Academic Transcripts are among the most commonly requested documents during university admissions. By definition, Academic Transcripts are official documents with subject-wise grades awarded during a specific academic term.
These documents provide an overview of your academic capabilities to the university, based on which the admissions office judges whether or not you’re eligible for the course you’re applying to.
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If you plan to study abroad, remember that academic transcripts are mandatory during admission. It’s essential to gather and verify your transcripts before you apply.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the meaning of academic transcript meaning and take an in-depth look at their usage.
What is an Academic Transcript?
As mentioned earlier, Academic Transcripts are simply a record of all your grades organised in a subject-wise list. To simplify it further, Academic transcripts are proof of your education and reflect your academic performance over the years.
An Academic transcript enables universities to understand what subjects you have studied and how talented you are in each. This detailed overview can help them decide if you are fit for the course you’re applying to.
Academic transcripts are a great way to show off your proficiency in the subjects you’ve mastered. Good grades definitely help you stand out from the competition.
It is easy to feel confused about Academic transcripts, as they have many names! Here are a few to remember:
- Mark Sheet
- Report Card
- Mark List
- Academic Certificates
- Cumulative Record File (CRF)
- Permanent Record
- Transcript of Records (ToR)
- Diploma Supplement
- Statement of Learning
- Record of Achievement
- Academic Record
Note: Though Academic Transcripts have many related terms, you must remember that the meaning of these terms may vary. For instance, a mark sheet can be the same as an Academic Transcript, however, in some cases it may not contain the official signature from the college/university, or consolidation of your scores. This can lead to disqualification during the admissions, as the document may not qualify as an official document i.e transcript certificate.
Read below to understand how you can recognise if your Academic transcript is valid or not.
If you’re still confused about the term, reach out to the officials at the university. You can also contact the experts at Leap for a hassle-free application process and study abroad journey!
Academic Transcript Sample: What does it contain?
Ideally, an Academic transcript must contain a yearly list of subjects you have studied and any practical work you have participated in, along with the corresponding grades or scores for each.
A valid Academic transcript typically includes the following elements:
- Your full name
- Full name of the institution
- Full address of the institution
- Name of the education board
- Accreditation held by the university
- Program/course/degree specification
- List of subjects, with grades
- Duration of the program
- Date of graduation
- Official signature/stamp from the university
Universities may also require other details on your Academic transcript, such as an overall grade, student rank, or class strength. However, this is not mandatory. It’s always best to check university specific requirements before sending your Academic transcript.
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When should you apply for an Academic Transcript?
Academic transcript are required during the application part of the admissions process. You can upload a soft copy of your Academic transcript and other documents, such as a Statement of Purpose, Letter of Recommendation, Transcript certificate and more!
Typically, universities ask for a Consolidated Transcript or Transcript Certificate!
What is a Consolidated Transcript or Marksheet?
A consolidated transcript is a single transcript with all your scores from the program. Marksheets are often given yearly or per semester; they usually only contain scores for that term/year.
However, in a Consolidated Transcript, you get a compilation of yearly or semester-wise scores on a single sheet.
You can request a Consolidated Transcript once you graduate via an application through the university/college’s website.
If you’re in your final semester and are waiting for the results, you can apply for a Provisional Transcript.
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What is a Provisional Transcript?
A Provisional Transcript is a temporary mark sheet that is quite useful if you’re still waiting for your final results. This version of the transcript contains an average aggregate of your degree derived from your averages from each semester/year.
Though this version does not contain a full breakdown of your subject-wise scores or CGPAs, it can be quite useful to show your overall performance, including information about any backlogs you’ve had.
How to Get an Academic Transcript Certificate?
You can request an Academic transcript certificate from your institution once you finish your final exams and your results are out. Academic transcript certificate is typically processed within 1 to 4 weeks of request.
Most universities have not facilitated this process online, which means you may be able to request your Academic transcript certificate online by applying for them on the university’s official website. Some universities may also charge a fee for it.
You don’t need any documents to obtain the Academic transcript certificate. However, you may be asked to provide a backlog Academic transcript certificate during application.
Do Transcripts Vary Depending on the Course/Program?
The format and meaning of the Academic transcript certificate remains the same no matter what course or program you choose. However, universities only ask for Academic transcript certificate that is relevant to the program/course you’re applying to.
Here are some points to remember:
- If you’re applying to a bachelor’s program, you can submit your Academic transcript certificate from Secondary School Education (12th Grade) or Pre-university Education.
- If you’re applying to a master’s program, you must submit the Academic transcript certificate from a relevant undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree. Some universities may also request your high school transcripts.
