Dear Members of the Class of 2028:

Welcome to Skidmore! Throughout the next four years, you will use writing as a mode of communication and artistic expression, a tool for investigation and analysis, and a pathway to learning.  That’s why expository writing is a foundation for a successful college education and a foundation requirement at Skidmore. To assure you register for an appropriate writing course—one that matches your abilities and challenges you as a writer—you are required to complete the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) Program for Expository Writing Placement. Directed Self-Placement asks you to write a short essay; reflect seriously and thoughtfully about your essay, your writing process, and your abilities as a writer; and select the expository writing course level that is best suited for you as an incoming college writer.

Here is how Directed Self-Placement works:

1. The DSP program requires about 90 minutes to complete. Once you have begun the program, you cannot stop or exit, so select a comfortable place to work uninterruptedly for about an hour and a half. If you have received extended time for exams as a learning accommodation, click on the “Extended Time” button at the start of the DSP.
2. When you are ready to begin, follow the link on the First-Year Experience Checklist  and click on Directed Self-Placement task.
3. For the first part of the DSP, you will write an essay in response to a short reading. You have 45 minutes to complete your essay. After 45 minutes, you can reread your essay, but you cannot write any more or make any changes.
4. After you have written your essay, you will rate several aspects of your experiences as a writer. You may review your essay as you consider your response.
5. You will next read four short passages by actual first-year Skidmore students and select the sample which looks most like the writing you do.
6. Then you will read course descriptions of our three writing courses. Choose the course description that best seems to address your needs and interests as a writer while also challenging you to develop your writing skills.
7. The Directed Self-Placement program uses no computer algorithms; the placement selection comes directly from you. In the context of some additional demographic information about our writing seminars, you are to review and reflect honestly upon the answers you have given and select your writing class level. Then you will write a brief explanation of your selection and state the course level you have chosen. Please note:  you must select a writing class level and write an explanation of your selection for your DSP to be valid.

Please be aware that you will not be able to register for an expository writing course (this fall or in a future semester) until you have successfully submitted your completed DSP.

If you have any questions about the DSP process, please contact Professor Michael Marx, Expository Writing Director, by email mmarx@skidmore.edu or call (518) 580-5173.  For general questions, please visit the FAQ  https://www.skidmore.edu/fye/know/dsp.php .  You must complete the Directed Self-Placement by May 16.

In peace,