Washington State University (WSU) requires all incoming freshmen to complete a timed writing essay as part of the admissions process. The purpose of the WSU timed writing essay is to assess students’ written communication skills and prepare them for the rigors of college-level writing courses. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the WSU timed writing essay, including its purpose, format, topics, evaluation criteria, and tips for success.
Purpose of the WSU Timed Writing Essay
The goal of the WSU timed writing essay is to give admissions officers a sample of students’ expository writing abilities under timed conditions. In college, students will often be expected to quickly research, organize, and write essays within strict deadlines. The timed writing component aims to mimic these real-world writing demands that students will face in their coursework. It also helps identify whether applicants have the fundamental writing and critical thinking skills needed to be successful at WSU. Even if a student has a strong GPA or test scores, poor performance on the timed writing could potentially raise a red flag about their readiness for college-level academics.
Format and Logistics
For the WSU timed writing essay, students are given a choice between two broad prompt topics. They have 30 minutes to plan and write an essay in response. The essay must be between 350-500 words to receive full consideration. Handwritten essays are accepted but must be legible. Digital submissions via a web platform are also an option for the test. No dictionaries, thesauruses or other reference materials are allowed during the test. Students should aim to spend around 5 minutes planning their response, 20 minutes writing, and 5 minutes proofreading and revising. Strong organization, clear thesis statements and supporting examples are key.
Sample Prompt Topics
Typical prompt topics for the WSU timed writing include issues of education, technology, society, values or personal experiences. Some examples of past prompts are:
Discuss the role social media plays in today’s society and how it has impacted communication and/or relationships.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of attending a large state university versus a small private college.
Reflect on a time when you failed or experienced adversity. How did you overcome the challenge and what did you learn?
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “College education should focus more on teaching practical skills and less on theoretical concepts.” Provide reasons and examples to support your position.
Evaluation Criteria
Admissions readers are trained to evaluate essays based on the following core criteria:
Clear thesis/main argument: Does the essay put forth a clear central idea or stance in the introduction?
Well-organized structure: Is the essay logically organized with an intro, body paragraphs, and conclusion?
Effective use of examples/evidence: Are ideas supported with well-chosen examples, facts, or anecdotes?
Strong, varied vocabulary: Does the writing use a diverse vocabulary or rely too heavily on simplistic words?
Control of grammar/mechanics: How is the writer’s mastery of spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure?
Timed writing conditions: How polished is the writing given the 30-minute limit? Is the length between 350-500 words?
Tips for Success
To excel on the WSU timed writing, students should practice the following strategies:
Select a prompt you feel passionate or knowledgeable about. Having a personal perspective helps.
Quickly brainstorm main points and organize your essay before writing. An outline keeps you on track.
Develop a clear, compelling thesis statement to set up your overall argument.
Allocate most of your time for writing rather than planning or revising. Get your main points down.
Use specific, compelling examples and details to support each body paragraph.
Vary your sentence structure for improved readability. Keep language concise.
Allow 5 minutes at the end to proofread for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation and flow.
Stay focused and maintain a consistent, formal writing style throughout.
With diligent practice, any student can excel at the WSU timed writing through strong organization, elaboration of ideas, and control of language mechanics within a limited timeframe. Mastering this important admissions requirement shows readiness for university-level academics.