- Your success with writing in high school: Were you confident in your English
classes? Did you write frequently in the past year? - Your standardized test scores (if available): SAT or ACT scores can give you another
data point. - How you feel about writing: Your confidence and comfort with writing matter. Students
who feel anxious about college writing often thrive with the additional support of the two-
course pathway. - What you need right now: Even strong writers sometimes choose the two-course
pathway because they want more time, more practice, or a gentler transition to college.
Directed Self-Placement for First-Year Writing
We guide. You choose.
At PennWest, we use a process called Directed Self-Placement (DSP) because we believe
you
are the best person to decide how to start your college writing experience. Instead
of a
placement test, you’ll take a reflective survey about your writing experiences and
confidence,
and then choose the first-year writing path that’s right for you.
DSP is required for all new students (with a few exceptions listed below). You’ll
need to
complete both steps of the DSP process in D2L before Student Success can build your
first-
semester schedule.
Your Two Options
Option 1: Two-Course Pathway (ENGL 1100 + ENGL 1200)
Start with English 1100 in your first semester, then take English 1200 in your second
semester.
English 1100 introduces you to the practices of academic writing—developing ideas,
organizing
your thinking, working through drafts, and building habits that set you up for success.
It’s not
remedial; it’s a credit-bearing course that counts toward your General Education.
The key
difference is pacing and support: you get more time to develop your writing with more
hands-on
guidance before the higher-stakes work in English 1200.
In Fall 2025, 55% of first-year students at PennWest chose this pathway. Many students
will
choose this option because they recognize that college writing differs from high school
writing,
and they want to build a solid foundation.
Option 2: One-Course Pathway (ENGL 1200)
Take English 1200 in your first or second semester. This course emphasizes analytical
reading
and writing, building arguments, and integrating research into your work. If you’re
confident in
your writing and feel ready for this type of work, English 1200 may be the right choice
for you.
How to Decide Which Option Is Right for You
The DSP process is designed to help you think this through. Here’s what to consider:
Your DSP Survey Score
The first step of the DSP process is a reflective survey (in D2L) that asks you about
your
experiences with writing, your study habits, and your confidence with different writing
tasks. It’s
not a test; there are no right or wrong answers. At the end, you’ll receive a score.
Based on 13 years of data, we recommend a score of 75% or higher for self-placement
into English 1200. Students who score below 75% tend to be more successful when they start
with English 1100. But this is a recommendation, and the choice is yours.
Beyond the Score
Your survey score is one piece of the puzzle. We also encourage you to think about:
Still Not Sure?
That’s completely okay. Students who want additional guidance on their course choice
can
reach out to Dr. Leah Chambers, Faculty Director of First-Year Academic Success.
How to Complete the DSP
The entire process has two steps and should take about 45 minutes or less. We encourage you
to take your time and answer honestly; your responses help guide you toward the best
option
for you.
Step 1: Reflective Survey
This survey asks you to think about your experiences with writing, your expectations
for college-
level writing, and your confidence with different writing tasks. At the end, you’ll
receive a score.
Take your time with this step; it’s designed to help you reflect on your readiness,
and honest
answers lead to the best guidance.
Step 2: Course/Path Choice
After completing the reflective survey, you will take a second one-question survey.
This is where
you officially select your first-year writing path (Option 1 or Option 2). Your placement
is not
complete until you make your choice. Student Success needs this info to create your
first-
semester schedule.
Accessing the Surveys in D2L
For New, First-Year Students:
- Sign into the myPennWest portal. If you haven’t set up your account yet, follow the password set-up instructions.
- Find the placement testing card on your dashboard. (If you don’t see it, click “View All Cards” at the top of the page and search for “placement.”)
- Click on “English” to enter the D2L site.
- Select “Quizzes” under the “Assessments” menu. You’ll see the reflective survey first. Once you complete it, the course choice survey will appear.
For Transfer Students:
Once logged into myPennWest, locate “D2L Brightspace” on your Student Quick Access tile. In
D2L, find “English Placement 2026 Fall” in your courses near the bottom of the screen,
then
follow Step 4 above to access the surveys.
Who Needs to Complete the DSP?
All new students must complete the DSP, except those enrolled in the following Associate
degree programs:
Note: We ask that students with transfer or Advanced Placement (AP) credits in English
still
complete the placement. Student Success will check for AP or transfer credits as they
build
schedules.
Need Help?
Questions about which course to choose: Contact Dr. Leah Chambers, Faculty Director of
First-Year Academic Success.
Trouble accessing the DSP in D2L: Contact Claire Pizer at 724-938-5779 or
testing@pennwest.edu.