Typing Secondaries

[RasputinDO]

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I know there was a topic similar to this a while back, but after receiving pretty much all my secondaries, I'm trying to finish up so I can get them out the beginning of the week. My question is about trying to type the information. What is the verdict on this. I know that if you attach an essay it obviously should be, but what about the actual app itself. Does it make a big difference??? Just looking for some opinions.

Joshua

 

[fabiolablake]

It looks more professional, I think. I used a typewriter to do it.

 

[bigmuny]

While it probably does not matter, I typed. I think it looks better.

 

[Shinken]

I handwrote my secondaries for LECOM and NSU-COM and received interview invitations from both, so it probably doesn't matter (as long as you write neatly).

 

[RasputinDO]

How about for letters of recommendation. I wrote out most of those forms to get them out. All it was, was filling in the name and signing...obviously signing would have to be written anyways.

Josh

 

[drlexygoat]

I hand wrote all my secondaries (except attached paper) and have gotten great responses. NSU-Com interviews me and accepted me within 2 days of each other! I wouldn't worry if a typewriter isn't handy unless you have AWEFUL handwriting.

 

[Demosthenes_7]

Two secondaries in front of me, one typed and one handwritten, all else equal, I'd lean towards the typed. Take the time and type it. It's more professional and shows more effort.

 

[Shinken]

Unfortunately, typing secondaries ranks right up there with sending thank you letters, Affirmative Action, MD vs DO, and abortion. It's a big controversy and there are advocates at both ends of the spectrum.

Do what you think is right for your situation. Remember, most admission committees place more emphasis on substance than form.

 

[scubadiva]

If you're obseesive copulsive and anal-retentive like me🙄 , then I recommend that you type your secondaries.

I am obsessive over everything, so i scanned all of my secondaries into a PDF file and then I INDIVIDUALLY created text boxes on the page. Yes, It took a really long time to format everything, but it looked really pretty and presentable when I was finished. I just couldn't bear to see half a page written and part typed. I like uniformity and organization on the page, but maybe that's more just for my sanity (or insanity, depending on how you see it).

I don't think it really matters, but I can tell you that at my interviews they photocopy your secondaries and give them to the interviewers, and from your seat, you can kind of see what papers they have. I recognized my secondaries sitting from a distance. So, if you're comfortable with these interviewers seeing your handwritten application and then seeing you and putting a face to that handwritten application, then handwrite it. I felt better thinking that they thought I took my application serious enough to take the time to type out everything.

Maybe this is similar to the whole idea of spellchecking and proofreading your essays?

I don't know. Do what you are comfortable with. I did not feel comfortable with handwriting my secondaries, so I scanned and typed out everything.

Remember, others here also received interviews even if it was handwritten, so I am assuming it's not that big an issue. Just remember to double check everything.

If you do handwrite it, it looks more uniform if you photocopy the page after it's been filled out. It has the exact same darkness of print throughout the page if you photocopy it after you've filled it out (but then again, that's just my compulsive side talking again).

Good luck!!!

 

[raptor5]

My handwriting blows so I typed as much as could and just wrote see attachment. I wish I would have had typewriter to just type in the blanks.

 

[Pooh Chong]

I firmly believe that the presentation is very important. You go to your interviews wearing very clean, maybe a fresh haircut, and a business outfit....just as you go to present yourself very well I think that typing out applications is just as important.

Also, typing can NEVER hurt you....and while handwriting may be just as good most of the time, you never know who is looking at your application.

OKAY, I am about to let go of a BIG, BIG secret. Buy your typewriting on eBay. I bought a business/professional typewriter that was less than a year old for under $50 shipped. The typewriter retailed for about $400 @ staples. I waited for such an excellent deal, but good deals can be had most of the time.

 

[Doctor Peloncito]

If I recall, my UHS secondary was on an 11x17 folded pamphlet. It wouldn't fit into a typewriter. I handwrote it and got an interview in November last year. I don't think it really matters. Just make sure you write things neatly. For my UHS app. I typed my essay and sent that with my application. I'm typing this response from KC, MO now, so I guess that my method didn't hurt.

WBDO