Why Must I Take The Test?

As noted above, even though you have completed the general education requirements in writing, the California State University system demands via the Graduate Written Assessment Requirement (GWAR) that all students must demonstrate writing competency before receiving a degree. The GWAR requirement was imposed system-wide in 1976 when the CSU realized that many students were graduating with poor writing skills. The requirement is intended to ensure that graduating students possess a writing ability at the university level or to give students advance notice that their writing skills may need improvement before graduation.