transcript of phd degree

/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="transcript of phd degree"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

Transcript requirements.

• Requirements for All Applicants
• Additional Requirements for Applicants with International Credentials
• Requirements for Admitted Students (only applicable AFTER you are admitted)

All Applicants

All applicants must have received—or be on track to receive before matriculation as a graduate student—a baccalaureate degree from a college or university of recognized standing. For students with international credentials, an equivalent international degree is required. Transcripts are required for every college or university you have attended. If transfer credits are noted on your undergraduate transcript, you should list the transfer school on your application but there is no need to upload a separate transcript. Please inform your prospective graduate field if your name on any of your credentials will be different from the one noted on your application.

The online application requires you to upload an unofficial copy of each official transcript. To prepare your transcripts, follow the steps below:

• Do not upload transcripts that include a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN). Redact, cross out, or cover your SSN, if applicable, before scanning the document.
• The online application will not accept or properly display encrypted or password-protected documents. Official electronic transcripts (e-transcripts) must be printed first, then scanned and uploaded.
• Scan or save each transcript (and the English translation, if applicable) as a PDF, TIFF, JPEG, or GIF file. Combine multiple pages from the same transcript into one file; the file size for each upload cannot exceed 10MB. 
• Ensure each scanned or saved image is clear and easy to read before submitting your application.

Admitted students are required to submit official electronic transcripts (e-transcripts) directly to the Graduate School Admissions Office after accepting the offer of admission. Please see below for additional details.

Applicants with International Credentials — Additional Requirements

In addition to transcripts, applicants with international credentials must also provide a certified copy of the diploma and/or degree certificate for any conferred degree. All academic records must be official documents issued by the college or university and provided in the original language. A certified or notarized English translation must accompany the academic records if the original language is not English.

A complete set of academic records should include the name of the degree program in which you were enrolled, your dates of attendance, a list of courses taken each year, grades received in each course, and the date your degree was conferred (if applicable). Combine multiple pages from the same set of academic records into one file; the file size for each upload cannot exceed 10MB. 

Admitted Students

This section is only applicable to admitted students who have accepted an offer of admission from Cornell.

You must submit an official electronic transcript of your undergraduate degree, with the degree marked as conferred or awarded, to the Graduate School Admissions Office. Submit your documents as soon as possible to avoid processing delays. Documents must be received before October 1 for summer and fall admits, or before March 1 for spring admits.

• If you earned your undergraduate degree from Cornell University, you do not need to submit an official transcript.
• The Graduate School Admissions Office requires its own official electronic copy of your documents. Any transcripts or other academic records that you submitted with your application, or sent directly to your admitting program, will not fulfill the final transcript requirement. 
• If you earned your undergraduate degree at an institution outside the U.S., you must provide the transcript, a certified copy of your diploma and/or degree certificate, and a certified translation of all documents if they are not already in English. All documents must be delivered electronically.
• Any documents sent to the Graduate School Admissions Office will become the property of the university and physical copies will not be retained.

Electronic submission is required

Transcripts and other required academic records must be delivered to Cornell electronically either by your institution OR by a credential verification service. We do not accept transcripts directly from students. Preferred providers include:

• CertiFile through ApplyWeb ( recommended , see below)
• National Student Clearinghouse
• TEC – The Evaluation Company (formerly Spantran)
• World Education Services (WES) (Course-by-Course ICAP only)
• Any NACES member credential evaluation service
• We also accept transcripts that have been certified and uploaded directly to your application by IIE, or Amideast or were submitted through SOPHAS, VMCAS, or LSAC.

Important Notes:

• We have download accounts with CertiFile, Parchment, TEC, and WES.
• If you are using another service, or if documents are being electronically delivered by your institution, please have transcripts or retrieval instructions delivered to [email protected] .
• E-transcripts with a retrieval deadline or expiration date should not be submitted to the Graduate School Admissions Office between March 1-June 1.
• Due to the volume of transcripts we receive and process, we are unable to send a confirmation receipt when we receive your transcript. We will only notify you directly if we are missing any documents.
• If you are having financial or logistical difficulties meeting the final transcript requirement, please use our  online request form  to contact us regarding your options.

What is CertiFile? Is it required?

The CertiFile service provides Cornell with verified official transcripts and other required documents and prevents the submission of fraudulent or unsuitable credentials. The documents are delivered directly to our office, you will be notified immediately when they arrive, and there is no expiration date for us to retrieve them. Additionally, your verified credentials will be stored in your Digitary  wallet so you can access and share them with employers, recruiters, or other schools whenever you need to. Using CertiFile fully satisfies the Graduate School Admissions Office’s transcript requirements.

