Writing Resource Center

At the Public Speaking Lab, you will spend a half hour working closely with one of our trained speech and language consultants, who will help tailor your message and delivery to prepare you for an upcoming interview, speech, presentation or other speech-related projects. You are also welcome to book a time to work with a consultant if you'd like general feedback and support with your public speaking skills. 

To book an appointment, please visit sva.mywconline.com

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 below. 

Summer 2025 (open to matriculated students only):

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY:

• Contact LCordoba@sva.edu to schedule a Proficiency Exam
• Starting May 7 through August 22
• Monday - Thursday only
• Any time between 10:00am and 3:00pm
• Report to the WRC, 132 West 21st Street, Room 910E

PLEASE NOTE: If you have taken the PE and did not pass, we strongly advise that you review your essay with a consultant through our free writing consultation program. Appointments can be made by clicking on "Book a Writing Consultation" located at the top of this website. To obtain a copy of your exam, please visit the Writing Resource Center at 132 West 21st Street. We cannot share PEs via email unless you took the exam online. If your writing consultation is online, you will need to type your essay (as is) and share with your consultant.

If you have questions about the PE or writing consultations, please contact Luis Cordoba at lcordoba@sva.edu.

Students who are registered with Disability Resources should

email disabilityresources@sva.edu to arrange for a PE with accommodations.

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.