Summary:
A transcript is an official record of a student’s academic history. It includes a list of all courses taken, grades earned, and other academic details. U.S. colleges require transcripts as part of the admissions process to evaluate a student’s academic performance and readiness for university-level study.
What Is a Transcript?
A transcript is a formal document issued by a school that shows a student’s complete academic record. For high school students, the transcript typically lists all courses taken from grades 9 through 12, along with final grades, credits earned, and sometimes class rank or GPA. In some systems, it may also include standardized test scores, graduation status, and other remarks from the school.
Transcripts are required by almost every U.S. college and university, as they provide a clear, official summary of the applicant’s academic background. Admissions officers use transcripts to assess the student’s consistency, course rigor, and academic growth over time.
Official vs. Unofficial Transcripts
There are two types of transcripts: official and unofficial. An official transcript is sent directly from the school to the college, usually in a sealed envelope or through a secure digital platform. It is signed or stamped by a school official and cannot be edited by the student. An unofficial transcript is typically a copy that the student downloads or prints for personal use; it is not acceptable for final admissions decisions but may be used for initial planning or reference.
What Information Does a Transcript Contain?
A typical transcript includes:
- The student’s full name and school name
- A list of courses taken each academic year
- Final grades for each course
- The grading scale (for example, 4.0 GPA or 100-point scale)
- Cumulative GPA or average score
- Class rank (if applicable)
For international students, the transcript may also need to include translated documents or grading scale explanationsto help U.S. colleges interpret the academic record correctly.
International Transcripts and Translation
Students from outside the U.S. must often submit translated transcripts if the original is not in English. These translations must be certified—done by a professional translator or an authorized agency. Some colleges may also ask for a credential evaluation, especially if the student is applying from a country with a very different grading system. Services like WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) can convert international transcripts into a format that U.S. universities recognize.
How Transcripts Are Submitted
Transcripts are typically sent by a school counselor or academic office, either electronically through platforms like Parchment, SCOIR, or Naviance, or by mail. Students are not allowed to send official transcripts themselves. For Common App schools, the counselor uploads the transcript as part of the School Report. For non-Common App schools, each institution provides specific instructions on how to submit the transcript securely.
Students should request transcripts well before application deadlines, especially if translations or credential evaluations are needed. Missing or late transcripts can delay or disqualify an application.