How much does it cost?

Students with international credentials (or a combination of U.S. and international credentials) will pay $205 USD to have them verified, evaluated, and delivered electronically to Cornell. Students with U.S. (domestic) credentials will pay $56 USD to have them verified and delivered electronically to Cornell.

How do I place a CertiFile order? When should I start?

You can initiate a CertiFile order from your ApplyWeb activity page at any time after accepting your offer of admission. If you are still enrolled in your current degree program, wait until after you graduate to place your order. Please confirm with your school that your degree has been posted before ordering. An applicant can update an existing order for $65 USD (international) or $25 (domestic).

I already have credentials stored in my Digitary or MyEquals account. What should I do?

Initiate a CertiFile order through the Admission Supplement or your ApplyWeb activity page . When prompted, indicate that you want to attach existing academic credentials from your Digitary or MyEquals account, then follow the directions to select the documents you wish to have delivered to Cornell. The CertiFile service will deliver the credentials directly to Cornell on your behalf for free.

Who should I contact for help with my order?

You can find the answers to many of your questions using ApplyWeb’s CertiFile help page . For additional technical assistance, email [email protected] . 

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What is an Academic Transcript?

• By Dr Harry Hothi
• December 24, 2020

An academic transcript is a university document which gives a complete breakdown of each individual module or subject you studied for your degree and the grade or mark that you were awarded for each module. This academic transcript will also give the level or credit value of each module and how it contributes to the final degree grade that you achieved. For example, your final year dissertation is likely to worth a greater number of credits than a single taught module.

Note that the academic transcript is an official university document and will detail the final marks that you were awarded after confirmation by the relevant examination boards. These will not include provisional or predicted marks if you are a current student yet to complete your degree (for example).

Professional bodies also provide transcripts that are similar in structure to the university academic transcript format. That is that these will give a breakdown of individual modules or units of study and the mark or grade awarded for each.

Note also that academic transcripts may be referred to using different terms depending on the university or country. These may include terms such as a record of achievement, a statement of learning, an academic record, a transcript of records, a diploma supplement, graduate diploma or a permanent record.

Why do I need an academic transcript?

You may be asked to provide a copy of your academic transcript when applying for certain jobs or if applying for a postgraduate degree such as a PhD . These may then be used by potential employers or institutions to determine which specific subjects you undertook. To that end, this document needs to be official certified by the university or institution you gained your degree at. The normal format here is for the academic transcript to be presented on the university’s letter-headed paper and either signed or stamped by the registry office.

How do I get a copy of my academic transcript?

Most universities in the UK will automatically send a paper copy of your academic transcript to your home address, together with your degree certificate, after you complete your degree. It is important that you keep this copy safe; replacement copies can be obtained but universities usually charge a small fee for this. For example, the University of London guidance is that a replacement copy will cost £25.

Note also that academic transcripts can only be requested from a university by the student that completed the degree. Requests from others (such as potential employers) are not permitted.

What information does an academic transcript contain?

This is an official transcript which details your full name, the university or institution that you studied at, the full title and level of your degree, the degree class you were awarded, a list of all courses, subjects, modules or units you undertook and the marks or grades that you were awarded for each of these.

Need to write a list of abbreviations for a thesis or dissertation? Read our post to find out where they go, what to include and how to format them.

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• Transcript FAQs

All academic records uploaded to your application must be in English or accompanied by a translation to English. We do not accept transcripts in any form sent via post or email during the initial application review process.

• PhD/Master's Application Process
• Admissions - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is a final official transcript required?

A final official transcript is required only after an offer of admission is extended to you and you accept that offer.

For admitted students only:

• The transcript must be sent to us directly from the issuing institution or its authorized agent, properly signed and/or authenticated.
• If the transcript is for a degree program, please wait to send the final transcript until the degree has been awarded and is marked on your official transcript. No interim transcript is necessary.
• If you received a degree from the institution, the final official transcript (or an accompanying degree certificate) must indicate that the degree was awarded.
• If the issuing institution does not indicate that a degree was awarded on their transcripts (common at institutions outside of the United States), please also request a separate degree certificate to accompany the transcript. We cannot accept a final transcript for a degree program unless we receive both a transcript of grades and an indication that the degree was awarded. 

Final official transcripts may be certified electronic transcripts or traditional paper transcripts. PDFs sent as email attachments will not be accepted.

• Certified Electronic Transcripts (preferred method):

If your institution is able to send a certified electronic transcript (from Parchment, eSCRIP-SAFE, Digitary, National Student Clearinghouse, etc.), it should be sent to:

[email protected]

This address is for institutional use only. Transcripts sent to this address by the student will not be accepted.

