Writing Competency Test Information

Free Preparation classes: Sessions include basic information about WCT test procedure, tips for preparing, overview of good essay structure, and documentation.

[NOTE: Preparation tips and other information at the bottom of this page]

Fall Semester 2009

Test 1

WCT packets available at all Metro campus locations on Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Independence Campus Center Test: Tuesday, September 15, 2009  3 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Prep class:  Tuesday September 8, 2009  6:00 pm

Parkville Campus Center Test: Thursday, September 17, 2009  3 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Prep classes on Parkville campus:

Thursday   September  10  at 6:00 pm

Monday   September  14 at 1:30 pm

Monday September 14 at 6:00 pm

Tuesday  September 15 at 1:00 pm

Tuesday September  15 at 6:00 pm

Test 2

WCT packets available at all Metro campus locations on Monday, October 19, 2009

Parkville Campus Test: Thursday, October 29, 2009  3 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Prep classes on Parkville campus:

Thursday  October 22 at 6:00 pm

Monday October  26 at 1:30 pm

Monday October 26 at 6:00 pm

Tuesday October 27 at 1:00 pm

Tuesday October 27 at 6:00 pm

Downtown Campus CenterTest: Saturday, October 31, 2009  10 a.m.

Prep class:  Tuesday October 20 at Noon

Spring  Semester 2010

Test 1

WCT packets available at all Metro campus locations on Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Independence Campus Center Test: Tuesday, January 26, 2010    3 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Prep class: Tuesday January 19 at 6:00 pm

Parkville Campus Center Test: Thursday, January 28, 2010   3 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Prep classes on Parkville campus:

Thursday January 21, 6:00 pm 

Monday January 25,   at 1:30 pm

Monday January 25, at 6:00 pm

Tuesday January 26 at 1:00 pm

Tuesday January 26 at 6:00 pm

Test 2

WCT packets available at all Metro campus locations on Monday, March 15, 2010

Parkville Campus Test: Thursday, March 25, 2010    3 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Prep classes on Parkville campus:

Thursday March 18 at 6:00 pm

Monday March 22 at 1:30 pm

Monday March 22 at 6:00 pm

Tuesday March 23 at 1:00 pm

Tuesday March 23 at 6:00 pm

Downtown Campus Center Test: Saturday, March 27, 2010    10 a.m.**

Prep class: Tuesday March 16 at Noon

 **see information below for location and parking information for Saturday test

Location and Parking Information for Downtown Campus:

As a Student coming to the Downtown campus to take the WCT Exam on Saturday, you will need to park at the 811 Garage (811 Main).

The garage is open for FREE Parking, just drive through the OPEN gate (SLOWLY) and park anywhere except in the Reserve Spots.

**Please note that there will be a fee for parking for the daytime prep classes**

Here are directions to the parking garage and a map is included.

811 Garage, @ 811 Main Street
 

1. From I-35 northbound/southbound or I-70 eastbound/westbound follow I-35/I-70 around to the North side of the downtown loop. Take Exit 2D “Delaware/Main Street”.

a.    If going West on I-35/I-70, turn left at the light at the end of the ramp. Continue South on Delaware/Main Street to Eighth Street.

b.    If going East on I-35/I-70, turn right at the end of the ramp onto Main Street. Continue South on Main Street to Eighth Street.

Continue through the intersection and turn left in front of the fountain into the garage entrance (watch for oncoming traffic). Just drive through the OPEN gate (SLOWLY) and park anywhere except in the Reserve Spots.

Note: You may park in any space not marked as reserved as those spaces are obligated for twenty-four hours on a daily basis.

2. After parking take the elevator to the First (1st) floor of the parking garage (if you parked on any other floor) and walk out of the Main Street Entrance of the garage.
3. Turn left and walk South on main and cross 9^th Street (wait for the Light) and Enter the 911 Building through the North set of Doors.
4. Walk over to the Security Guard Station and sign in (Building regulations for Saturday).
5. Take the second set of Elevators (1-17 Floors) to the 8^th Floor.
6. Follow the Signs and arrows to room 807.
7. GOOD LUCK on the test.

If you have any difficulties locating the Downtown campus or parking garages, please call (816) 559-5602 or (816) 559-5601 for assistance.

Read your packet before the session and bring it with you. Packets may be purchased at the Student Assistance Center in Norrington Hall on the Parkville campus, or at our Downtown or Independence location. The cost for the packet is $25. When you purchase the packet, you will be registered for the test. 

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the test:

• Carefully read the information at the front of the packet which explains the procedures for the test and the standards for evaluation.
• Read all the articles in the packet. Use a highlighter to mark statistics, ideas, or quotes that seem important to you. This will also help you stay focused as you read.
• Make some notes about each article, including the main point or the author's opinion in each piece. The questions on the front page of your packet may help you focus your thinking.
• If possible, talk about the material with a friend who is also taking the test, or with a tutor from the ASC. Concentrate on what you think is important about the topic and the ideas discussed, and what conclusions you draw from it.
• Form an ARGUABLE thesis which you can state clearly in one sentence and support in about five or six well-rounded paragraphs.
• Generate an outline which shows the main points (3 or 4 of them) you want to make. Note sources where appropriate.
• Write a draft of your essay, from beginning to end [DO NOT write this draft in your packet or take a draft into the testing room!]
• Write out the proper APA or MLA form for the sources you have used in the draft. (It's OK to write these on a page in your packet.)
• Look at your essay, considering the evaluation standards discussed in the packet. You may want to meet with a tutor from the ASC to help you.

If you are satisfied with the draft:

1. Go back to your outline, making changes if needed to reflect the finished essay
2. Write the outline on one of the pages in your packet (Remember you cannot take a draft or any separate pages of prewriting or notes into the exam with you.)

If you are not satisfied with your draft, either continue refining it, or go back to step 5 and rework your thesis.

DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE DAY 0F THE EXAM TO BEGIN PREPARING FOR IT!

WCT Special Accommodations Policy

Effective AY 2002-03, this policy replaces the previous policy and procedure for WCT appeals.

Special accommodations are available to students who are having persistent problems passing the WCT. Special accommodations may include--but are not limited to--untimed testing and/or use of a computer and word processing software.

To request special accommodations, you must have failed the WCT at least twice and be able to demonstrate that you have participated in appropriate Park-based academic support programs.

You must submit a written request to the Academic Affairs office indicating (1) why you need special accommodations and (2) what precise accommodations you are requesting. If you claim specific disabilities, you should document them; the Academic Affairs office reserves the right to require such documentation before deciding on your request.

If your request is granted, it is your responsibility to arrange for testing under the specified conditions. Your test must be proctored, and the proctor must confirm that the testing procedures were those stipulated by the Academic Affairs office. You cannot, of course, be retested using a packet you have used previously.

NOTE: This policy is not intended to preclude students with documented disabilities from requesting special testing conditions the first time they take the WCT. Students who are granted testing accommodations for a disability must contact the Director of Academic Support Services if they require accommodations for WCT.

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