Writing is a foundation for all majors and a skill in demand in the workplace. We recognize that students come to Penn College with different levels of mastery. Penn College would like to ensure that all students are prepared and equipped with the appropriate level of support to be successful in college-level writing.  As a result, there are three paths that students can take with respect to their introductory English Composition class.

      Pathways

      To determine the most appropriate pathway, all incoming students will write an introductory essay on their first day in any-level ENL course. Based on those results, students will take one of three paths:

      ENL111

      Your results show that you can succeed with standard levels of support, such as instructor office hours and the Writing Center.

      Some certificate programs require Communications (ENL010) and other certificate programs give you the option to choose between ENL010 and ENL111. If you are considering a degree program, ENL111 is recommended.

      Visit the Course Catalog for more information on specific English requirements for certificate programs. 

      ENL111 with ENL105

      Your results indicate the benefit of an additional English Composition Lab (ENL105), a no-fee, skill-enhancing lab to foster student success in ENL111 and other Penn College courses. You will be enrolled in ENL105 during the second week of classes. ENL105 meets two hours per week beyond the standard hours for ENL111, but does not require homework.

      English Credit by Exam

      Your results allow you to take a writing survey, and possibly be recommended for a free English Credit by Exam (CBE) attempt. You may be able to earn ENL111 credit through your demonstration of argument and use of sources, as well as through your completion of an introductory short course covering Madigan Library search tools. If you do not score high enough on the CBE, you will remain in ENL111 as scheduled to continue building those skills.

      Learn More

      If you would like a preview of what to expect with the introductory essay and how it will be evaluated, check out this sample essay with reviewer response.

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