•   Traditional Paper Transcripts:

If your institution will be mailing a paper transcript, please have it sent to the appropriate address, below. The transcript must be received in an envelope sealed by the issuing institution and contain authentication, such as a signature or raised seal.

For courier services, such as UPS, DHL, FedEx, etc.:

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Graduate Admissions 1 Hillhouse Avenue Room 302 New Haven, CT 06511

For US Postal Mail (USPS) only:

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Graduate Admissions P.O. Box 208236 New Haven, CT 06520-8236

Q: What kind of transcript do I need to submit with my application?

When you complete an application for admission, you must upload a transcript or academic record for all colleges/universities you have attended. This may be an informal transcript that you download from your school’s information system, or it may be a transcript issued to you personally from your college/university registrar. All transcripts you upload to your application must include: 

• The institution name
• Course names and grade information
• Any academic comments that would be a part of an official transcript

If you upload a PDF of an electronic transcript, please make sure no additional authentication is needed, as transcripts requiring authentication will not upload successfully.  Do not submit an official transcript to us by mail. Mailed transcripts are unnecessary during the application process and will be discarded. Official transcripts will only be required for admitted students and they will receive specific instructions about this after they have accepted an offer to enroll.  Please note: if your transcript includes sensitive identifying information, such as your Social Security Number, you may redact this before scanning and uploading the transcript to your application.

Q: What does 'unofficial transcript' mean?

We define an unofficial transcript as any academic record in your possession, such as:

• A transcript issued to you 
• A record of your academic performance obtained from your institution’s SIS portal

Please Note: All academic records uploaded to your online application are treated as unofficial.

Q: What does 'final official transcript' mean?

We define a final official transcript as a transcript received directly from the issuing institution (whether on paper and still in the envelope or a certified electronic copy) that is properly signed/authenticated.

• If this transcript is in support of your baccalaureate degree-granting institution, it must indicate the award of the baccalaureate degree (or its foreign equivalent). 
• If this transcript is in support of an advanced degree program that you have completed at the same or another institution, it must indicate the award of that degree.
• If this transcript is in support of work taken in a non-degree program, it will contain all coursework taken.

A final official transcript is only required if you have been offered admission and have accepted that offer. Specific instructions will be sent to incoming students in May.

Please Note: Your final official transcript will be reviewed and compared to any transcript or academic record uploaded in support of your application and may also undergo independent verification. 

Q: May I upload a diploma or certificate of achievement or other non-academic record document?

Yes, if you feel they positively support your application, you may upload these as a Supplementary Material when you apply. Do not upload diplomas or certificates in the Academic History section in lieu of a transcript or academic record. 

Q: My institution sends transcripts electronically. Are you able to accept them?

During the application process you must upload your academic record/transcript, which may take the form of an electronic transcript (however, please ensure no additional authentication is required to view the transcript, as this will cause problems with your upload). 

Following admission and acceptance of an offer of admission, you may request that your institution send your official electronic transcript to [email protected] . (Please note: transcripts sent to this address from applicants who have not accepted an offer of admission will be discarded.)

Q: My institution does not issue a traditional transcript or a record of my academic performance reflecting courses, credits, and grades. What should I do?

You should upload the academic performance document that your institution typically issues.

Q: My academic record from my institution's SIS Portal has an error in a course grade. Can I correct this error?

No. You should not attempt to modify the information reflected on the academic record downloaded from your institution’s SIS Portal.  If there are errors, you must have those errors corrected before downloading the record.

Q: Should I send in, or have sent in, an official transcript in support of my application?

No, a traditional paper or electronic transcript is neither required nor necessary for the review of your application. Instead, please upload an unofficial transcript or other copy of your academic record, as described above.

We do not accept transcripts sent via post or email during the initial application review process. All documentation must be uploaded directly to your application. 

Q: Do I need to have a transcript sent to you if I have uploaded one with my application?

No, you should not send any transcripts to us at the point of application. Instead, you should upload an unofficial copy of your transcript or academic record when you apply.

Applicants who are admitted and who accept an offer of admission will need to send us a final official transcript by July 15. Admitted students will receive specific instructions about this in May. 

Q: I have already asked that a transcript be sent to you. Should or can I upload a copy as well?

Yes. You must upload your academic record to your application prior to submission. Any transcript received by mail will be discarded.

Q: Can I upload my academic record (unofficial) transcripts obtained from my institution’s web site?

