Bad Writing Placement Results, what do I do?

kimtaehyung
Mon, 15 Jul 2019 19:27:07 +0000

Here is my situation:

I recently took UMich’s DSP Test (Directed Self-Placement Test) for first-year writing and got placed in the lowest writing class… WRITING 100 which is meant to transition students into college writing.

In middle school and high school, I was involved in very intense and advanced writing programs which allowed me to finish Honors English 9-12 along with AP Language and Composition and AP Literature and Composition by the end of my Freshman year. I received As in all of my courses, many compliments on my writing from college professors, and a 4 in AP Lang and a 5 in AP Lit.

However, because I flew through classes early on, I have not taken an English course since freshman year, and am quite rusty. I also did not spend as much time or effort on my placement essay as I should’ve…and I think that these two things combined are why I got such a low placement result.

I am conflicted because I want to be a strong writer, so if Umich thinks I should take writing 100, then maybe a refresher course would be the best route. However, I know I am capable of high-level courses and I do not want to risk missing out on the better opportunities I will have by completing the real first-year writing course.

Any suggestions or wisdom for me?