<p>I just have a quick question regarding the First Writing Requirement. I got a 5 on AP Lit and from looking online, I have found out that I can apply for a "portfolio review" for exemption from First Writing. Just wondering what you guys actually have to say about First Writing. Is it useful? Is it necessary? Should you just skip it and complete the Second Writing Requirement? Thanks for the help!</p>
<p>If you feel you are a capable writer, and Jon D’Errico approves your portfolio, there’s no reason to take freshman comp. It can be a good idea to take a comp course even if you are a pretty good writer, at least if your prospective major is going to involve a lot of writing; if you place out of freshman writing, you should look into one of the more advanced expository writing classes or at one of the ENLT courses. If your major is not going to involve a lot of writing, then you could just go with fulfilling the second writing requirement (that’s what my son is doing–he is majoring in CS). But the 2nd writing requirement courses don’t necessarily give you a lot of guidance or feedback on your prose. Any course that involves 20 pages of writing over the course of the semester, in any department, will satisfy the 2nd writing requirement.</p>
<p>ENWR 1510 is a course that everyone can benefit from in my opinion even if you place out. I will warn you however; it is a notorious 4.0 killer. Most people end up with B+s or A-
s due to the fact you need 95 percent or above. It can also be hard to find a good professor for it. Sections are taught by graduate students, not professors. A topic may sound interesting, but end up being terrible cause the graduate student is a bad teacher/harsh grader and seemingly boring topic might be awesome due to a chill graduate student. All things considered, i still think the knowledge conferred from taking the class outweighs skipping it.</p>
<p>“it is a notorious 4.0 killer” - uh oh</p>
<p>who are the best ENWR teachers?</p>
<p>teachers for ENWR vary by semester, but if dave serafino is teaching this semester, take the class; he’s awesome; i took enwr 2600 with him and i thought he was an intriguing teacher (although a bit eccentric) who knew what he was doing, but isn’t really out to kill your gpa (he can be a little critical about writing; he doesn’t just revolve about how bad or good you are as a writer; he’s to the point and succinct about it).</p>