Yes. Academic records, such as those frequently available to enrolled students from an institutional Student Information System portal, can be uploaded. However, please make certain that such an academic record contains course identifiers, names, and grades; or consider uploading a scanned copy of your transcript.

In addition, if your institution uses your Social Security Number as an institutional identification number, please ensure that you obscure (using whiteout or a black marker) that number before scanning and uploading to your application.

Q: I am not able to upload a copy of my transcript. May I send it to you via e-mail or upload a self-prepared transcript?

No. Please upload a copy of your academic record/scanned copy of your transcript, which is required in order to submit your application.

We are unable to accommodate and will not accept/process transcripts sent to us via mail or email, whether from an applicant or from an institution. Do not self-prepare your own transcript, as it will be disregarded. 

Q: My uploaded transcript/s already indicate/s the award of the baccalaureate or advanced degree. If I am admitted do I have to send another final official transcript?

Yes. If you are offered admission and you accept that offer, you must have the institution send us a copy of your final official transcript. Incoming students will receive more specific instructions starting in May. 

Q: Do I have to upload both the non-English and English translated transcript?

Yes. If your original transcript is in a language other than English, please upload both the original and the translation.

Q: The academic record I have from my school SIS portal does not contain the name of my school, nor does it have a 'transcript legend.' Is that a problem?

No. While it is preferred that any academic record you upload to your application contain the institution name and a ‘legend,’ we understand that this is not always possible for academic records from institutional portals. If you have or can obtain an unofficial copy of your transcript, you can upload that instead.

Q: My transcript has been evaluated by a credential evaluation service (e.g., WES). Can that evaluation be uploaded in lieu of my transcript?

Yes. The evaluation must contain course and grade information, however. Please note, that if you are offered admission and accept that offer, an original transcript will be required directly from the issuing institution.

Q: Do I need to upload a transcript from my study abroad program?

A separate transcript from the study abroad institution is not required if the information also appears on your home institution’s transcript. You may upload a copy of your home institution transcript to reflect your study abroad coursework.

If your home institution transcript does not reflect your study abroad coursework, then you should upload a separate transcript from the study abroad institution. 

Q: Due to the impact of COVID-19, my institution adopted a Universal Pass or Credit/Fail option for Spring 2020 courses. Will my chance of admission be impacted by this change?

No. Yale’s graduate programs evaluate applicants holistically and will take the significant disruptions of COVID-19 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials relating to Spring 2020. In particular, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Credit/Fail and other grading options during this unprecedented period, whether they are made by institutions or by individual students.

• Transcripts

Information about unofficial and official transcripts

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Applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts from each institution attended. Harvard Griffin GSAS does not accept transcripts received by mail or email during the application submission and review process. Any transcripts sent during this time will be discarded.  

Official transcripts are only required from those who have been admitted and accepted the offer of admission. Instructions for submitting official transcripts will be provided in spring/summer prior to enrollment. 

Transcripts from international institutions must be in English or be accompanied by a certified English translation. All translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records. International transcripts should include: 

• courses, seminars, and examinations taken 
• grades, scores, and grading scales 
• confirmation of degree conferral and date. 

Fall Grades: Applicants currently enrolled in a college or university may be required to submit fall grades. Visit your program of interest in Degree Programs for more information. Should you wish to update your submitted application with fall grades, you may do so using the Fall Grade Report in the Applicant Portal. 

What if my school does not issue transcripts? 

If your school’s registrar does not issue transcripts, you must request from them an official original document or letter that lists all courses taken, including currently enrolled classes, credits received, grades received and if you have graduated, and the name of the degree conferred and the date of the conferral. 

What if my grades are pass/fail or based on a nontraditional scale? 

Grades and GPA should be reported in the same format as they are reported on your transcript. If your transcript does not include a GPA, you are not required to include the GPA on your Harvard Griffin GSAS application. 

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Academic transcripts

A transcript is an official summary of your academic performance and progress to date. It will only include final marks confirmed by the appropriate Examination Board. A transcript may be required by prospective employers or educational institutions to which you are applying.

Most current students and many alumni are now eligible for transcripts through the eDocuments service - please see our eDocuments FAQ page  for more information on registering and a link to the student site. Once your documents have been made available on the service then for a one-off fee of £16 you will be able to pay for access. This fee covers access to all documents, current and future, and to features like the Connection service, and real-time verification of documents through the QR code. You can share your documents with third parties to allow verification through the Connections feature or via the QR code on every document; you can print your documents and you can save copies. Please note: the saved files will be encrypted and are not suitable for upload to secure portals. Please encourage third parties to use the Connection feature if you need to share your documents securely.  

