Composition Directed Self-Placement

UW Bothell uses Directed Self-Placement (DSP) to determine which math or composition course students should enroll in. The “self-placement” part of this is that you will decide for yourself what class you will enroll in. The goal here is to determine which class will allow you to be most successful—the class where you will feel challenged and stimulated, but not overwhelmed. In the end, the decision will be yours!

You should complete the Composition Directed Self-Placement if the following are true:

  • You have never taken a college-level composition course
  • You have taken a college-level composition course, but you’re not satisfied with your grade and might want to take it again
  • You have taken a previous college-level composition course, and got below a 2.0 (in this case, you will need to take Composition at UW Bothell).

Composition DSP process

Directed Self-Placement (DSP) at UW Bothell allows you to choose the best classes for you to meet the University’s first-year writing requirement (the “C” Composition course requirement). This process takes about 10-15 minutes.

Here are the things you’ll do:

  • Learn about the two options for completing the first-year writing requirement
    • Single quarter BWRIT 134
    • Stretch (two quarter) BWRIT 132 and BWRIT 133
  • Read a few student testimonials reflecting on the different course options
  • Reflect in writing on which course seems best for you
  • Make a decision on which course(s) you will take
take the composition directed self-placement

Post-survey next steps

  • Once you are done with the placement survey, you will receive a confirmation email with your answers at the email address you provided while completing the DSP.
  • After 1 to 2 business days, you will be able to register for the class you selected as long as you have already completed orientation.
  • If it has been more than 3 business days and you have attended orientation but you cannot register for your course, please contact an academic advisor at uwbadvis@uw.edu.

FAQs

  • Option One: Single quarter
    • BWRIT 134: Students who feel they can meet proficient levels in all the learning goals of the program within 10 weeks can choose this option.
  • Option Two: Stretch (two quarter)
    • BWRIT 132 and BWRIT 133: Students who feel they need two 10-week quarters to meet proficient levels in all the goals of the program may choose this option.

There is no fee to take the Directed Self-Placement.

Students are encouraged to complete the Directed Self-Placement on their own. There is no requirement to meet with an advisor.

If you are a transfer student with credits from another college or university who still needs to meet UW Bothell’s “C” Composition course requirement, you will have to take one of the options listed above. Transfer students should review the information on this page and go take the Composition DSP to help you figure out what writing course(s) will best help you succeed.

Directed Self-Placement cannot be used to determine placement for classes at UW Seattle or UW Tacoma. They have their own math placement process.

Students meeting prerequisites with a college-level composition class do not need to take the Directed Self-Placement. Students who have never taken a college-level composition course will need to take the DSP.