FAQs for Online Essay

How do I login? Login by entering your UC username in the "Login Name" and your date of birth (mmdd) in the "Password" box.

How do I register? When you log on to the site for the first time, you'll be prompted to change your password, complete an email address, and answer a question about your first language. After you click on "continue," you will be taken to the online essay home page. Follow the steps indicated by the red arrows.

What is my login name/username? Your UC username will always be your login name/username. If you do not know your UC username, you can obtain it here: Get My UC Username

What is my password? Initially your password is your date of birth (mmdd). Example: if you were born on April 8, your password is 0408. You will be asked to change your password the first time you log on. Do so, and make sure you write down the password you supply. You will have to use your new password every time you log on after the first time. Your date of birth only works as a password the very first time you log on.

Why do I need to change my password? The password change is a security measure for your benefit.

I am getting the message "Bad Login/Password combination!" What should I do?

1. If this is the first time you have logged on, contact englishplacement@uc.edu to make sure your name is in the system.
2. If you have logged on before, you should be using your new password, not your date of birth in the password box. If you have forgotten your password, hit "Forgot Your Password?" and a new one will be assigned automatically. If you do not receive an email response within A FEW MINUTES, contact the email helpline. englishplacement@uc.edu.

I thought I registered, but the home page says I have not registered for an exam. What should I do? Click on "Change Registration," and make sure there is a dot in the circle next to "essay."

I registered, but I cannot access any readings or questions? Why is that? Click on change registration, select the Online Essay session you want and hit update. Remember that the readings and essay topic links will not be active until the dates specified.

If I'm taking the on-campus essay during Quick Start, do I still need to register online? No, you do not need to register online for the writing placement essay if you intend to write it on campus.

How many essays am I supposed to take? You will write only one placement essay/writing assignment, consisting of a summary, essay, and reflective paragraph. The UC online essay has one reading and one set of writing instructions.

What if I don't print the reading or the writing assignment as soon as either one becomes available? Both the reading and the writing assignment will remain on the site throughout the exam period. You can access it as often as you like and print both as often as you like.

What if I typed my essay in the submission box instead of writing on a word processor? Copy it immediately and put it in your word processor. SAVE it. The text box will not save your essay and you could lose all your work.

How do I submit my essay?

1. Use a word processor to compose the writing, or else you may lose your essay. You may use dictionaries, spell checks, and grammar checks, but you may not have someone else help you with any part of the writing nor may you discuss the readings with anyone.
2. Submit your completed writing by the specified deadline (80 hours after the writing prompt has become available.),
   1. Copy and paste the three-part writing into the one box. (Make sure you have a SAVED copy on your computer.) Each part should be labeled. "Part I: Summary", "Part II: Essay," "Part III: Reflection." Do not expect separate text boxes to appear for each of the three parts of the writing assignment.
   2. If you submit an essay before you meant to send it, you can simply submit the one you want to send later. We will score only the essay with the latest date

Why should I use a word-processor? Because you can save your work as you progress, which you could not do if you worked directly on your Internet browser.

I was copying and pasting my essay to the website, and I accidentally hit Submit before I was finished. What do I do? Try it again. You can submit more than once, and we'll evaluate the most recent submission.

My essay is completed, but it is a little past the deadline and the system won't allow me to submit it. What can I do? Call or e-mail our helpline. Within reason, we can override the deadline for individual cases.

When/How will I know my score? The essays will be scored before you come to campus for orientation. You can check your score by logging into the online essay site. The online essay site will post an announcement when results are available, and the welcome page will contain the option "check results." Your college/advisor will also have your English Placement results. (Please note: CAT students are required to take a reading test in addition to the essay. Results for CAT students will not be available until students have completed all parts of the English placement requirement.

My computer just died/my Internet connection is down/my keyboard is malfunctioning. I can't do the essay. Now what can I do? If any unforeseen circumstances prevent your completing the essay, contact the phone or email helpline. We can assist you.

I registered for the online essay, but I didn't take it. Can I take another English Placement Essay?Yes, you can register for another online essay or write the essay on campus. If you accessed the online reading or writing assignment, contact the email helpline. The system will not allow you to register for another online essay, but, under certain circumstances, we can override this.