QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

MIT Writing Requirement

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Freshman Essay Evaluation Questions:

I received a score of 750 or higher on the SAT Writing Test. Haven't I completed Phase One?

The Writing Requirement no longer accepts scores on the SAT II for Phase One Credit. If you wish to discuss this with someone, call 3-3039 to schedule an appointment with Les Perelman.

I completed a college writing class before coming to MIT. Have I completed Phase One?

A writing class taken at another school will satisfy Phase One only if the Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies gives the subject transfer credit as 21W 730, 21W 731, or 21W 732 or if Foreign Languages and Literatures gives the subject transfer credit as 21 F222. Direct all further inquiries to the Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies or the English as a Second Language Program.

When and how will I get the results of the FEE?

The results will be sent to your advisor by August 27, 1997. If, for some reason, your advisor does not have the results, call 3-7909 or 3-3039 and we will give them to you.

What happens if I receive a score of Pass?

You have completed Phase One of the Writing Requirement.

What happens if I receive a score of Not Acceptable?

You should call x3-3039 to make an appointment with a member of the Writing Requirement staff to:

review your essays; and
discuss which option, submitting a paper or taking a writing subject, is most appropriate for you to complete Phase One of the Writing Requirement.

What happens if I receive a score of Not Acceptable--Subject Recommended?

You are strongly encouraged to enroll this term in 21W730, 21W731, 21W732, or 21F222. If you feel you should not enroll in a writing subject this term, you should call

x3-3039 to make an appointment to see Dean Les Perelman before the first day of classes.

Can I take the FEE again?

No. Students can take the FEE only once. If they took it on August 22, they cannot take it again. If a student enters the room and sees the questions, that counts as his or her chance.

PHASE ONE PAPERS:

I’m a sophomore. When is my last chance to submit a paper for Phase One?

You have until 5 PM on Monday, November 3, 1997 to submit a paper and signed cover sheet to the Writing Requirement Office. However, the paper must be submitted to the instructor for whom it was written for the completion of the cover sheet by Monday, October 13, 1997.

I’m a freshman. When is my last chance to submit a paper for Phase One?

You have until 5 PM on Monday, November 2, 1998 to submit a paper and signed cover sheet to the Writing Requirement Office. However, the paper must be submitted to the instructor for whom it was written for the completion of the cover sheet by Monday, October 12, 1998.

I’m a sophomore. If I have already submitted a paper for Phase One, what is the deadline for handing in a revised version if it does not pass?

The deadline is Monday, November 3, 1997, or three weeks after the date of the letter notifying you that the paper was not acceptable, whichever is later.

I’m a freshman. If I have already submitted a paper for Phase One, what is the deadline for handing in a revised version if it does not pass?

You may hand in a revision anytime, as long as it is during the same semester you received the letter notifying you that the paper was not acceptable.

What happens if I submit a paper by November 3 and it doesn't pass?

You will have two more chances to revise it. Each revision is due three weeks after the date of the letter notifying you that your paper did not pass.

What happens if I don't complete Phase One by the end of my third term at MIT?

You must enroll in 21W730, 21W731, 21W732, or 21F222, unless you are able to successfully petition the Committee on the Writing Requirement.

What do I need to submit a Phase One paper?

You have to have a Phase One cover sheet filled out by the instructor who taught the subject. You may pick a cover sheet at 20B-140 or 7-104. DO NOT HAVE THE INSTRUCTOR SUBMIT THE PAPER AND COVER SHEET. You are responsible for picking up the paper and cover sheet from the instructor, and submitting them to Room 20B-140.

Can I submit a paper from a class I took last year?

Yes. The rule limiting papers to Add Date of the next term has been rescinded.

What do I do if the instructor for the subject is on leave or has left the Institute?

You may ask the departmental writing coordinator to review the paper only if the instructor is on leave or has left the Institute. The departmental writing coordinator can choose not to review the paper. In that case, you may not submit that paper for Phase One.

How long will it take for a Phase One paper to be evaluated?

Normally, it takes two-four weeks.

What happens if the paper is judged "Not Acceptable"?

You can pick up the paper in Room 20B-140, look over the reader's comments, and resubmit it. If you want, you can go over the paper with Dean Les Perelman. You have two opportunities to resubmit a paper.

PHASE TWO PAPERS:

If I am graduating in February, should I complete Phase Two by this Registration Day?

Yes. If there is a problem, call 3-3039 to make an appointment to see Les Perelman.

If I am graduating in June 1998, when must I complete Phase Two?

Phase Two must be completed (i.e. the paper must have submitted and evaluated) by February 2, 1997.

Whom do I contact in each department to find out the status of my Phase Two paper or for more information?

Normally, you should contact either the departmental writing coordinator or contact person. A list of these individuals is available in 20B-140.