Writing Sample

Success in college, as well as your future professional endeavors, requires good writing skills. The ability to think critically and write effectively, utilizing the conventions of standard written English, is an essential outcome of a Milligan education.

Milligan College therefore requires many of our entering undergraduate students -– both first-time and transfer students –- to complete a writing sample prior to enrollment in the college. This writing sample is completed during a Connections orientation weekend or at the beginning of a student’s first semester at Milligan. The writing sample allows the writing staff to determine each student’s ability to evaluate and create a sustained argument. The results of this sample determine the appropriate writing course placement for each student.
 

Writing Sample Requirements

Students who must complete the sample include:

• Students who are transferring one or more writing courses to Milligan College

• First-time freshmen who earned ACT scores of 20 or below in English or Reading

• First-time freshmen who earned SAT verbal scores of 490 or below

Possible outcomes for freshmen taking the writing sample based on ACT scores include:

• Placement in COMP 093, Fundamental College Writing

• Exemption from COMP 093, Fundamental College Writing

• All students must complete COMP 111, Winning Arguments: Rhetorical Composition to fulfill general education requirements. The writing sample does not exempt students from this course unless they have previously completed the equivalent of COMP 111 at another academic institution

Possible outcomes for transfer students or freshmen with dual enrollment credit for COMP 111 include:

• Placement in COMP 093, Fundamental College Writing

• Placement in COMP 111, Winning Arguments: Rhetorical Composition

• Exemption from COMP 111 and/or COMP 211 based on the number of writing courses the student has completed successfully at another institution
   

Writing Sample Preparation

Because of its importance, we highly recommend that students consider their written responses carefully. The following information is provided to help you prepare. When taking the Writing Sample, you will have 45 minutes to respond to the given topic. A successful essay will be organized, clear, coherent, follow directions, and show command of writing style and Standard English practices.

Because the first semester of Milligan’s writing program focuses on argument, we need to evaluate your ability to evaluate and create a sustained argument. We will ask you to select one of the topics provided on the day of sample and write an analytical response. A strong response might include all or a combination of the following:

• Identify the argument of the selected topic.

• Discuss the success or failure of the reasoning in the argument. Be sure to include in your analysis a discussion of the evidence the author uses to create the argument as well as the structure of the argument.

• Discuss the foundation of the argument. Does the author rely on assumptions—if so what are they? Are they acceptable?

• Discuss the impact of the argument—who is the intended audience? What conclusions can be drawn from the argument?

• Discuss strategies for strengthening the argument (if necessary). What would make it more logical?

You will be notified in advance if you are required to take the Writing Sample. You may also contact your Admissions Counselor if you have any further questions.

Writing Sample Rubric

The following rubric is used to assess writing samples. Students are advised to consider these components of a successful sample prior to completing the assessment.