How to Request Your Academic Transcript

Colleges and universities document and record your dates of attendance and academic grades. You can request to have a copy of the record sent to you as an official transcript.An official transcript includes information such as your dates of attendance, your major or concentration, the type degree award (if any), your cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.), and the course work completed at the school. Typically, the record is sealed in an envelope and stamped with ink to verify that the document has not be altered or tampered with in any way.

An official transcript may be necessary if you are applying for

• Admission into an online degree program
• A scholarship or grant opportunity
• An internship or job

The first step is to locate the registrar of your former school. Most colleges and universities have an Office of the Registrar, which is the department responsible for keeping record of transcripts, enrollment status, and student records. Contact the Registrar's Office to request an official transcript.

Note: some schools have separate divisions within the Registrar's Office for undergraduate and graduate level students.Be sure to confirm with the Office of the Registrar whether your classes were undergraduate, graduate, or both.

Fraud is becoming an increasing problem, but colleges and universities have taken steps to ensure your personal academic records are placed in the right hands. It is common for schools to request the following information:

• Your handwritten signature
• Full name (if your name has changed since you attended the institution, be sure to also give the name you had during your enrollment)
• Your current address and phone number
• Social Security number or student identification number
• Year of graduation or class year
• Dates of attendance
• Type of degree awarded (if applicable)
• Number of transcripts needed
• Full name of the recipients and their mailing address

Some colleges and universities charge a processing fee for transcript requests. The typical cost is anywhere from US$3.00 to US$10.00. Additionally, you may be charged for whatever shipping costs are required for standard or rush delivery to the recipients.

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