On-course transcripts

How do I order my on-course transcript? If you are a taught undergraduate or taught graduate student, you can now request your on-course transcript from the  My Exams  area of Student Self Service.  Research graduate students remain ineligible for transcripts (please use your enrolment certificate to confirm your course status). You will receive an email inviting you to register on the eDocuments service if you have not already done so.

What will my on-course transcript show?   When you request your transcript the version available to you on the eDocuments service will reflect your marks to date as they appear on your Student Self Service account. Courses that have not yet been confirmed will not appear until the exam entry window has closed and you have received confirmation. It also includes information about your course, and identifying student information. 

Final transcripts

How do I get my final transcript? If you have just finished your award then your final transcript will normally be uploaded to the University's eDocuments service within 24 hours of your results. You will receive an email from the eDocuments service when it is ready to view. If you have not already registered then you should do so - you will need a personal (non-university) email address and your student number, which can be found in your self-service account. Please note that you be will required to pay a one-off, nominal fee to register. Other documents will be issued to you at the same time, including a degree confirmation letter and a diploma supplement. Your eCertificate will not be issued before your degree ceremony has taken place, unless you are on a course which does not require you to attend a ceremony. 

I finished my course before 2022. What do I do? We aim to make transcripts available to all eligible students through eDocuments, so please see the table below and register an account if you are eligible. If you do not know your student number please email your full name, date of birth, and college to [email protected] to obtain this. If your transcript is not available when you log in, please wait one working day and then email [email protected] for assistance if it has not arrived in your account. 

We are unable to produce transcripts for the following students:

  Note to third parties

Third parties who wish to validate transcripts received from the University of Oxford should note that transcript letters may be issued by colleges as an alternative to standard transcripts in some circumstances: these should be accepted as valid documents equivalent to the standard transcript. Colleges hold authority to issue these documents when the Degree Conferrals Team are unable to do so. Please refer to the table above for examples of situations when standard transcripts cannot be issued.

Diploma supplement

If you are applying for a course in a European university, most institutions will ask you to supply an academic transcript. However, some institutions may ask you to provide a diploma supplement. This document consists of the academic transcript, a statement quantifying your course in terms of European Credit Transfer Scheme (ECTS) credits, plus additional information describing the higher education system. It cannot be provided if you have not yet completed your course. 

There are two credit systems: that used by UK universities, and the ECTS, used by a number of other European countries. We take each year of full-time study to equal 120 UK credits (undergraduate) and 180 UK credits (postgraduate) according to the Higher Education Credit Framework for England. In ECTS, this is equivalent to 60 credits for undergraduate study and 90 credits for postgraduate study. The University’s courses are not taught on a modular basis so we do not apply credit weightings to the individual components of your course.

Diploma supplements can now be obtained through your eDocuments account if you are eligible. The letter should be accompanied by the final transcript. If you are not eligible we cannot provide either document. 

If you have completed a part-time course and have queries regarding Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) credits, please contact the course team at the Department for Continuing Education .

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Transcript and Verification Services

For schools   other   than   the School of Graduate Studies,  click  here

Transcripts and Verifications from the School of Graduate Studies: (ONLY PhDs in the basic sciences, the PhD portion of MD/PhD degree, and MS degrees in basic sciences through the faculty of the School of Graduate Studies):

The School of Graduate Studies provides transcripts for Ph.D. and the Ph.D. portion of M.D./Ph.D. degrees (Biomedical Engineering, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Neural & Behavioral Sciences, and the departmental degrees prior to the 2000s) and M.S. degrees in basic sciences .

For transcripts and other verification from The School of Graduate Studies   only , please contact:

Ed Throckmorton, Registrar School of Graduate Studies

There is no charge for transcripts or other verification unless a request for the mailing incurs an extraordinary charge for postage (express, overnight, ensured, overseas, etc.).

Official transcripts cannot be issued directly to students, ex-students or alumni. Please provide the name and address of the company, institution, or governmental agency that the official transcript will be delivered to.

A student or alumnus can request their own unofficial transcript at any time.

We can also provide the following upon request:

• Enrollment verification
• Letter of good standing
• Graduation Certification (for students who have completed the degree program but degree is not yet conferred)

National Student Clearinghouse

SUNY Downstate has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide enrollment and degree verifications. The National Student Clearinghouse can be contacted at:

Web: www.degreeverify.org Mail: National Student Clearinghouse 2300 Dulles Station Boulevard, Suite 300 Herndon, VA 20171

What are Academic Transcripts & How to Get Them?

