How to fill out a form on a web page
On this form there are three types of areas: small text entry areas, pull down menus, and a large text entry area. On most browsers you can skip from one small text entry area to the next by using the "tab" key on your keyboard. If you are using a mouse, you can also move from one area to another by moving the cursor to where you want it and then clicking.
The following instructions assume you are using a browser like Netscape or Internet Explorer and a mouse. If you are using Lynx, or another text-based browser, the instructions will be different. Lynx prints its instructions at the bottom of its window. You can read them there and then follow them.
- Small Text Entry Areas
- You may enter the requested text in the small text entry areas. Most areas will accept more text than the visible area on the screen (so if you have a really long name you should type it all in - it will get to us). Exceptions are the Date, Social Security, Date of Birth, and Zip Code areas, since these numbers have a fixed maximum size.
- Pull Down Menus
- Move your cursor until it is above one of the pull down menus. If you click and hold down your mouse button, the menu should go down. Drag to the answer that you want to give, and then let up on the mouse button. Your answer should be the only one visible after you do this. If the wrong answer comes up, try the procedure again.
- Large Text Entry Area
- The large text entry area is there for you to write a statement of your research interests and experience. This is meant to be approximately the same size as one side of an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper. You should feel free to write as much as you want. On some browsers the lines that you write will "wrap around" when you reach the box's edge. Some browsers do not allow the wrapping feature. If you have one of these browsers, don't feel that you have to wrap the text yourself. Even if it go outside of the box, it will get to us. If you have more to say than there is room for, and you run off the bottom of the box, don't worry. Just write all that you have to say, and it will get to us.
It may be useful to write this up ahead of time in a separate text editing program. That way you can check your spelling, have other people read it, have time to think about it, etc. If you do this, simply copy your text and then paste it into the large text area on the form (if your browser and/or operating system support this. It may not work on Unix Terminals).