How To Prepare A Handwriting Sample

1. A ballpoint pen or similar writing instrument should be used. If some type of pen other than a ballpoint pen is used (ie: felt tip, roller ball, etc.), please state what type it is. Please do not use pencil.

2. Please don’t drink alcohol or use other mood altering substances before or during the time you are writing the handwriting sample. If you are using medication that you feel might alter your handwriting in any way, please say so and list the medication(s).

3. Use 8 ½ x 11 unlined paper. Blank computer paper is best. Lines are not to be drawn in and please don’t place the paper on top of any lined surface. If you habitually use lined paper and are not very comfortable using non-lined paper, please say so.

4. The writing sample should be done in your normal writing style while you are comfortably seated at a table or desk. If you habitually print, then please also include a paragraph of cursive writing. If you normally have several styles of writing, you may also include samples of each.

5. Your sample should be at least one page long. You may answer the questions on the form, or write about anything else that you would like to. Material such as a poem or magazine article is not to be copied. Please write spontaneously, as in writing a letter.

6. If your primary language is not English, then also write a paragraph in your native language.

7. Please state if you have suffered any emotional or physical trauma during the last year that might affect your handwriting.

8. Please note the hand you write with.

9. At the end of the sample please sign your name as you normally do and indicate today’s date.