Online Writing Assessment 2024-2025

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 MKTYP 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 twenty-four hours after the activation of your account, so please plan accordingly: create your Brandeis login at least one day before you plan to take the assessment. 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 via email on or before June 1.

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.