A transcript keeps a detailed record of your grades or marks generated by your current or former university. It can be a document, either online or on paper, containing a list of the individual papers, modules, or courses you have done with a grade or score placed against each. Some transcripts contain the overall score you achieved in your studies. It is important to note that transcripts are required for both educational and career purposes.
Information Contained in a High School Transcript
High school transcripts have lots of information. It includes:
- The name of every subject or class you took since joining the institution.
- The grade or score you acquired in each class.
- Information on your GPA (weighted and unweighted) is also provided.
- If the institution does class rankings, your overall position is included.
- Your attendance record and, if necessary, any disciplinary cases (e.g., suspensions).
- In some cases, your honors/awards and standardized test scores.
A transcript shows your Improvement over time, the strength of schedule, and overall performance during your time in high school. Transcripts are needed by colleges to predict how a student is likely to perform in college.
Difference Between an Official and Unofficial Transcript
There is a sharp difference between an official and an unofficial transcript. An official transcript is a list of courses a student took with grades and GPA indicated. It shows all the classes and the grades attained, majors, honors, concentrations, and any degree the student earned. Students can access official transcripts through the school’s online portal. Some employers, however, demand a more official document. The official transcript is usually issued by the school’s Registrar or Guidance office with an authorized signature or seal. This shows that the the form is authentic and genuine.
On the other hand, unofficial transcripts can be used as temporary placeholders while waiting for the arrival of the official transcript. These transcripts can still describe the coursework, academic standing, honors, disciplinary action, and how the course aligns with specific career paths and degrees. Unofficial transcripts come in handy mostly when a student hasn’t completed education or is waiting for final scores. It is the only way such students can show they are educated. When an unofficial transcript is requested, you can use a photocopy of your report card or download a copy of the available results. Ensure that it contains all the information on your coursework and grades.
How to Write a Transcript Request Letter
When writing a transcript request letter, you should use the standard formal letter format. The letter should be addressed to the specific university, institution, or school you wish to get the transcript. It is recommended that you establish a particular person in a related department that the letter should address. By narrowing down to a specific person in the department, you increase the chances of getting a faster response. Avoid sending the letter to the school’s general address; it will take longer to get feedback.
Here is what a standard letter format includes:
Tips for Writing a Transcript Request Letter
- The sender’s address should be placed on the top left-hand side of the letter.
- Write a date below the address.
- On the line beneath the date, write the recipient’s name.
- Use proper salutations (i.e., to whom it may concern or Dear Sir).
- Keep it short; don’t let it exceed three paragraphs.
- Use an appropriate closing statement.
Here are the tips on how to write an effective transcript request letter:
- Mention that you schooled in that institution.
- Mention the name of the course you took, the date of graduation, and the years attended.
- Give the reason you need the transcript — mention the company’s name or college asking for a transcript.
- Describe how urgent you need the document.
- Remember to provide a postal address where the transcript can be sent.
- Always use professional language and formal content.
- If there are any fees charged upon collection of the transcript, acknowledge it.
- Always be brief and straight to the point.
Transcript Request Letter Templates
If a transcript is delayed or goes missing, a student may have to write a transcript request letter. This section contains downloadable templates that can make your task simpler. All you have to do is customize them to suit your needs!
Sample Letter
John Champion
3466-18388
New York
10/12/2020
To
Michael Smith
Chief Registrar
Quahog High School
Subject: Request for a Transcript
Dear Sir,
My name is John Champion, and I attended Quahog High School from 2011 to 2013. I pursued a course in Journalism and Mass Communication and graduated in 2013. I hereby write to request my transcript, which is needed to apply for further education. I also wish to sincerely thank this institution for all the knowledge it bestowed on me.
I wish to further my studies at Michigan University. As a requirement for application, the university has requested my high school transcript to confirm my eligibility. My classes are scheduled to start on 5/1/2021, and the deadline to submit the documents is 31/12/2020. I am humbly requesting you to send the transcript earlier so that I can submit the documents on time.
Please treat this request with urgency. Many thanks for considering my request.
Yours sincerely,
John Champion.
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