The English Placement Survey and Writing Sample helps determine the Freshman English course sequence best suited to your experiences with reading and writing. We want you to be successful as possible in your first semester at UAB. You will answer five questions about your experience with reading and writing and then upload a brief writing sample (roughly 450 words) in which you respond to a question about your plans for college. The survey and writing sample are scored by experienced writing teachers from the Department of English. Based on your survey and writing sample, you will receive an English placement in one of two course sequences: EH 101/102 or EH 106/107.
Please note that both sequences fulfill degree credit for the required six hours of Freshman English.
- EH 106 and EH 107 provide additional support for students who might not have had a lot of writing instruction in high school and whose survey/samples don’t place them in EH 101.
- EH 106 and EH 107 follow the same course goals and curriculum of EH 101 and EH 102. Class time is supplemented with additional writing studio sessions with the course instructor and with required tutoring at the University Writing Center. This additional support is listed as 096 (paired with EH 106) and 097 (paired with EH 107). EH 096 and EH 097 do not offer degree credit. However, EH 106 and EH 107 do count for degree credit.
Deadline
You must complete the English Placement Survey and Writing Sample at least two weeks before you attend Blazer Beginnings, UAB's orientation program. If you submit your materials later than this two-week window, you run the risk of not having results prior to registering for classes.
What You Need
- Your Blazer ID and password
- A desktop computer, tablet, or cell phone
- A reliable internet connection
- A space conducive to doing your best work
Expectations
There is no benefit to inflating or deflating your abilities on the English Placement Survey and Writing Sample. Incorrect placement can delay graduation and negatively affect your GPA. Dishonest work can result in placement into a course that isn’t a good fit for your current level of writing skills which can lead to poor outcomes, or maybe even a failing grade in that course. Cheating is a violation of UAB’s Academic Honor Integrity Code.
What to anticipate
You will answer 5 questions about your experience reading and writing in and out of school as well as upload a writing sample (roughly of 450 words) in which you respond to a specific question. The question will ask you to think in an open-ended way about your college plans and your academic values. There is no wrong or right answer! The goal is just to write candidly about something that’s important to you as you look ahead.
Getting started
When you are ready to take the exam, log into BlazerNET using your Blazer ID and password. Select “Math/English Placement Assessments” and click on the “English Placement Survey and Writing Sample” link.
Disability Accommodations
If you would like to request accommodations due to disability, please contact UAB Disability Support Services for assistance.
UAB Disability Support Services
(205) 934-4205 (voice)
(205) 934-4248 (TDD)
Frequently Asked Questions
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What if I don’t submit the English Placement Survey and Writing Sample?
If you have submitted ACT or SAT scores, sub-scores will automatically be considered for placement. If your sub-scores do not meet the minimum requirements for placement in EH 101 (English Composition I) and you choose not to submit material for English Placement, you will automatically place in EH 106 (Introduction to Freshman Writing I).
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If I am not happy with my results, can I resubmit new materials?
If you feel that your placement is incorrect, email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to initiate an appeal. The appeals process will trigger a rescoring of your placement by another trained reader, who will determine if the placement should be changed. -
Is the Survey and Writing Sample timed?
No, but your survey and writing sample must be submitted at least two weeks prior to your Blazer Beginnings session.
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May I use any other resources when completing my writing sample?
You may use a dictionary or thesaurus as you write your answers. However, we ask that you use no outside sources, including internet searches, databases, books, journals, magazine articles, etc.,. Your response should be based solely on your own knowledge, ideas, and experiences.
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What if I did not submit my ACT or SAT score to UAB, but qualify for an exception based on my scores?
Official test scores can be sent to UAB directly from the testing agency or your guidance counselor. Once received, your record will be updated. If you applied Test Optional, your admission status will not be affected.
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How do I obtain my placement results?
Roughly two weeks after submitting your Survey and Writing Sample, log into BlazerNET using your Blazer ID and password. Select “Math/English Placement Assessments” to review.
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What if I received credit for English 101 through Dual Enrollment?
If you earned a grade of C or higher in English Composition (EH 101) as a dual enrollment student, you are not required to submit the English Placement Survey and Writing Sample. However, you must ensure that an official transcript from the college or university from which you earned the credit is submitted to UAB prior to y our orientation session.
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Questions?
Contact the Department of English at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .