9 replies to this topic

[*JillD*]

I'm in the process of requesting my transcripts from the colleges I've attended. (which in total is 4)

So I'm having them sent to me, but does anyone know if you can make copies of them and use those copies to send along when you apply to a school?

The reason I ask is because with 4 schools to get transcripts from, I'll probably need about 5 copies of each, for the schools I'm applying to and that's going to get expensive at $5 a pop!

anyone know if other schools will accept copies?

[foxytv]

Anything sent to you that you copy and submit to another school, or wherever, is considered an 'unoffocial' transcript.

If the school sends you transcripts and they are still in a sealed envelope and your FWD that on, it is considered 'official' because the envelope seal hasn't been broken yet. Many places will allow unofficial for preliminary reasons and only request official ones at the end ... so just check on which is allowed.

There is a larger fee for 'official' transcripts as opposed to 'unofficial.' As a matter of fact, I can go online to my undergrad or grad school and print unofficial copies of my transcripts at any time.

Many employers (like when I applied to teach at a technical college) wanted unoffocial transcripts along with my application ... and then would require the official ones before they offer the position.

[starfish kate]

In my experience, the previous schools have to send the transcripts directly to the school(s) you are applying to, and they will also send a copy to you directly at no charge. I think I've received a couple via email. They need the original with the school's seal or whatever so they know they weren't tampered with.

[*JillD*]

okay, that's kind of what I thought. I didn't know you could print an unofficial one.

I always thought they had to be sent directly to the school, but when I went to this information session because of the time crunch I'm in to get everything in, in time, the person I met with said to have them sent to me and then to bring them in with my application to have processed and then to also send a copy to the person who does the transfer credit evaluation, so he could get them done quickly.

Maybe I'll call them.

[foxytv]

That should be fine Jill, b/c they will come to you in separate envelopes, all sealed. Just do not open them and give each envelope to the school that way and you will be fine.

Yeah, given enough time, its easier to have them sent directly to the school but it sounds like you might have to pay your school an expediting fee and have them all sent to you to disperse!

You'll be fine though!

Good Luck!!!

[Christine]

Jill as long as you don't open the envelope they are considered official but once its open they are unofficial. You will need to request one official for each program you apply for. I know its a pain but sometimes they give you "bulk" discounts. I usually order a few extra so I have them.
There will be a stamp right across the seal, issued to student, if opened trascript is unofficial. Or something like that.

[*JillD*]

okay, this is all good to know, thanks girls!

Now I've got to send out these requests! I noticed after posting this that some of the schools only charge $2 which isn't too bad, and one of them gives the first copy for free, so maybe it won't be as bad as I thought!

[rodent]

I have 4 colleges too. I did two years at a community college, 2 years at university & I took one class at another community college. When I applied to grad school I spent so much on transcripts. Now I have the 4th transcript, my graduate school. Once I start job interviewing I'll have to buy them all over again.

I do think I got a bulk discount though. Sometimes when I went in person they didn't charge me for them.

[chibi411]

Good luck on your application!

[starchild]

Yep, if they aren't sealed they don't count. (even if they are stamped with the registrar's seal!). They are free for life at my college but if I had to pay I would be annoyed too...what a racket! Good luck