Writing Proficiency Exam

In 1990, the MCPHS faculty voted to require a minimum level of writing proficiency as a graduation requirement. Strong writing skills are required when students do rotations in hospital and community settings, as well as in their professional careers.

What is the Writing Proficiency exam? What will I have to do in the exam?
The Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE), offered once per semester, is a two-hour exam that tests how well students can write formal, persuasive essays using provided sources. In the exam, you will be given an essay question related to articles provided in advance. You will write your essay in the time given, using information from all the articles to support your ideas. Students can take the WPE only once and can fulfill the Writing Proficiency Requirement either by passing the WPE, or by getting a grade of C or better in Expository Writing III (LIB113). Students who neither pass the exam nor get a C in the course do not graduate.

Why can't someone just look at my transcript, see the English courses I've already taken, and exempt me from taking the WPE?
It is impossible to look at all the different courses taken by different students at different institutions, evaluate the content and level of those courses, and then decide what grades in what courses guarantee a minimum level of writing proficiency. The fairest and most reliable way to guarantee a minimum level of writing proficiency is to give everyone the same two-hour exam and then see which students have major writing problems.

What will I have to do to prepare for the exam?
You will pick up the articles two weeks before the exam. You should read them as carefully as possible, analyzing what the major ideas and issues are and underlining or highlighting important passages. You must not write notes on the articles, however. You can also prepare by visiting the MCPHS Writing Center, where writing consultants provide exam-taking tips and feedback on your practice essays. Importantly, give yourself plenty of time to read and think about the articles. If you try to prepare at the last minute, you may fail.

What do I have to bring to the exam?
You will bring your copies of the articles, making sure they have no notes on them. You will also bring your MCPHS student ID card, so exam proctors can check your identity. Students who do not bring their ID will not be allowed to take the exam. You will bring several pens; all work should be done in pen. You will not bring any notes or papers into the exam session with you. Students found using any prepared notes, either on the articles or on other paper, or giving or receiving help from another student will automatically fail the exam. They will be called before the Academic Honesty Committee, as will students attempting to take the exam for other students.

Who grades the exam and how?
Faculty members from each School at MCPHS are chosen and prepared to grade exams each semester. Using the grading criteria included with your exam packet, graders carefully read and evaluate each exam. Additionally, each exam is graded by at least two graders to ensure agreement. Student identities are not revealed to the graders.

Whom should I contact for more information?
Contact the Writing Center at 617-732-2091, or the Writing Programs Coordinator, Dr. Carol-Ann Farkas, 617-732-2852.