Directed Self-Placement

In June, incoming students must select a first-year writing course by participating in a Directed Self-Placement (DSP) process.

Choosing Your Writing Course

Dartmouth uses an online process called Directed Self-Placement (DSP) to help you choose your first-year writing course. The purpose of this process is to help you understand the difference among the writing courses, reflect on your writing experiences and abilities, and make a thoughtful choice about which of these writing courses is best for you.

More information can be found in the FAQs below.

View the First Year Writing Course Choices

Important Deadlines for Directed Self-Placement

The online placement site (Canvas) will become available on June 1st.
The deadline to submit information through the placement site is June 22nd at 11:59pm ET.
You will receive a Canvas notification of your course selection and instructions on how to request a change to your course preference, if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a Directed Self-Placement process for writing courses?

The DSP offers you the opportunity to reflect on your past writing experiences and abilities, learn more about Dartmouth's first-year writing courses, and choose a course that is the best fit for you.

How do I access the online Directed Self-Placement process for writing courses?

Starting in early June, you may access the online DSP site using instructions that will be posted on the First-Year Writing Choices page.

What does the process involve?

To complete the Directed Self-Placement process for writing courses, you submit a questionnaire, review our course offerings, read a set of selected essays, and compose a brief writing sample. Afterward, you may choose the course that is the best fit for you. The process is reflective and instructional, encouraging you to think about the intellectual work that lies ahead and your needs as a student writer and researcher.

Do I really need to complete the DSP?

Yes. All entering first-year students must complete the DSP. You will receive valuable information from this process that will help you choose an appropriate writing course. Students who do not complete the DSP will lose the ability to choose their preferred writing course.

Can I change my course selection?

Yes, but we encourage you to review your answers to the DSP survey questions before requesting a change. It is common for students to arrive on campus and then second-guess their choice. Recall, though, that the DSP is designed to help you reflect on your needs as a student writer and make an appropriate course choice. Consider why you made the choice you did at the time and whether things are actually different now. If you have questions or would like to request a change, please email us: writing.placement@dartmouth.edu.

What's the difference between WRIT 2-3 and WRIT 5?

For more information comparing the first-year writing courses, see the Differences Among First-Year Writing Courses page.

What if I have additional questions?

Please email us: writing.placement@dartmouth.edu.