially true if your intended foreign language for graduation purposes is Spanish: it is extremely difficult for non freshmen to access 100-level Spanish courses at the UW during the regular academic year. There are other ways to satisfy this requirement, for example, you may be able to pass a proficiency exam in another language or establish yourself as a literate native speaker of a language other than English. For details, please consult the College of Arts and Sciences General Education Requirements.

If you are trying to plan ahead, you may also wish to complete some applicable natural sciences courses toward the fulfillment of the UW's distribution requirement, called the Areas of Knowledge. For details, please consult the College of Arts and Sciences General Education Requirements. If you'll be transferring from a Washington community college, you can check the UW Transfer Guide to see whether or not your science courses will transfer to the UW as Natural World courses toward the satisfaction of this requirement.

One thing we recommend that you avoid is taking too many English courses at the sophomore level. The English major at the UW allows no more than 20 credits (on the quarter system) in sophomore-level English courses to apply toward the English major; the remaining English major credits must be taken at the junior and senior levels.

May I seek advice from a UW English adviser before I'm officially a UW student?

Absolutely! The best times to come by in person are during quarter breaks, but you are welcome at any time. We recommend that you avoid the first three weeks of the quarter, as these are very busy times when our office is crowded with UW students. Click here for information about how, where, and when to find us.

ENGLISH as a SECOND/INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE (ESL/ELL)

How can I find out about taking ESL Classes?

ESL courses are not administered by the Department of English. These courses are offered through the University of Washington Educational Outreach programs. Visit the English Language Programs web site.

Can ESL students enroll "regular" English Composition classes (ENGL 111, 131, etc.)?

UW Students:Yes, but if you have an ESL requirement, you should satisfy this first before attempting to enroll in an English composition course. You must also meet any other eligibility requirements listed in the Quarterly Time Schedule.

Non UW Students: Students not previously admitted to the University of Washington (non matriculated status) may enroll in ENGL 111, 121, 131, 281, 381, or 481 only if they can provide documentation that they have met one of the English proficiency test requirements. Enrollment in these courses as a non matriculated student is permitted on a space-available basis only; however, non matriculated students are not encouraged to seek enrollment in these courses during the academic year (autumn, winter, spring quarters) because there is no space available. For information about taking UW courses as a non matriculated student during summer quarter, visit the Summer Quarter web site. If you are eligible by your English proficiency test score and would like more information about enrolling in these summer courses, contact an English adviser at 206/ 543-2634.

Where can I find out about becoming an ESL/ELL teacher?

The Department of English offers a Master of Arts for Teachers (of English to Speakers of Other Languages) MATESOL degree program. This program is primarily designed for those who teach or plan to teach ESL at the college or university level or for those who are already certificated teachers in the K-12 system; the program does not provide K-12 teacher certification.

The UW's College of Education offers curriculum satisfying the requirements for a K-12 supporting endorsement in Teaching ESL, an option for certificated teachers or for candidates to the College of Education's Master's In Teaching (MIT) program, which provides K-12 teacher certification.

You can find more information about TESL/TEFL certification and teaching opportunities on our Teaching English Abroad webpage.

Those interested in careers in ESL/ELL teaching are welcome to come and speak with an English adviser. Volunteering with the UW's Language Exchange Program is also a good way to explore the field and get some experience.

*TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language; TESL: Teaching English as a Second Language; TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; These terms are often used interchangeably.

AP and IB CREDIT POLICIES

AP Policies:

The AP policy that applies to you will depend upon when you matriculated at the University of Washington. It is not related to your date of admission to any other school nor to when you took the AP exam. You are subject to the UW's AP policies even if you transferred from another college or university whose AP policies were different.

Students admitted autumn 2008 or later (current AP Policy):

AP English language test
score of 4 or 5
credit received: ENGL 190* (5 cr.)
UW requirement: VLPA

AP English literature test
score of 4 or 5
credit received: ENGL 191* (5 cr.)
UW requirement: VLPA

*NOTE: There is no ENGL 190 or 191 in the UW curriculum. These numbers were created for English AP credit only.

Students admitted summer 2003 through summer 2008

AP English language test
score of 4 or 5
credit received: ENGL 109* (5 cr.)
UW requirement: VLPA

AP English literature test
score of 4 or 5
credit received: ENGL 109* (5 cr.)
UW requirement: VLPA

Both Tests
scores of 4 or 5
credit received: ENGL 109* (10 cr.)
UW requirement: VLPA

*Note that ENGL 109 AP (VLPA) credit granted prior to AUT 2008 is *NOT* equivalent to the UW EOP composition course, ENGL 109, which is part of a two-quarter sequence for EOP students only. Those with ENGL 109 AP credit are *NOT* eligible to take ENGL 110, and should choose a composition course from among ENGL 111, 121, 131, 197, 198, 199, or C LIT 240.

