<p>About the problem of sending in “hand written” essays to highly selective independent HSs - I’d recommend sending in a typed (and signed) translation with the hand-written application essay, so they understand what he is writing and that he wrote it (as evidenced by the chicken scratch). I think the hand written part is more to make the child do the essay (not that any parent would EVER think of HELPING their kid with his or her essay). The typed translation, is more for their convenience.</p>