• April 22, 2024
• Reading Time: 5 minutes

Table of contents

Shivani Mani

Lead, Student Success - FundRight

When universities or corporations ask for your academic transcripts, they ask for your proof of education. They’re looking for a record detailing all the subjects you’ve studied, and the grades you’ve scored from your institute.

Common names for academic transcripts

An academic transcript is also known as

• Report card
• Cumulative record file
• Academic certificate
• Diploma supplement
• Academic record
• Transcript of records
• Permanent record
• Record of achievement
• Statement of learning

What details do academic transcripts include?

Academic transcripts must have the following:

• Full name of the institute with location
• Full name of the student
• Board for school education
• Grades for all semesters
• Complete name of the course

Your academic transcript could look something like this:

Difference between academic transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees

Difference between a transcript and a mark sheet.

While you’ll have many mark sheets for different years of education, a transcript is like a record that must  include  your mark sheets.

Difference between a transcript and a certificate

You get a certificate when you complete a degree program. Whereas you get an academic transcript (which includes your certificate) to get a detailed proof of education; a detail of all the grades you’ve scored for every subject.

Difference between a transcript and a diploma

An academic transcript is a document containing academic information. A diploma, on the other hand, is an educational qualification.

Difference between a transcript and a degree

While a degree signifies you’ve completed an academic program, an academic transcript provides information about the degree, such as subjects studied, grades, exams taken, etc.

When to request an academic transcript

When you apply to universities abroad, they will ask for your academic transcript. You will also need it to apply for your visa to study abroad.

Here’s a list of all the study abroad visa documents you’ll need, presented by  GradRight :

If you’re still studying at an institute at the time of application, you’ll need to submit an unofficial/provisional academic transcript. But if you’ve already graduated at the time of application, you won’t need to apply for your academic record. You would have already received it as per the procedure.

Make sure to include a backlog certificate along with the rest of the documents you’ve submitted (if you haven’t cleared an exam on the first attempt).

The ideal time to request the transcript is 1-2 weeks before you submit your application form to your desired university.

Formats accepted while submitting an academic transcript

Universities usually accept the following formats while assessing students’ applications:

A scanned version of an official academic transcript

You must make sure this scanned version has a stamp or a signature. This will certify the transcript.

An electronic copy of an interim/provisional transcript

As mentioned above, if you’re applying for your desired university before you’ve graduated from your current university, you can submit an interim transcript at the time of application.

An e-transcript officially obtained from a third-party electronic system

If you have access to an electronic system, such as Digitary, you can submit an official academic transcript obtained through it.

Screenshot images

This will be accepted if you’re unable to obtain your transcript.

Some typical guidelines to ensure your document is formatted in the right manner include:

• checking if grades and names of institutions are easily identifiable
• saving the document in PDF format, with a file size of less than 10 MB
• checking image quality before uploading
• ensuring the resolution is of 200 dpi wherever possible
• scanning in black and white or grayscale

Please note that these acceptable formats may vary from one institute to another.

Self-evaluation in an academic transcript

Most academic records will not require you to include a self-evaluation section with the transcript. But there are a few exceptions, and some universities may ask for it. Here are some guidelines on how to go about it.

• Write a brief description of your favorite subjects, and also mention the reasons why.
• Write about the subjects you feel you’re weak in and how you overcame these challenges.
• Evaluate practical experiences you’ve had in the duration of the course.
• Provide an insight into how the course has helped make you a more capable person.

The entire section shouldn’t be more than 150 words. It also needs to generate a good impression of you. Make sure that, even when you write about your weaknesses, you write them as opportunities for growth, and not qualities that may make you come across as a bad student.

Academic transcripts: 8 things to keep in mind

• They must be clear and readable
• The details provided in the transcript must be presented in a language recognized by the institute. If it’s not recognized by the institute of your choice, you will need to get it translated into the language accepted by them. It should be noted that some institutes may ask you to have it translated by an authorized body.
• You can submit an unofficial academic transcript at the time of application submission, but you must ensure that the final academic transcript you submit is official.
• Make sure your academic transcripts have no grammatical errors or spelling mistakes.
• It is important that all the information provided on the transcript be correct. Cross-check with your institute at the time of collection.
• If you’re applying to an undergraduate course, you’ll need to include academic reports from Class 12, or an undergraduate diploma if applicable.
• If you’re applying to a graduate course, your academic reports must include information about your undergraduate courses.
• Before applying to any university abroad, read the document checklist and find out if you need to submit a backlog certificate. This certificate is proof to show you have no backlogs.

Need help finding a university that’s the best fit for you? Take help from us at  GradRight !

