Credentials
Transcript
Also called official transcript, academic transcript
What is a transcript?
A transcript is the official, university-issued record of every course you took and the marks you received, usually consolidated across all semesters and issued in a sealed, stamped envelope. Foreign universities and credential evaluators require it to come directly from the issuing university or in an unopened envelope, which is why a photocopy of your mark lists is not a substitute.
Reviewed
Who needs a transcript?
Every applicant to a foreign university, and every applicant for a credential evaluation such as WES.
How do I get a transcript?
- Apply to the affiliating university, usually through your college
- Pay the per-copy fee and order more copies than you think you need
- For WES and similar evaluators, request the sealed envelope be sent directly to the evaluator
Common mistakes
- Opening the sealed envelope to check it, which invalidates it
- Ordering one copy for an application cycle that needs four
- Leaving the request until after you have an offer, when the deadline is weeks away