What to Take After English 1A FAQs
The decision chart is an exercise that incoming first-year students complete to decide which English course they need after satisfying English 1A. The chart is for students whose exam scores or prior course work have satisfied first-semester composition. It is designed to help students who need a second writing course choose the course that fits their major course of study.
Q: Who participates in this exercise?
A: If you have satisfied English 1A already (through AP, CLEP, or IB test scores or with a community college course), you will use the decision chart to choose your second writing course. For information on how to choose the course that is right for you, visit our What To Take After ENGL 1A webpage.
Q: What if I am waiting to find out if I have placement by examination for entry-level college writing?
A: If you are waiting for test scores (AP, IB, CLEP), be sure to submit relevant test scores and transcripts. For inquiries, contact supportedinstruction@sjsu.edu. You can still complete the Reflection on College Writing and register your choice, given what you learn about your capacity to respond to the college reading and writing tasks. Later, if your test scores earn you credit, you can adjust your choice at registration.
Q: How are Sparta Camp and this exercise related?
A: You need to use the chart to prepare yourself for Sparta Camp. On the second day of orientation, you will register for classes. You need to know which writing course you will be taking.
Q: Is there a prerequisite to enrolling in my second writing course?
A: English 1A is the prerequisite for any of the second writing course options. You satisfy that prerequisite when you earn credit in English 1A or an equivalent course, or when you earn placement by examination for English 1A.
Questions about your enrollment status, general education requirements for writing, or prerequisites? Please call the Humanities and Arts Student Success Center at (408) 924-5095 during regular business hours. (Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Pacific time)
