<p>A year ago, when my son was copying out his essay, muttering under his breath, I remember thinking it was a way to reduce frivolous applications. 
I’m not sure I’d go as far as elitist, like ifax’s history teacher, but it might well be traditionalist.</p>
<p>No, like ifax’s mother said, Exeter might have a graphologist, which Exeter does. It might also, although, be traditionalist.</p>
<p>I hope if Exeter does use a graphologist, that my handwriting reveals good things about me. Taft also does the same thing. I agree with the idea that it might be to reduce insincere applications.</p>
<p>That is nice to hear because my handwriting is atrocious and Exeter is one of my top choices. I have finished my essay but have been procrastinating handwriting it out because of this…</p>
<p>After observing my D do these hand-written essays, I was impressed by how much time and care it took. She pre-wrote them, but in the copying unless she paid very careful attention, she messed up a word, and had to start over again. So I suspect it is looking for kids who are willing to put time and effort into doing a careful job. </p>
<p>It also makes it harder to apply, thus serving as a test of motivation. Not so easy as pressing a button on a common app.</p>
<p>Lastly, I have heard it suggested that the handwriting on the SSAT essay can be checked against the mailed in essay - to see if the student themselves wrote it …</p>
<p>Do you really believe Exeter has the time or manpower to do a graphological handwriting assessment on 2500 applications?</p>
<p>And how would checking the handwriting against the SSAT essay handwriting confirm the applicant composed the exeter essay him/herself? </p>
<p>My guess is that the school simply wants to weed out the less determined applicants; otherwise, it would have 3500 applications to read, instead of 2500.</p>
<p>^^ That probably explains why Exeter has a higher acceptance rate than Andover. Other than weeding out frivolous applications, personally I don’t think handwriting requirement serve any good purpose.</p>
<p>I have pretty bad handwriting and I was able to get in. I feel like the content is overall most important.</p>