Academic transcripts: more questions, answered

Should I provide documentation for every school I’ve attended?

Yes. If not, there could be a delay in processing your application. Mention all the colleges, universities, and technical schools you’ve attended.

You should also include details of your graduate work, community college courses, evening school, CLEP exams, and any other education for which you’ve received academic credit.

What if I haven’t received academic credit for some training courses? Can I include those in the transcript?

No. Don’t include courses for which you haven’t received academic credit. Examples of these kinds of courses include short courses and Navy, Army, or Air Force Service Schools.

If my institute won’t reproduce my transcripts, will universities abroad accept a photocopy of the transcripts?

Yes. Usually, universities will accept a photocopy as long as it’s presented directly from your current institute and is verified as a true copy by the relevant authority.

To make sure your desired university accepts this copy, send your current university’s controller of exams a copy of your academic transcript along with a copy of the completed Transcript Request Form, and have them verify it and stamp the copy. This will prove that your document is the true copy. Then, send out this verified document to your desired university.

What documents need to support academic transcripts?

• Backlog certificate: If you have any backlogs, you’ll need a certificate that shows you’ve cleared them. Even if you have no backlogs, some universities do still ask for a no backlog certificate.
• Completed application form and fee: Make sure you submit your application before the deadline. Have all your documents ready, and pay the exact amount.
• Entrance test scores like that of GRE, SAT, and GMAT: Universities will usually have a certain range within which you’ll need to score to get in or a cut-off.
• Letters of recommendation: This document, issued either by your professor or manager with whom you’ve worked in the past, is proof of your credibility as a student or employee. This document testifies to your expertise, achievements, and skills. There are 2 different types of LORs: Academic and Professional.

For an academic LOR, the following attributes need to be mentioned: your academic performance in a subject, co-curricular activities you’ve excelled in, relevant research work or projects, and specific incidents that prove your good work ethic and expertise.

For a professional LOR, attributes like your leadership abilities, soft skills, specific work incidents that showcase your strengths, and other areas of expertise need to be mentioned.

• Financial documents: These would include your bank account statement, scholarship letters that show your financial capacity, loan approval letters, and so on. You’d also need to submit a copy of your passport.

Need help with your student loan? Reach out to us at  FundRight .

• CV: This short career summary will be helpful to understand you as an employee and what fields you do best in.
• Personal essay: This is an essay that shows the admission committee who you are and why you deserve to be a student of your desired college.
• Tests for Eglish language proficiency: IELTS is one such test widely accepted by several universities worldwide.

Shivani, aka 'Sheen' brings in 15+ years of experience in banking & finance. An IIM-A alumna, she actively interacts with students & provides actionable solutions to their study abroad funding issues.

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The Role of Degree Transcripts in Graduate School Applications: How to Stand Out

Applying to graduate school is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. Among the various components of your application—such as recommendation letters, personal statements, and standardized test scores—your degree transcript holds significant weight. A degree transcript provides a detailed record of your academic history, showcasing your coursework, grades, and overall academic performance. It is a critical document that can either bolster your application or raise questions about your readiness for advanced study.

In this post, we’ll explore the significance of degree transcripts in graduate school applications and offer tips on how to ensure your transcript reflects your academic strengths. We’ll also discuss how ValidGrad can assist in providing high-quality, accurate transcripts that make you stand out in the competitive graduate school admissions process.

The Importance of Degree Transcripts in Graduate School Applications

Graduate schools use degree transcripts to assess whether applicants have the necessary academic background to succeed in their programs. Transcripts provide a snapshot of your academic journey, allowing admissions committees to evaluate:

• Coursework Relevance : They will examine whether you’ve completed relevant coursework that aligns with the program you’re applying to. For example, if you’re applying to a master’s program in psychology, courses in statistics, research methods, and foundational psychology will be essential.
• Academic Performance : Your GPA and grades in individual courses give insight into your academic abilities. Consistently high grades, particularly in relevant courses, can strengthen your application, while lower grades may require you to provide context or show improvement over time.
• Rigor of Curriculum : The difficulty level of the courses you’ve taken, as well as the reputation of the institution where you completed your degree, can influence how your transcript is perceived. Admissions committees may weigh higher grades from rigorous programs more heavily.
• Trend in Performance : A positive trend in your grades, such as an upward trajectory over the course of your degree, can indicate growth and resilience, even if your overall GPA isn’t perfect.
• Completion of Prerequisites : Many graduate programs have specific prerequisites. Your transcript will be reviewed to ensure you’ve met these requirements, which is often a crucial step in the admissions process.

