Official vs Unofficial Transcripts
Contributed by Speak Up for Kids Student Intern Team — This article was developed through the combined efforts of multiple student interns, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to support life skills education for foster youth.
Overview
Transcripts are a crucial part of applying for higher education or a job, but can be tricky to navigate. It’s important to know the differences between Official and Unofficial Transcripts as well as how to send them, which we’ll take a look at below.
What’s Even on Your Transcripts?
Accomplishments and Academics:
The types of accomplishments that will show on your transcripts all have to do with your academics and performance during school. Designations like the type of course you took (Advanced Placement, Honors, AICE, etc.) and Class Rank will appear on your transcripts.
Diagnostic data such as your GPA (both weighted and unweighted) and sometimes important examination (like ACT or SAT) scores will be on your transcripts.
Also important is your graduation status, as well as a detailed list of all your coursework for the duration of your academic career at your institution.
Official and Unofficial
Official Transcripts are a certified record of your academics sent from your institution to another one, whether that’s a school, place of business, or something else. They typically have a seal to designate their formality and authenticity.
Unofficial Transcripts are for student reference and can usually be viewed online on a school’s designated website or in PDF form. As these are for reference and not official, institutions won’t accept them in place of Official Transcripts. It’s a good idea to view your Unofficial Transcripts regularly to make sure all the information is correct and to fix any errors before you actually need the Official Transcripts.
Many institutions will require Official Transcripts when applying for things like college, graduate school, or a job. Take great care in making sure you know how to access the proper transcripts.
What’s Left Out
Extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and jobs may not appear on your transcripts as well as awards and special positions like student council. While they may not appear on your transcripts, there will be other places to list and elaborate on in your applications.
How Do I Send My Transcripts?
Contact your school’s registrar office (the place responsible for student records) or go to their website.
Complete your school’s transcript request form, which is commonly found online.
The Recipient’s (place you’re sending the transcripts to) address, email, or other identification information should be listed.
Choose the way your transcripts will be delivered, either through mail or in electronic form.
Keep in mind to send your Official Transcripts, and that they are sent from your school and not you, as that maintains their authenticity.
Send well in advance of when they’re due so that there’s no surprise delays or other mishaps.
Important Factors:
Increase in Performance and Difficulty:
Colleges and businesses want to see your grades and achievements increase over time in combination with an increase in course difficulty, as that shows devotion and the ability to perform well in advanced settings, which can help set you apart from other candidates.
One Piece of the Puzzle:
Transcripts only show a fraction of your academics. Other criteria like extracurriculars, essays, interviews, work history, letters of recommendations, and personal statements are also factored into your overall application and can all help set you apart even if your transcripts aren’t the strongest.
Final Thoughts
Transcripts will list your Academic Achievements such as Class Rank, Grades, Grade Point Average (GPA), and Course Level (AP, Honors, etc.). These help paint a picture of how strong a student you are from an academic standpoint. Official Transcripts are a certified record that are sent to an institution whereas Unofficial Transcripts are for student reference and are not sent out.
To request your Official Transcripts to be sent out, Contact the appropriate office, Complete the request form, fill the required information to send it to the Recipient, Choose whether they will be delivered physically or digitally, and send them In Advance of when they’re needed as much as you can.
Other Important Factors regarding transcripts are that they ideally reflect continuous improvement throughout your academic journey and an increase in Performance and Difficulty. Additionally, transcripts don’t Paint the Full Picture of a student, other things such as extracurriculars and letters of recommendation can help shore up your application.
