IMPORTANT PE UPDATES:

All incoming students, including incoming transfer students, will not be required to take the PE. For those beginning their studies at SVA in Fall 2024, the PE will no longer be a graduation requirement or a prerequisite to take Humanities and Sciences (H&S) courses beyond the first-year required writing courses (i.e. HCD/HCI-1020/1025). In lieu of the PE, all students enrolled in HCD/HCI-1020/1025 will be required to complete an in-class diagnostic writing during Week 1 of the Fall and Spring semesters.

All continuing and returning students (i.e. those who began their studies at SVA in Spring 2024 or earlier), including those who will be returning from leave-of-absence, are still required to pass the PE before they can graduate. However, the PE will no longer be a prerequisite to take H&S courses beyond the first-year required writing courses. Continuing students who have not yet passed the PE are encouraged to attend writing consultations at the Writing Resource Center. To attend an open PE, please see the schedule under Upcoming Proficiency Exam(s).

What is the format of the exam?

Students are asked to read a short essay question and to respond with a 400–450 word essay that demonstrates an understanding of the topic, a solid understanding of the mechanics of attribution, sentence and paragraph logic, as well as good grammar and spelling.

How long is the exam?

The PE is 120 minutes long.

When is it given?

It is given on independent dates throughout the year. The exam may be taken as many times as necessary until the student successfully passes.

What happens if a student doesn’t pass?

Failing the exam has no effect on a student’s GPA or transcript. Students who do not pass the PE are encouraged to attend writing consultations through the Writing Resource Center before retaking the PE.

Accessing your PE grade

To view your PE result, go to myservices.sva.edu. Select GRADES, then ACADEMICS, then TEST SUMMARY. A score of 1 = PASS and 2 = FAIL.

Any other questions?

email lcordoba@sva.edu