Transcript Preparation: Key to U.S. university applications

Requesting and receiving transcripts may take several months, so students should plan ahead and initiate this process well before application deadlines to prevent any delays in submitting their bachelor’s or master’s program application.

Tips for international students to submit academic records to U.S. universities:

A student’s academic record is an important component of their applications to U.S. universities. Even before applying to a university, students should start thinking about how they plan to get their academic records from their current/past school, as the entire process can take some time.

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U.S. universities require students to submit their academic records in a specific format known as a “transcript.” A transcript is a type of marksheet, prepared and issued by the college or university where the student completed their bachelor’s degree. This is also prepared and issued by a high school if the student is applying to an undergraduate college or university.

Typically, a transcript includes a list of all courses taken during each year of the bachelor’s program, along with the corresponding grades for each course. To be accepted by U.S. universities, transcripts must be in English and bear the official stamp or seal of the issuing institution. Students should contact the registrar’s office at their college, university, or high school to request their transcripts.

If a student is applying for a master’s program in the United States during their final year of their bachelor’s degree, they should submit transcripts up to the pre-final year along with their application.

However, for those applying immediately after completing their bachelor’s program, the transcripts must include records from all the years of study, including the final year.

For master’s program applications, students should obtain one set of transcripts from their bachelor’s program. Usually, U.S. institutions only require a scanned or soft copy of the transcript to be uploaded on their online application portal for applications, though if you are accepted they will require an “official” transcript issued directly from your college, university, or high school.

If a hard copy of the transcript is requested, students should request additional copies from their college or university where they completed their undergraduate degree. These hard-copy transcripts should be placed in a sealed envelope, with the flap secured and stamped or sealed by the college or university before being sent to the U.S. institution.

Requesting and receiving transcripts may take several months, so students should plan ahead and initiate this process well before application deadlines to prevent any delays in submitting their bachelor’s or master’s program application.