How to Send Academic Transcripts to Universities?
There are multiple ways to send your Academic transcript certificate to universities.
- You can download a digital copy of the Academic transcript certificate and upload the soft copy during the online application process.
- You can download a digital copy of the transcript and share it with the admissions office via email.
- You can request your university to mail the Academic transcript certificate directly to the institution of your choice via courier services. Ensure the envelope is sealed and contains the stamp from your institution.
The method of sharing the Academic transcript certificate depends on the university you’re applying to. Read the instructions carefully!
Talk to our experts to get full assistance on the application process!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What is meant by an Academic Transcript?
A. An Academic Transcript is an official document issued by the institution to provide a comprehensive record of your academic performance over the years. An Academic Transcript contains the list of subjects you’ve studied throughout the semesters and the individual scores for each. Academic Transcripts are often a mandatory requirement during the admission process.
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Q. Are Academic Transcripts and mark sheets the same?
A. Yes, Academic Transcripts are commonly known as Mark sheets. However, it’s important to note that mark sheets typically carry just the individual scores specific to a year, and can be considered unofficial by some universities. Also note, that universities often ask for a consolidated mark sheet/transcripts rather than individual/yearly mark sheets. Academic transcripts are also known as Report Cards, Academic Certificates or Diploma Supplement.
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Q. Is a degree certificate a transcript?
A. No. A degree certificate is a document of recognition that you have successfully completed your degree program. It does not provide a breakdown of your scores or performance but simply states that you have completed it. The main intention of a transcript is to provide the admissions officers with a complete breakdown of your academic performance. Therefore, a degree certificate will not be considered an Academic Transcript.
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Q. How long does it take to receive my academic transcript after requesting it?
A. Transcripts are often issued within a few weeks. It may vary depending on the institution, but typically, you must receive your transcript within 1 to 4 weeks of your request. If you plan to study abroad, we recommend requesting your transcript as early as possible so there is no delay in your application process. You can apply for a provisional transcript if you are still waiting for your final results
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Q. What is the difference between Provisional Transcripts and Consolidated Transcripts?
A. Consolidated Transcripts contain your scores from the start to the end of the program on a single sheet. Universities often ask for a consolidated transcript rather than an individual transcript. Provisional Transcripts, on the other hand, contain an average aggregate of your degree based on your average score in each semester. This transcript version does not contain information regarding the subjects you’ve studied or your performance. Usually, Provisional Transcripts are used as temporary transcripts.
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Q. Do Academic Transcripts include extracurricular activities?
A. No. Typically, Academic Transcripts only contain a subject-wise list of your grades. Certain final-year projects may be counted as a part of the transcripts, considering they were part of your curriculum and you were awarded scores. The transcript will not contain any additional information regarding your extracurricular activities. You can highlight your achievements in this area on your resume or Statement of purpose.
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Q. Is a transcript necessary for admission?
A. Yes. Transcripts are a vital part of your admission process and often a mandatory requirement for admission. Transcripts provide a good peek into your academic capabilities and help the admission officers understand whether or not you are suitable for the course/program you’re applying to. Make sure your Transcripts are valid, and apply early to ensure you don’t delay the application process.
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Q. How long are transcripts valid?
A. Transcripts do not have an expiry date. Transcripts are proof of your academic performance, and they stay true and valid for a lifetime. However, It’s best to upload the new and relevant transcripts depending on the context of your application. For example, if you’re applying for a master’s course, it does not make sense to only provide transcripts from your high school. For a master’s course, you must provide transcripts from a relevant undergraduate degree and support it with your high school transcript.
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Q. Do the transcripts include backlogs?
A. Yes, the transcripts do include backlogs. The Academic transcripts contain all your scores, including the backlogs. Many universities do accept a history of backlogs. However, since it’s not always the case, it’s best to check with the university before you apply. It may be slightly difficult to get admission to a top university with a record of backlogs, but if your profile is outstanding otherwise, you may still have a chance. Give it your best shot!
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Q. Can I share my transcripts with universities online?
A. Yes, most universities accept transcripts online. You may upload it during the application process, along with other documents such as a Statement of Purpose and Letter of Recommendation. Note that sometimes, universities ask for hard copies of the transcripts, and some request that your transcripts be sent directly from the university in a sealed envelope. It’s best to check university-specific requirements before you go ahead.
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Q. What should I do if my transcript is not in English?
A. If your transcript is not in English, it must be translated into English. Remember to submit both the original and translated transcripts when you apply for admission. Ensure both copies have the official stamps and signatures from your school and the translator. Also, reach out to the university to check if they have any additional requirements regarding the translated transcripts and ensure that they are met.
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