Prior to attending Orientation, students must complete Sweetland's online Directed Self-Placement process (DSP).  This assessment simulates the type of academic writing most often assigned and valued at the University of Michigan. Students will be asked to: 

1. Read an article of about 10 pages.
2. Write a 750-900 word essay in response to that article and upload it at http://ctools.umich.edu.
3. Answer 10 follow-up questions about their writing experience at http://ctools.umich.edu..  

See the Article and Essay Prompt (pdf)

More Instructions for Students Completing the Directed Self-Placement

Directed Self Placement FAQs

When students meet with their advisors during Orientation, they will discuss the results of their Directed Self-Placement Essay and Questions and accordingly choose a writing course that will enable them to become more proficient and confident in academic writing.  All first-year students in LSA (except those in the Honors Program), Art & Design, Business, Kinesiology, Music, the Residential College, and Nursing are responsible for completing the Directed Self-Placement prior to attending Orientation. Transfer students need not complete the DSP.  Students must submit the DSP at least 5 business days before their orientation date.