is it ok to hand write secondaries?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
It will look less professional. Use a typewriter or look for a fillable PDF of the form. If it's in word, you can type in it.
 
Seeing as how the only typerwriters left are in the Smithsonian, the three schools I called with this questions said it was perfectly fine to hand write them.
 
MRwannabeDR said:
some secondaries dont allow to type in the info. is it ok if i hand write my info?

I think it looks unprofessional if it's handwritten. However, if it's not a pdf that you can type onto directly through Acrobat Reader, open it up in Adobe Photoshop as a generic pdf. You can then use the text tool to type whatever you want on the appropriate lines. Also, you can paste an image file photo of yourself on secondaries that require you to paste a passport photo to the form. After your done, just print it out and mail it!
 
gdbaby said:
Seeing as how the only typerwriters left are in the Smithsonian, the three schools I called with this questions said it was perfectly fine to hand write them.

I hand wrote a few of my secondaries without any negative effects. Just pring clearly, and you'll be fine.
 
Also do a search on sdn. Some secondaries have been converted to being typable by some very nice ppl. 🙂
 
handwriting is a-ok! (unless it's an essay). just print clearly - if not write in caps
 
gdbaby said:
Seeing as how the only typerwriters left are in the Smithsonian, the three schools I called with this questions said it was perfectly fine to hand write them.

Fortunately, the Smithsonian is open to the public... Typing looks more professional, and if you have lousy handwriting/penmanship, it benefits you to type the forms. (I have no doubt people still get in who hand print stuff, but it should really not be your first choice).
 
You can 'rent' a typewriter to use in a print shop for like $4 a hour (that is the price at procopy in tampa)....a library may also have a typewriter you can use for free.
 
This was my compromise: I hand wrote fill in line questions (name, address, phone number, etc.)

I have a printer/photocopier. So I printed out my essay portions as they would appear on the application, scotch taped them to the actual application and photocopied the original. That way the lengthy parts were typed and easier to read, while neatly writing out the other stuff.

Inconsistent, but I turned them in pretty much the same day I received them, and received interview invites from some. 😳

Just as long as you write neat and legible you should be fine.
 
daisy958 said:
You can 'rent' a typewriter to use in a print shop for like $4 a hour (that is the price at procopy in tampa)....a library may also have a typewriter you can use for free.


For about the same amount and less hassle you can find software which can turn your applications into PDFs, save them change them and make them look the most professional they can - plus by saving them you have the original professional copy in case something happens to the ones you send out. Ask around SDN 🙂 .
 
to be honest, it's really a preference if you want to handwrite.

but if you have really poor handwriting, then i know i definitely would not want to read it.... and then, would an adcom want to?
 
I hand wrote one of my secondaries. The secondary I hand wrote is the school I'm currently in my second year at. If you can type it do but if its a huge hassle, ie the pdf won't allow you to type it, then just write very neatly and you'll be fine.
 
Top