If you expect straight "As" your first semester, Expository Writing, could prove an obstacle. Only two people in a given class of the required writing course will score an "A." The course, officially known as Writing 101, unofficially as Expos, is one that 10 percent of its students fail.
Michael Goeller, associate director of the University's writing program, said 40 to 50 percent of students fail their first paper.
Though an introductory course, only about two students per class will receive an "A" in the course, Goeller said.
Expository Writing prepares students for the level of the texts they will find at this University, according to its course description.
Goeller said Expos acts as a gatekeeper: "If you can't succeed in this class you probably can't survive at this college," he said.
The course aims to train students to write for upper-level college courses, graduate school, and the job world. This may come as a rude awakening to some students.
"Most Rutgers students probably think they are better writers than they actually are," said
Kurt Spellmeyer, director of the University's writing program. He added that there is a tremendous disconnect between high school coursework and Expos.
Whereas high school English requires comparing and contrasting, Expos teachers want students to, "synthesize the material, to make knowledge," Goeller said.
Ultimately, changing one's way of thinking might not be as demanding as the workload.
"There is a 30-page requirement for the course amounting to about six essays in one semester," Goeller said. "This type of requirement is comparable to an Ivy League school."
Six essays in one semester means that students will need to write about one essay every two weeks. Many classes ask students to prepare a rough draft a week before the final draft is due, averaging about one essay per week.
Spellmeyer said University students sometimes have trouble, "Reading complex, college-level material, and then using that material to develop coherent, detailed, accurate, and well-organized arguments."
Past academic achievement will not guarentee success in Expos, Goeller said.
He added, though, that students shouldn't fear Expos. Rather, they should accept it as part of life at the University.
"Some students view it as a right of passage, something you need to get through by coming to Rutgers. It makes you stronger, it makes you a better writer, a better thinker," Goeller said. "College shouldn't be easy; the courses you take should make you better. 101 changes you."
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