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Cal Poly Pomona

Graduation Writing Test

All students subject to degree requirements listed in the 1977-78 and subsequent general catalogs must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation.  Based on action taken by the Academic Senate in 1978, writing competence at Cal Poly Pomona is assessed by means of a written test.

All persons who receive undergraduate, graduate, or external degrees from Cal Poly Pomona must pass the Graduation Writing Test (GWT).  Credential students may waive the GWT, but will need to pass it to be admitted to the master's program.  Contact the Test Center for further information.

Students who have passed the GWT in undergraduate status at Cal Poly Pomona will not be required to take the test again when they change to graduate student status.

Students who did not pass the GWT in undergraduate status and had the test waived (either for continuous enrollment or by special consideration in order to receive their bachelor's degree) wil be required to take AND pass the GWT before a graduate degree may be awarded.  The GWT can not be waived for a second time.  The waiver in undergraduate status applies only for the baccalaureate degree.

Exemptions from the GWT requirement are granted only to students who:

  1. Do not plan to receive a degree at Cal Poly (e.g., enrollment in a credential or certificate program).
  2. Submit documentation certifying the student has passed an equivalent writing-competence exam at another CSU campus. This documentation must be submitted and approved by the Test Officer.

The GWT may be petitioned after 3 attempts. Information on the GWT Waiver is available in the Test Center, 98-P2-004 .  view Qualifications and Procedures.

For GWT tutoring and test preparation, please visit the University Writing Center for additional information.

GWT Information

GWT Quick Links