What are Academic Transcripts?

What Does an Academic Transcript Contain?

An academic transcript contains a set of information about your academic performance. A breakdown of the information available in an academic transcript is provided below:

Why are Academic Transcripts Important?

Just like transcripts are required for admission to the universities in India, the abroad universities also require transcripts as mandatory requirement. Here are few reasons why transcripts are significant:

• Academic History Verification: They offer a legitimate, official record of your academic achievements.
• Standardization of Score: Transcripts help universities convert your grades to their grading system and assess your qualifications.

How to Obtain Academic Transcripts?

The process of getting your academic transcript is quite simple. Here are the steps to obtain your academic transcripts:

1. Contact the registrar's office or records department at your school, college, or university. Request them to assist you in getting the transcript.
2. Fill out a formal request form if it is a part of the process. Fill out all the necessary information, including your name, dates of attendance, and any other specific details required. Some institutions may ask for additional documents like your ID, proof of enrollment, or receipts for any outstanding fees.
3. Some institutes charge a minimal fee for issuing transcripts. Make sure you inquire about the fee and make the payment when required.
4. Clearly indicate where you need the transcripts to be sent. Provide accurate contact information for each recipient, regardless it is a university or employer.

Note: Cross-check the application before submitting to confirm correct information. Once done, follow the institution’s guidelines for submission.

How to Send Academic Transcripts to Universities

The process of submitting transcripts to foreign institutes are university-specific. Some of the commonly used ways to submit academic transcripts are as follows:

• Electronic Submission
• By Post
• Online Application Portal

Differences Between Academic Transcripts and Marksheets

Students often confuse academic transcripts with other documents like mark sheets, certificates, or degrees. Here are the basic differences between the various types of academic report documents:

Provisional Transcripts

Provisional transcripts are required by final-year students who have not yet completed their education. To apply to the universities abroad as a student, you can submit the following:

• Provisional Transcripts: Contain your recent grades and can be temporarily used until your final results are available.
• Interim Transcripts: If your final exams have just been completed, you can submit interim transcripts until you receive the final, complete document.

Supporting Documents for Academic Transcripts

Indian students will have to provide a series of supporting documents while sending academic transcripts to desired institutions. Some of the commonly required supporting documents are listed below:

• Completed application form and fee
• Backlog certificate (If applicable)
• English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL)
• Standardized entrance exams (SAT, GRE, GMAT)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Copy of your passport
• CV (resume)
• Personal essay
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Proof of sufficient finance availability

Transcripts provide a summary of your academic achievements to your desired universities. Students should gather all the necessary documents required along with transcripts to avoid rejection.