Completing the Writing Placement Survey
All incoming students must submit the Writing Placement Survey to indicate how they plan to fulfill their first-level English requirement at Biola.
The following options meet the writing placement:
Path 1: Submit a writing sample to Biola for evaluation
Most students choose this placement option.
The Biola English Writing Program will place you into either ENGL 100 or ENGL 112 (both courses fulfill the same graduation requirement).
Your writing sample must be at least four pages total in word document or PDF format.
You may include up to two essays, research projects, or creative works written for previous academic assignments.
Path 2: Opt into ENGL 100
See below for details about the differences between ENGL 100 and ENGL 112 before opting into ENGL 100.
Path 3: Submit test scores
Earn a 470 or higher on the critical reading section of the SAT or a 19 on the critical reading section of the ACT exam to be directly placed into ENGL 112.
Path 4: Credit through college credit or test scores
The following options fulfill the Biola ENGL 112 of ENGL 100 requirement and the student will not need to take the course at Biola.
Transfer in an equivalent, college-level English writing course.
Earn a score of 3 or higher on the AP Literature & Composition or AP Language & Composition exam.
Pass IB Higher Level English A: Language and Literature (+ IB Diploma) with a grade of 5 or higher.
Path 5: Participate in the Torrey Honors College or English Language Scholars (ELS) program
- Torrey Honors College: Students do not take ENGL 100 or ENGL 112, but rather meet the writing requirement through the Torrey Honors program.
- English Language Scholars: Students in the Language Scholars program take ENGL 100 typically during their third or fourth semester at Biola once they complete their ELS course track.
Writing Requirements at Biola
All undergraduate students must fulfill two levels of writing requirements: Studies in Critical Thinking & Writing and Writing in the Disciplines.
The first requirement may be met by ENGL 100 OR ENGL 112. Read the descriptions below to learn about the differences.
ENGL 100 — Studies in Critical Thinking and Writing with Studio
A writing course that meets four times a week, providing students more structured time with faculty, student mentors, and peer cohorts than a conventional course does. The extra weekly meetings allow students more in-class writing and revising practice.
ENGL 112 — Studies in Critical Thinking and Writing I
A writing course that meets twice a week according to a conventional college-class schedule. This course, like ENGL 100, emphasizes writing and revision practice, with much of that practice completed independently, outside of class.
ENGL 313 — Writing in the Disciplines
A writing course designed for upper-classmen to be a culmination of writing experiences and practices throughout the Core. This course uses discipline-specific texts and contexts for reading and discussion of ideas and methods in writing. Passing this course with at least a C+ also fulfills the Writing Competency requirement to graduate.
If you have any further questions about Biola writing requirements, contact writingprogram@biola.edu.