Your official student transcript serves as a permanent record of your academic performance. Transcripts contain details about your grades, the courses you have completed, school awards, important dates, and whether you graduated. It’s a crucial part of your admissions package when applying to undergraduate, graduate, certificate, or doctoral programs. So, here’s my advice as an Admissions Committee Member – order a copy of your “official” transcripts for yourself!
Although admissions committees also look beyond your academic performance when considering your application, based on my experience as an Admissions Committee Member, I know that your transcript will give your committees insight into not only which courses you excelled at, but also the trajectory and evolution of your grades throughout your undergraduate career to determine whether the program you’re applying for is a good fit. For example, if you’re applying to medical school and your transcript shows poor marks in science-related classes, they may question your likelihood of success in science-based courses in their medical curriculum.
By having in your hands a copy of your “official” transcript – the exact transcript upon which your admissions committees will be relying, you can ensure that there are no inconsistencies across your application materials (i.e., your transcript vs. your resume or CV, depending on which is required, your ABS, etc.) Transcripts give you a handy all-inclusive reference to your academic history, keeping the information consistent across all applications and preventing guesswork that may be challenged during the admissions process, potentially (and almost certainly) leading to a rejection letter.
However, in most cases, having an official transcript that showcases your hard work will help to unlock doors and open you up to new academic opportunities, including admission into the university of your dreams.
What information is included in a university transcript?
Although transcript content can vary depending on the school you attended, they typically contain the following information:
- Your personal information, including full name, date of birth, student identification number, and more
- The school’s stamp, seal, or watermark so the admissions committee can confirm the information’s validity
- A list of all the classes you took, including courses you enrolled in but didn’t complete
- Your grades for all your classes in a number and letter format
- Grade point average, possibly including your GPA for the last semester in which you enrolled or itemized GPAs broken down by semester
- A list of the dates you attended the school
- Your majors and/or minors
- Academic and other school awards you won
- A list of other schools you attended with the credits you transferred from those schools
- In some cases, disciplinary actions that were taken against you
What’s the difference between unofficial and official transcripts?
“Unofficial” transcripts differ from their “official” counterparts in that they’re usually an online version of your academic record containing a simple list of your credits and grades. Official transcripts offer much more detail, as listed above, and qualify themselves by having a signature, the official school stamp, seal, or watermark and complete information on your full degree.
Some universities will accept an “unofficial” transcript with your application materials, and subsequently, upon admission, require an “official” transcript to be ordered directly to their program so that they can verify the accuracy of your academic information prior to your official admission to their program. Most schools outside Ontario or Canada follow the same policy, and some require a hard copy only. Inquire with each school you’re applying to for their specific requirements.
In every case, it is in your best interest to order your “official” transcript so that your application materials are consistent and complete from the start. You will not have an opportunity to make any changes to your application once it is submitted, so be sure to be 100% accurate in your materials before you submit.
How can I get my transcript?
Ordering a copy of your “official” transcript for yourself is easy. Visit the website of your university’s Registrar and order your “official” transcript for yourself. I always recommend ordering a paper copy so that you can see it printed and understand each of its components. Whether you order a paper or electronic copy, you’ll have to pay a small fee – but this is well worth it to ensure that your materials are complete, consistent, and accurate. And remember, you’ll be able to rely on these for every application.
Ordering transcripts when applying to Ontario universities is also easy. A transcript request is automatically generated when you add an Ontario public college or university to your online application. On the Order Transcripts screen, select the institution from which you’d like a transcript and press the Request button to place your order. Prices vary between the different schools, and you’ll have to pay for each transcript your order for each application.
Colleges and universities outside of Ontario or Canada may have alternate ways to submit your transcripts, so be sure to check their admissions portals for details.
There may be some cases where your transcript could be held back. For example, if you owe your school money because you missed one or more payments, the university may hold your official transcript until your account is settled.
When should I order my transcript?
Ordering your transcripts as early as possible in the application process is strongly recommended, balanced with your timing of finishing your most recent semester, to capture the most fulsome record for your admissions committees. During the application process, you’ll have to create other submission materials, such as your Statement of Purpose (a.k.a., Personal Statement), that will take up much of your time, energy, and focus. Getting details like ordering your transcript out of the way early will help prevent rushing later in the process or stressing that you forgot to order it while concentrating on other elements of your submission package.
As mentioned above, although your transcript is a critical part of your application, admissions committees also consider other elements of your academic and work histories to help determine if you’re a great candidate for their program. You need to submit compelling, relatable, genuine, authentic written application materials to help you stand out from the thousands of other candidates applying for the same spot.
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Book a strategy call with Dr. Adrienne Shnier, an Admissions Committee Member, to learn about how our signature course, Mastering Academic Applications: From Scratch to Submission, can help you finish your applications with clarity, support, structure, and strategy. Get in touch with us today!