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OK, I really need an answer for this because I just don't get it. Is it OK to handwrite your application? By this I mean filling in the required areas of the application such as name, address, family history, extracurriculars, academic record, etc...(like all the sections on the Common App) by pen. I understand that essays should be typed and on seperate pages unless otherwise stated, however is it OK to handwrite the rest of the app if you're not applying online. If not, what are you supposed to do? Type it? How? Why would they even bother printing their applications out if that were the case? I'd just like a definite answer for this since I'd like to know what I'm supposed to do and how other people are doing their apps. Thanks a lot.

By Asianalto (Asianalto) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 11:05 pm: Edit

Yes you can handwrite your applications. I've heard adcoms say they like handwritten essays too, but that's just a lot of extra work.

By Woogiewilly25 (Woogiewilly25) on Saturday, July 31, 2004 - 01:57 pm: Edit

With the common App, I handwrote it then made photo copies of it...hense, the wonder of the common app...you can alo put it on adobe acrobat and fill it out on there (essentially typing it) but i couldnt figure out how to do it on my computer cuz im an idiot...so i did one common app by hand and made photo copies...worked for me

By Bee (Bee) on Saturday, July 31, 2004 - 03:42 pm: Edit

If you do handwrite your application, make sure you have nice (or at least legible) handwriting. Otherwise, you can use a typewriter to type it in. Sounds so archaic, but it really does work!

By Kkay (Kkay) on Sunday, August 01, 2004 - 12:35 pm: Edit

It really depends on which you're comfortable with. I have a friend who chose to write it because that way she could work on it whenever she had free time, wherever she was.

On the other hand, I have terrible handwriting so I typed it. But there are problems with typing in terms of spacing etc.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 07:13 pm: Edit

Handwrite your application. Type your essays/short answers.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 07:13 pm: Edit

OR Do the application online.

By Stanfordrulez (Stanfordrulez) on Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 06:11 am: Edit

I typed out and printed out the application for Stanford-- I used a PDF editor.
And I got in. So, I guess it really doesnt have any bearing. It does have a few advantages though-- its very easy to read, and you can fit in a lot more in terms of words in the given spaces.

By Thejuiceisback (Thejuiceisback) on Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 05:12 pm: Edit

Stanfordrulez, what's the PDF editor? How can I get that? I'd really like to know how to type on PDF documents because I've downloaded many apps on PDF and would like them to be typed and then printed like you said you did. Hit me back. Thanks.

By Thejuiceisback (Thejuiceisback) on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 12:30 am: Edit

bump

By Stanfordrulez (Stanfordrulez) on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 03:49 pm: Edit

Hey TheJuiceisback--
My brother had downloaded [i think he got it off kazaa or something] Adobe Acrobat 4.0 [not Adobe Acrobat Reader, but just Adobe Acrobat] on his computer, which allows you to add text to PDF documents and to save them. I used this software to fill out my application, though I must admit, it was a painful procedure. But it worked in the end, and it worked well.
Try and see if you can get a hold of Adobe Acrobat [its not free of charge, unlike Acrobat Reader]-- try buying it, using a friends copy, or if you're desperate, downloading it illegally. ;)
Hope this helps.

Ps: i tried other free software that promised PDF editing, but none of them were as good or as powerful as Adobe Acrobat.