WAFT - Caltech Writing

Detailed instructions & guidelines

1. Register for the WAFT
Before Monday, June 3, at 5 p.m. PDT, you should register on line for the WAFT and receive a username and password that you will use later to access the reading and the writing assignment.

When you log in, you might get a warning saying the the security certificate is from mit.imoat.net. Don't worry, you're not in the middle of a MIT prank! This is a joint effort with MIT, and your information will be secure.

Login by entering your Caltech ID number in both the "Login" and "Password" boxes.
Change your password when prompted. Write down your new password and keep it in a safe place. Your username will remain as your Caltech ID number.
Enter an email address.
Under "Edit Biographical Information," enter a telephone number at which you can be reached during the exam period.

2. Download the reading
On Tuesday, June 4, at 9 a.m. PDT the reading will be posted.
Log on to WAFT to download and print the reading. You will have three days to consider this reading before you access a writing assignment about it. We encourage you to use whatever active reading techniques you normally use to enhance your understanding (e.g., underline, jot notes in margins, highlight phrases, etc.). No additional research is expected or necessary. Do not discuss the reading with other people.

3. Download the writing assignment and begin writing
On Friday, June 7, at 9 a.m. PDT, the writing assignment will be posted.
Log on to WAFT to download the writing assignment. Print the assignment and begin writing. We suggest that you take about 3-4 hours to compose the essay, using the flexible three-day time period in which to write. (See also: Guidelines for Writing Process)

NOTE: You should NOT discuss the reading or the assignment or your writing with anyone. You will be asked to verify that you received no help and did not consult any outside sources while writing your essay.

4. Submit your essay on line
By Monday, June 10, at 9 a.m. PDT, the essay is due.
Log on to WAFT to submit your writing. Insert a copy of your essay into a WAFT online form by cutting and pasting the text from your word processor (in "Text Only" or plain text format).

NOTE: Be sure that you know how to copy, cut, and paste text BEFORE you do the WAFT.