A major part of the college application process is getting your transcripts– the official records from the high school you graduated from, as well as any other colleges you may have attended.
Typically, college admissions departments require a sealed official transcript mailed directly from the school you’ve attended. The sealed transcript assures the admissions department that your document is legitimate and untampered. (You may want to also request a “student copy” for your own records.)
The transcript procedure can vary from school to school, but usually require a written request (letter or fax). Typically, they will need to know the dates you attended, your graduation year (if applicable), your maiden name (if applicable), and possibly your social security number or student ID number. They will also need to know the name and address of the college you are applying to.
I highly recommend calling the schools you graduated from/attended, and asking what their specific procedures are for requesting transcripts.
Many college websites feature instructions for requesting transcripts; sometimes college websites have convenient forms online that you may print, fill out, and mail; still other colleges even allow you to request a transcript directly through their website. Depending on the college, there is also sometimes a nominal fee (I paid three dollars for one of mine) to process your request.
Obtaining transcripts can be a very streamlined process… but there can sometimes be roadblocks, especially when you’ve been out of school for a while.
This past year, when I decided to go back to school, I successfully got my various college transcripts. When it came to my high school, however, I hit a massive roadblock: there had been a major flood at the school, and my records were believed to be among the many destroyed!
Depending on where and when you graduated from high school, this is something that could conceivably happen to you, too! I graduated from high school in 1986, apparently long before records went digital. Schools can close and disasters can strike!
My former boss’s wife found herself in a similar situation a few years ago. She’d graduated from a high school overseas back in the 1960’s, and was unable to get her records. She eventually stopped making those frustrating long-distance phone calls, and decided to take the GED exam instead. She aced it, and was then able to continue her education.
My story had a happy ending, too– I took a chance and contacted a college I attended years ago. A very helpful woman in their admissions department dug through the archives and found my high school transcript! She sent me a copy, and I made extra copies of it for my own peace of mind (and I’ll need it in another two years when I transfer). My high school sent an official letter to the new college I was applying to, explaining the flood damage.
It took some hustling, but it was worth it– the new college was finally able to process my application… and they subsequently accepted me!
I hope this never happens to you if you’re thinking about going back to school, but if it does, it doesn’t have to be a permanent obstacle!
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