What Admissions Officers Look For
Understanding What A Transcript Says About You
A transcript provides information about a student’s academic record: which classes the student enrolled in, what grades were earned in those classes, and how the student scored on standardized tests. College admission officers request a transcript as part of every college application, because an applicant’s high-school record is one of the best indicators of how that student will do in college.
In addition to academic transcripts, some high schools have begun offering curricular transcripts, which show school activities that a student participated in beyond academics. School activities may include:
College admissions officers do not request curricular transcripts but they do tend to view them positively, as a way for the student to demonstrate well-rounded abilities. Throughout any sort of transcript, admission officers look for details that may prove that the student in question can handle the transition from high school to college, particularly whether the student can handle the tougher workload.
Explaining A Weak Transcript
Some high school students will not be able to provide a strong transcript for their college application. They may have received poor grades, or they may have been unable to take certain classes that colleges expect for specific majors. However, most admissions officers will allow applicants to submit a letter, addressing any weaknesses in their transcript. In some cases admissions officers may even request such a letter to accompany the transcript.
This kind of letter should simply state any extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to any weaknesses in a transcript, such as a lengthy illness or the death of a family member. Because of this opportunity to explain issues in a transcript, high-school students who do not have a strong transcript still have a chance to convince college admission officers of their abilities and potential.
Furthermore, admission officials understand that a good candidate for college does not necessarily need to have a perfect academic record. Instead, most admission officers look for students who are well-rounded.
Requesting A Transcript
During the college application process, students will be asked to submit a copy of their high-school transcript to their prospective college. Students must ask a high school staff member to provide one sealed transcript for each application they will be sending to a prospective college. At most high schools, this task is handled by the registrar’s office, but at some schools, other administrative staff, such as academic counselors, handles this issue.
Some schools will mail transcripts directly to the college admission officers. Others will provide a sealed copy to students, with the expectation that the student is responsible for mailing it along with their college application.
It is important to note that if a sealed copy of a transcript is opened before it reaches the admission officer; it is considered invalid and cannot be used in the college application process.