What is the Challenge Essay?
The Challenge Essay presents incoming students who are confident that they are advanced writers the possibility of placing out of the first-year writing course. The Challenge assignment consists of writing a 4-to-5-page, research-based argument in response to a unique assignment prompt.
The DSP First Year Writing Survey, combined with students’ own experiences, may help them determine that they are experienced writers who want to place out of RC 1000 by attempting the Challenge Essay. The Challenge Essay is both optional and free.
Students can sign-up for one Challenge window (see available dates below) prior to the start of the selected Challenge attempt. It is important to note that you MUST register for the Challenge before 8 a.m. on the first day of a Challenge window. Once you have submitted your online Challenge request, you will receive more information from the DSP Team via email, and one week prior to the start of the Challenge, you will be given access to the Challenge’s AsULearn site, where you will ultimately find the assignment and expectations, access the provided sources, and submit your completed essay.
Sample Challenge Prompt
Sample Challenge Sources
The registration request must be completed before 8 a.m. on the first day of a Challenge window. Failure to do so will require you to sign-up for a later Challenge window. No exceptions will be made.
Important Challenge Details:
Each Challenge lasts five full days.
The actual assignment and sources will not post on the AsULearn site until 8:00 a.m. on the first day of the Challenge, and you will then be given instructions to follow as you construct your essay.
You MUST follow all instructions for developing, formatting, and submitting your essay; otherwise, you risk not having your submission read.
Your completed Challenge essay MUST be uploaded no later than 11:59 p.m. (EST) on the last day of your Challenge window.
If a complication arises when you attempt to access the site or to submit your file, immediately contact DSP Director Ben Good at goodbp@appstate.edu. He will work with you to solve any issues you may encounter as long as you have contacted him prior to the Challenge’s deadline.
We suggest that you log in to the AsULearn site and visit the R_C 1000 Challenge site several days before the Challenge goes live. Doing so will ensure that your login information is correct and that you can access the site. Furthermore, allow plenty of time for troubleshooting both when first accessing the site and when submitting your completed essay.
Please note that the window for completing the Challenge essay is firm. Once you ask to be registered to a specific Challenge window, you will be unable to submit an essay after the deadline regardless of circumstance. For this reason, make sure that you have eliminated any possible technical difficulties before the challenge begins.
If DSP readers agree that your essay demonstrates advanced writing skills, you will pass the Challenge and satisfy the requirement for RC 1000. Passing the Challenge does not result in earning three credit hours toward graduation; however, you will be given the prerequisite credit necessary for enrolling in courses that require RC 1000 credit, such as RC 2001. Should you have questions about the Challenge Essay, email the Director of DSP, Ben Good (goodbp@appstate.edu).
The Directed Self-Placement team wishes you the best of luck as you develop your Challenge essay, and we look forward to reading your writing!
2025-2026 Challenge Dates
June 10 - 14, 2025 (Tues.-Sat.)
July 8 - 12, 2025 (Tues.-Sat.)
July 23 - 27, 2025 (Tues.-Sat.)
August 5 - 9, 2025 (Tues.-Sat.)
September 30 - October 4, 2025 (Tues.-Sat.)
August 15 - 19, 2025 (Fri.-Tues.)
November 4 - 8, 2025 (Tues.-Sat.)
January 6 - 10, 2026 (Tues.-Sat.)
March 3 - 7, 2026 (Tues.-Sat.)