In order to be considered for admission to the four-year degree programs of the Montana University System, students must provide one of five writing assessment scores: the Montana University System Writing Assessment (MUSWA), the ACT Optional Writing Test, the SAT, AP English, or CLEP. High schools that have chosen not to participate in the MUSWA should ensure that their college-bound students take one of the other tests.

The Writing Proficiency Policy:

• • Informs high school juniors if they are on target to enter either a college freshman composition course that will count toward general education program, MUS Core or degree requirements or to enter one that is developmental and may only count as an elective.
• Ensures that students take the developmental courses they need during their first year in college; and
• Allows students who score at the proficient level as high school juniors to waive a campus placement test in composition.

The 2007 Testing Window for the MUSWA is February 5 through March 9. Scoring will take place from March 8 through March 30 in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Miles City, Missoula, Whitefish, and possibly Glasgow. Exact scoring dates are now being set. Results should be back to schools around April 25.

High schools must register to participate in the MUSWA and send one staff member to a training/scoring workshop for every 40 tests submitted. See the Writing Proficiency Website for test registration and other information: http://mus.montana.edu/writingproficiency/index.htm.