Not using this feature

Ok. This is the simple way out. You will still need to download the Acrobat Reader, the blank PDF files, then print out the blank forms. Fill them in by hand and then enter all the information online to register for the fair.

This approach is typically done if you started your project before the online registration system was turned on for the next fair or if you obtained printed copies of the blank ISEF forms through other means.

Use for Abstract only

This is a common approach when the other ISEF forms are filled in by hand since they must be done before your experimentation begins. On the other hand, the abstract should be written after experimentation and analysis is done but before the online application is complete and the application is mailed into the fair.

In this case, most of the information for the abstract will be entered online already and it is simply a matter of pasting in the copy of the application text to the abstract field.

Use the process outlined to download the necessary files to print out the abstract. This can be done any number of times in case you need an extra copy or you change the contents of the abstract.

Use for all forms

Hopefully you will be using this scenario since it saves the most time.

1. Enter all the information into the system that you can first. This includes the Student Info and Project Info. Enter as much information in Form 1 as possible since this dictates what forms are required and what will be available for printing.
2. Print out the forms with the data using the PDF and FDF files mentioned in earlier sections. Get the appropriate signatures and information as necessary. This varies depending upon whether you need a particular form for your project, where it is being worked on, and who is supervising your project. Some fields or forms, such as Form 1C, are filled in AFTER the project is completed. In general, these forms can be printed with your name and project title and provided to the people who will complete the form.

Forms that do not have signatures, such as Form 1A and the abstract, can be reprinted as changes are made. Forms that have signatures and dates should not be reprinted. Addendums can be attached and online changes can be made but you need to retain the original forms with signatures or the project may be disqualified.

Note, if you restart your project due to major changes you can start with a new set of forms and get signatures but only data acquired after the appropriate forms are signed can be used in a project presentation. Do not back date forms.

The abstract will be done last and after experimentation and analsysis is completed. This allows the abstract to be printed using the FDF and PDF files.

You can CHANGE YOUR PROJECT TITLE at any time. If you do, DO NOT reprint any form that has signatures on it. The project title on those pages is for your information and that of anyone signing the form only. The title used for any awards will be the one you enter online. The one you use when printing your abstract should be the final title.