We realize that if students have an off day, the writing submitted may not be a good indication of that student’s ability. Therefore, we offer a procedure for appealing English placement. To appeal English placement, students must submit the following to the English Placement Coordinator at their college:

1. A thorough, thoughtful, and persuasive letter to the English Placement Coordinator at your college explaining the reasons for requesting reconsideration. Remember, along with your other enclosures, this letter is evidence of your writing and thinking abilities.
2. At least two pieces of expository writing (do not submit poetry or fiction), of at least 500 words each, written for a 12th grade English course, for a college course, or in an employment situation. If possible, submit the original, graded copy. PLEASE NOTE: The only piece of writing you should compose specifically for this appeal process is the letter requesting reconsideration.
3. A completed cover sheet. (You may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this .pdf file.)

Appeal Packets must be submitted no later than 14 days prior to the beginning of the term during which the student wishes to begin the Composition sequence.

• Submission of an Appeal Packet only guarantees that the student's placement will be carefully re-evaluated. It DOES NOT guarantee that the student's English course placement will be changed.

• Those placing students have specific criteria by which they evaluate samples including focus, organization, development, and mechanics. We do not expect perfection, but we do look for competence. Appeals that rely only on contextual factors (such as why a student didn’t do well on the first placement sample) are less persuasive than those that emphasize the strengths of the writing submitted.