Academic Transcripts

 

Academic Transcripts

 

 

The confusion around the word “Transcript” is fairly justified due to the presence of different types of qualifications and certifications out there. This article will try to discuss all the nuances associated with the Transcripts and will try to answer several questions including :

 

●      Where to find or get a Transcript from?

●      When and why a Transcript is required?

●      How to use a Transcript?

 

 

Introduction

 

A transcript serves as proof that one attended the given institute and acquired the necessary education. It is issued by the institute and contains scores obtained in various courses.

 

Transcripts are often known by various other names which often leads to a lot of confusion. To put your mind at ease we have assembled a list of common names which are often used in place of the word “transcripts”:

 

●      Mark Sheet

●      Mark List

●      Academic Certificates

●      Cumulative Record File (CRF)

●      Permanent Record

●      Transcript of Records (ToR)

●      Report Card

●      Diploma Supplement

●      Academic Record

●      Statement of Learning

●      Record of Achievement

 

 

All the aforementioned words are synonyms of each other. and mainly serve as proof that one has completed the education from a given institute.

 

 

 

 

 

The distinction between Degree, Diploma, and Transcripts

 

Transcripts, degrees, certificates and diplomas all serve as proof of completion of education. However, transcripts are different from all of them.

 

Diploma/Degree/Certificate: These are the documents that are issued after the completion of a degree/diploma and contain no detail about the score secured by the student in various subjects. The type of certificate issued, however, depends on the type of degree/diploma.

 

Transcript: It is a mark sheet that includes a learner’s academic records. It consists of the courses/subjects taken by the student, grades received against each column, the awards and the student’s achievements. It also includes the degree awarded to the student.

 

Content covered in a transcript

 

A transcript must contain a list of courses taken by the student and the grades/marks secured by the student in those courses.

Other than that, the transcript also incorporates the following information:

 

●      Student’s full name

●      Institute’s full name along with its location

●      Board name or University name for college education.

●      Complete name of the course.

●      Subject-wise scores/marks obtained by the student every semester.

 

Additionally, the transcript may or may not contain the following information:

 

●      The overall grade received by the student for the entire academic course/year

●      The total number of students in the class (overall strength of the class to compare where a particular student ranks)

●      The average grade of the class to specify where a particular student stands.

 

Note: A transcript must contain the institute’s stamp to make it a legitimate document.

 

The Need and Use of Transcripts for students

 

Academic transcripts or transcripts of record (ToR) are needed when a student applies to a different college within the nation or abroad. ToR is accepted as proof for completion of a degree/diploma.

 

When students apply to foreign colleges they need to attach a copy of ToR along with other required documents. Some colleges may require you to send a hard copy of the ToR. However, a soft copy must always be kept so that one can apply quickly to these colleges.

 

Which Transcript is needed for which course?

 

The type of transcripts required varies according to the level of education. For a graduate school in foreign colleges, an undergraduate transcript is required. Whereas, for an undergraduate degree, a secondary school certificate is required.

 

In some cases, universities may ask for transcripts from the last 2 educational qualifications. Requirements of the universities are often specified on their university websites.

 

Note: If you are in your final year and don’t have your final ToR, you should take the help of your provisional/interim mark sheet. Do keep in mind that the latest mark sheets must be used for this purpose.

 

Note: In addition to ToR, some colleges may also require backlog certificates which indicate if you have any backlog. Backlog can seriously affect your application at some universities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1. How to get your transcript?

 

The transcripts are usually issued by the board or institute and can be obtained by visiting the college or contacting the authorities and requesting them to send your transcript via post.

 

     2.  What to do if I lost my transcript?

 

It’s better to be cautious with your transcript as it is difficult to acquire a copy since the original transcript is issued by the institute. But the students who lost their ToR should try asking the institute officials for a duplicate copy.

 

    3.  What to do if my transcript is not in English?

 

In such cases, students can often demand a translated copy of their transcripts. Both copies must be signed by the authorities. Some colleges may ask for both copies.