College Writing for High School Juniors (ENG1070) is a two-credit-hour, pass/fail writing seminar that provides a critical writing and inquiry experience for high-achieving high school juniors in Alamance and Guilford counties. Designed and taught by Elon first-year writing faculty, the seminar is an outreach initiative of the First-Year Writing Program and Collegiate Start @ Elon.

This writing course prepares high school students for college-level writing. Instruction centers on argumentative and narrative writing, with projects ranging from editorials and personal essays to annotated bibliographies and blog posts. Students will also reflect on ways to adapt their learning to future contexts, such as college application essays, Advanced Placement courses, and college courses. Though assignments vary, each course will focus on the following Goals and Experiences:

Course Goals

  • Students will engage in several writing process strategies, including drafting, revision, and editing.
  • Students will learn to give and respond to feedback on their writing from peers.
  • Students will learn how to find, select, evaluate, and incorporate into their writing multiple academic and non-academic sources.
  • Students will develop rhetorical knowledge, specifically an awareness of how to change writing for various audiences, purposes, and contexts.
  • Students will reflect on their writing.

Signature Experiences

  • Students will receive frequent, individualized feedback on their writing from the course instructor.
  • Students will develop information literacy and analytical writing skills to respond to real-world issues.
  • Students will consider ethical AI use and learn strategies to enhance their own creativity.
  • Students will complete a College Admissions Essay on one Common App prompt (or a similar, approved essay for a scholarship or other college program).
  • Students will practice the basics of visual design by creating memes, infographics, or other media.
  • Students will be assigned writing both in class and out of class to encourage a sustained process of writing.

Each spring semester, Elon offers at least one section of up to 15 students, who are selected through an application process that includes providing a writing sample. Upon successful completion of the course, including an attendance rate of 90%, students receive a grade of pass/fail and a certificate of completion. The course may count for elective credits at a student’s future university. Outstanding students may request a letter of recommendation from the course instructor as evidence of their achievement.

Application Procedures and Information

All applicants must…

  • be enrolled as a high school junior based on school district or home-school requirements.
  • have a cumulative grade point average (unweighted) of at least 3.0 or higher. A careful review of English course grades will also be used to determine admission.
  • have approval from the school principal and guidance counselor, acknowledging that the student (1) is in good academic standing, (2) is able to handle the challenge and rigor of college studies, and (3) exhibits exemplary citizenship and character.
  • submit a well-developed writing sample. The writing prompt can be found on the PDF application.

Tuition and Fees

Application Deadline: December 6, 2024

Application Fee: $10 (cash or check must be submitted with the application)

Tuition: $210

Students enrolled in Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS) or The Burlington School (TBS) are responsible for $105 of the tuition and the school/school system is responsible for $105 of the tuition. Tuition remittance is expected on behalf of the student/parent and the school district. Tuition bills will be sent directly to the student/parent and the school district by the Bursar’s Office.

  • Students not enrolled in ABSS or TBS are responsible for the entire tuition.
  • Students who qualify for free or reduced meal status are eligible for a tuition waiver. Eligible students must submit documentation from their school system.
  • Students whose parent/s is employed with Elon University (faculty or staff) may qualify for tuition remission under the policies and regulations established for University personnel. Eligibility questions should be directed to Elon University, Human Resources.

Textbooks/Materials: There are no required textbooks.

Registration Process

  • Students interested in enrolling in the College Writing Course (ENG 1070) must notify their guidance counselor of his/her intent and work with the counselor to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements and if the course is appropriate for you.
  • Students must complete and submit the application for the College Writing for Juniors course to their counselor/principal for approval. The following must accompany the application: $10 application fee (cash or check), official transcript, writing sample (see writing prompt on the application) and free/reduced meals documentation (if applicable).
  • Students will be notified of the admissions decision in writing via email by Elon University, Collegiate Start@Elon office.
  • Submit tuition/fees (return by the appropriate deadline set by the Bursar’s Office).
  • Complete and submit the Elon University, Ellington Health and Counseling Center Immunization Form by January 3, 2025. The Immunization Form can be retrieved online.
  • Forms should be returned directly to Ellington Health and Counseling Center, 2040 Campus Box, Elon, NC 27244.
  • Students are required to attend the College Writing for Juniors Orientation prior to the start of class (the date will be announced in the acceptance email).

Course Schedule and Contact

  • February 3: FIRST DAY OF CLASS
  • February 10
  • February 17
  • February 24
  • March 3
  • March 10
  • March 17: NO CLASS (Elon Spring Break)
  • March 24
  • March 31
  • April 7
  • April 14: NO CLASS (ABSS Spring Break)
  • April 21
  • April 28: LAST DAY OF CLASS

This 12-week course meets on Monday afternoons from 4:15-6:00pm and adheres to both Elon University’s and Alamance Burlington School System’s (ABSS) scheduled spring breaks. For Spring 2025, this class will meet in person on Elon’s campus.

The application materials and additional information are available through the Collegiate Start@Elon program. Applications for Spring 2025 are due on December 6, 2024.