Students admitted summer 1999 though spring 2003

AP English language test
score of 4 or 5
credit received: ENGL 111 (5 cr.)
UW requirement: English Composition

AP English literature test
score of 4 or 5
credit received: ENGL 111 (5 cr.)
UW requirement: English Composition

Both Tests
scores of 4 or 5
credit received: ENGL 111, ENGL 131 (10 cr.)
UW requirement: English Composition

Students admitted autumn 1986 through spring 1999

AP English language test
score of 3, 4, or 5
credit received: ENGL 111 (5 cr.)
UW requirement: English Composition

AP English literature test
score of 3, 4, or 5
credit received: ENGL 111 (5 cr.)
UW requirement: English Composition

Both Tests
scores of 3, 4, or 5
credit received: ENGL 111, ENGL 131 (10 cr.)
UW requirement: English Composition

Students admitted spring 1985-summer 1986

AP English language test
score of 3: ENGL 111 (5 cr.)
score of 4: ENGL 111, 171 (8 cr.)
score of 5: ENGL 111, 131 (or 181) (10 cr.)
UW requirement: English Composition

AP English literature test
score of 3: ENGL 111 (5 cr.)
score of 4: ENGL 111, 171 (8 cr.)
score of 5: ENGL 111, 131 (or 181) (10 cr.)
UW requirement: English Composition

Students admitted before spring 1985

AP English language test
score of 3: ENGL 111 (5 cr.)
score of 4: ENGL 111, 171 (8 cr.)
score of 5: ENGL 111, 131 (or 181) (10 cr.)
UW requirement: English Composition

AP English literature test
score of 3: ENGL 171 (3 cr.)
score of 4: ENGL 111, 171 (8 cr.)
score of 5: ENGL 111, 131 (or 181) (10 cr.)
UW requirement: English Composition

Current and past UW English IB credit policies:

Students admitted autumn 2008 or later (Current IB Policy)

IB English exam
score of 5, 6, or 7
credits received: ENGL 193*(5 cr.)
UW requirement: VLPA

*NOTE: There is no ENGL 193 in the UW curriculum. This number was created for English IB credit only.

Students admitted summer 2003 through autumn 2008

IB English exam
score of 5, 6, or 7
credits received: ENGL 108*(5 cr.)
UW requirement: VLPA

*NOTE: There was at that time no ENGL 108 in the UW curriculum. The number was created only for English IB credit. There is now an ENGL 108 course in the English Department Curriculum ("Writing Ready"); however, it bears no relationship to the old IB ENGL 108 awards.

Students admitted spring 2003 or earlier:

IB English exam
score of 5, 6, or 7
credits received: ENGL 999*(5 cr.)
UW requirement: English IB credit posted as ENGL 999 could be counted toward either (a) the English composition requirement, or (b) the additional writing and VLPA requirements, but not for both

*NOTE: There is no ENGL 999 in the UW curriculum. This number was created for English IB credit only.

I earned a high enough AP (or IB) score, but I don't seem to have received credit. What should I do?

Your AP or IB credit should be listed on the first page of your UW transcript, below the record of any transfer courses you've taken and above the record of your first quarter of UW course work. If it does not appear, this means that the UW Office of Undergraduate Admissions has not received a copy of your AP or IB score report.

For AP Scores: Please contact the College Board and request that scores be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Box 355852, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5840.

For IB Scores: Please contact the International Baccalaureate Association and request that scores be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Box 355852, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5840.

TRANSFERRING COURSES from OTHER SCHOOLS

I'm a UW student, but I want to take some classes at another school and transfer them back to UW. Can I do that?

Yes. Bear in mind, however, that you can count a maximum of 135 credits from all transfer schools attended toward the 180 credits you need for a bachelor's degree at UW; all students have to earn a minimum of 45 matriculated UW resident credits in order to earn a bachelor's degree from UW. You should always see an adviser whenever you plan to transfer credit to make sure that the classes you'll take elsewhere will transfer to UW and meet UW requirements.

If you are within your final 60 credits (you're in the last quarter of your junior year), you can take up to 15 credits at another school without special permission. If you need to take more than 15 of your final 60 credits elsewhere, see an English adviser to prepare a petition to the College of Arts and Sciences requesting permission. In all cases, you must still complete at least 45 matriculated credits (total) at UW in order to earn a UW bachelor's degree.

My UW transcript lists my English courses from other schools as ENGL 1XX, 2XX, etc. What does this mean?

This means that during the initial pass through your transfer records, the UW Office of Undergraduate Admissions did not find a direct UW course equivalent for the course you took in transfer. If you feel that the course you took is equivalent to a UW course, you can request a change from an English adviser. If you are an English major, or you plan to apply to the English major, it's especially important for you to have these undesignated credits evaluated so as to learn how they may fit into the English major prerequisite or major requirements. Please bring copies of your transfer transcript, a course description for each English course in question, and, if possible, a course syllabus for each class.

I think my English course taken at another school should count as English composition. What should I do?

If you feel that a course you took at another school is equivalent to a UW English composition course, you can request that the course be redesignated by an English adviser. Please bring a copy of your transfer transcript, a course description for the English course in question, and, if possible, a course syllabus.

I think my course(s) taken at another school should count as "W" Writing credit. What should I do?

If you're an English major, you should see an English adviser. If you are not an English major, you should see your regular academic adviser in your own academic department. If you're a premajor, see an adviser in the Undergraduate Gateway Center in 171 Mary Gates Hall.

I'm planning to study abroad. Will the English courses I take count toward my English major at UW?

If you'd like to know how English courses you take elsewhere will meet major requirements, please bring course descriptions for your proposed course of study to an English adviser before you leave for your study abroad. For information on UW English Department study abroad programs, see Department of English Study Abroad pages. For general information on study abroad, transferring credit, and programs that allow you to study abroad while remaining officially enrolled at the UW, contact International Programs and Exchanges.

If you have questions that haven't been answered, please contact us!
engladv@u.washington.edu, 206/ 543-2634