<p>Tangent, the criteria listed only reflect the most common qualifications. Most kids take the SAT, while only a few do IB. But anybody, with any test score, can apply to opt out by presenting a portfolio of writing. The composition faculty evaluate the portfolio and make a placement recommendation.</p>
<p>I should say that, especially for students who are going to be doing a lot of writing in college, a comp course early on is not a bad investment of time. Iit is very likely to improve their prose across the board, and make the writing process faster and more efficient. More proficient writers should take the more advanced courses, obviously, not the 105-106 sequence.</p>