Given the weight placed on transcripts, it’s clear that presenting a strong academic record is essential. But what can you do if your transcript isn’t as strong as you’d like? Below, we’ll explore strategies to enhance how your degree transcript is perceived by admissions committees.

Tips to Ensure Your Degree Transcript Reflects Your Academic Strengths

1. take advanced or relevant courses.

If you are still completing your undergraduate degree or planning to take additional courses before applying to graduate school, prioritize advanced or highly relevant courses. Advanced coursework demonstrates your ability to handle graduate-level material, while relevant courses show that you have the necessary background knowledge for your chosen field of study.

For those who have already graduated, consider enrolling in post-baccalaureate or non-degree programs that offer courses related to your desired graduate program. These can be added to your transcript and demonstrate continued academic commitment.

2. Aim for an Upward Trend

If your GPA isn’t as high as you’d like, focus on creating an upward trend in your grades. Admissions committees understand that students can have a rough start or encounter challenges early in their academic careers. A clear improvement over time can reflect personal growth, increased dedication, and the development of effective study habits. Highlight this trend in your personal statement or application essay, providing context for any initial struggles.

3. Strengthen Your Transcript with Relevant Experience

While degree transcripts primarily showcase your academic performance, graduate programs often value practical experience. If possible, seek out internships, research assistantships, or work experiences that are closely related to your field of study. Some institutions allow you to include a brief summary of these experiences alongside your transcript, which can complement your academic record.

Additionally, if you’ve taken part in significant extracurricular activities, such as leading a student organization or presenting at a conference, be sure to mention these in your application. These experiences can reinforce the skills and knowledge reflected in your transcript.

4. Provide Context for Low Grades

If there are specific courses where you received lower grades, consider providing context in your application. Life events, health issues, or other challenges can impact academic performance. While you shouldn’t make excuses, a brief, honest explanation can help admissions committees understand the circumstances and see past the numbers.

For example, if you struggled in a particular semester due to a personal challenge but demonstrated resilience and improved in subsequent terms, highlight this in your application. Graduate schools often value resilience and the ability to overcome adversity.

5. Highlight Honors and Recognitions

If you received any academic honors, scholarships, or awards, make sure they are clearly visible on your transcript or mentioned elsewhere in your application. These recognitions not only highlight your achievements but also provide a positive counterbalance to any weaker areas in your transcript.

For instance, being on the Dean’s List, receiving a departmental award, or being a member of an honor society like Phi Beta Kappa can significantly enhance how your academic record is perceived.

6. Include Additional Transcripts if Necessary

If you’ve taken courses at another institution or through online platforms , include these transcripts in your application as well. This is particularly important if these courses are relevant to your graduate program or if they show strong performance in areas where your primary transcript might be weaker.

For example, if your undergraduate transcript lacks coursework in a key area, completing relevant courses through another institution can help fill this gap and demonstrate your commitment to gaining the necessary knowledge.

7. Consider Professional Transcripts

In cases where your original transcript is lost, incomplete, or not as polished as you’d like, obtaining a professional transcript from a service like ValidGrad can be a valuable option. ValidGrad offers high-quality, accurate transcripts that reflect your academic achievements authentically. This can be particularly useful for international students or those who need a presentable transcript for applications where their original document may not meet specific formatting or language requirements.

How ValidGrad Can Help You Stand Out

ValidGrad understands the critical role that degree transcripts play in your graduate school application. We provide services that cater to those who need professional, authentic-looking transcripts to present their academic achievements in the best possible light. Whether you’re an international student needing a transcript in a different format or someone who wants to ensure that your academic record is accurately and attractively presented, ValidGrad has you covered.

Our transcripts are designed to meet the standards required by graduate programs, ensuring that your application stands out. With ValidGrad, you can have peace of mind knowing that your transcript accurately reflects your hard work and dedication, presented in a format that resonates with admissions committees.

Your degree transcript is more than just a record of your grades; it’s a vital component of your graduate school application that speaks volumes about your academic journey. By taking steps to ensure your transcript reflects your strengths—such as focusing on relevant coursework, aiming for an upward grade trend, and providing context where needed—you can significantly enhance your chances of being admitted to your desired program.

Remember, while your transcript is important, it’s not the only aspect of your application. Complement your transcript with a strong personal statement, solid letters of recommendation, and relevant experience to create a well-rounded and compelling application.

If you need a professional transcript that accurately and attractively represents your academic history, consider ValidGrad. Our services ensure that you have a high-quality document that will help you stand out in the competitive world of graduate school admissions. With the right tools and preparation, you can confidently take the next step in your academic and professional journey.

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