Office of the University Registrar

Writing skills are essential for your academic success at Brandeis. To give us a sense of where you currently are as a writer, we have created an Online Writing Assessment.

All incoming students except Myra Kraft Achievers Program scholars must complete the assessment. This includes transfer students, students with AP credits, and students who are starting in the spring 2025 semester.

The assessment, which consists of writing a short essay, will allow us to determine your writing skills as we prepare our first-year writing courses for next year. We will review your essay and notify you by email regarding your placement in either the Composition Seminar or the University Writing Seminar.

What to Expect

Before you take the Online Writing Assessment, please complete the following:

• Read all the instructions on this page. This will help you complete the assessment with fewer complications.
• Locate your 8-digit Student ID in DEIS Connect.
• Create a Brandeis Login. Enrollment in the assessment LATTE course may take up to five hours after the activation of your account . Once this process is complete, you will be able to access the assessment on LATTE. If you require any setting up your Brandeis Account, contact the Technology Help Desk at 781-736-4357 or help@brandeis.edu.
• Using your Brandeis username and password, log into LATTE. Look for the link to Writing Assessment 2024 or go to bit.ly/BranWrite24.
• The assessment consists of one long essay which does not require any prior knowledge. You will have 45 minutes to complete it.
• If you need accommodations for the assessment, please contact the University Writing Program at UWP@brandeis.edu. For disability accommodations in other areas of your Brandeis experience, email Student Accessibility Support at access@brandeis.edu.

Precautions to Take

Make sure you allow enough time before you begin. Once you begin the assessment, the timer starts and will not pause even if the window is minimized or closed. If you accidentally close the window, log back into LATTE immediately to reduce time loss.

Results of the Assessment

Your assessment will be reviewed by the University Writing Program, and you will be informed of your placement on June 4.

Contact

For technical questions, please contact the Technology Help Desk at 781-736-4357 or help@brandeis.edu. Please note that the Help Desk cannot expedite the creation of your Brandeis login under any circumstances.

For questions about the content of the assessment and/or results, please contact uwp@brandeis.edu.

• Diplomas
• Registration and Enrollment
• New Undergraduate Registration Information
  • Online Writing Assessment 2024-2025
  • Writing Assessment FAQ
  • Placement Testing

  Quick Facts About Online Writing Assessment

  • 2024 Writing Assessment Period: May 1-20, 2024
  • Length of Time: 45 minutes
    
  • Results: You will receive an email informing you of the result on June 4.
  • UWS Lottery: survey opens June 17
  • Summer Registration for New Undergraduates: July 10-16, during which time you will be able to register for fall 2024 courses.
  • Login Information and Technical Issues: Contact the Technology Help Desk at 781-736-4357 or help@brandeis.edu.
  • General Questions About the Writing Assessment: Contact the University Writing Program.

  Resources

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Take the Writing Assessment in LATTE
  • Video: Quick Start Guide for students