Your High School Transcripts: What Do They Mean?
As you're getting ready to apply to college, you'll hear a lot about your transcripts. This can be a little intimidating, especially as most high school students have never seen their transcripts. If that describes you, you're not alone!
What are high school transcripts?
Transcripts are the official record of your course of study. They list all the classes you took, the final grades you received in each class, and your overall grade point average (GPA).
Why do high school transcripts matter?
Your transcripts are a reflection of your academic history. That means they're very important to college admissions teams. You'll be required to send your transcripts to a college that you want to attend, and they will evaluate your grades in conjunction with other factors like your college admission essay, letters of recommendation, and test scores.
A highly selective college or university may wonder if an applicant with a C on their transcript has a chance of succeeding in a more rigorous academic environment.
How to get your high school transcripts
How you get your transcript depends on your high school, the type of application you're filling out, and when you're requesting it. If you're still attending your high school, you can often request your transcript in person. Alternatively, many schools have online portals where you can submit a request.
But if you've already graduated, you might need to visit the school's website or call the office to learn the specific process. Be sure to have your personal identification and any necessary information at hand, like your graduation year or student ID. Some schools require a written request or a form to be filled out, and there may be a small fee.
Prepare for College with Appily
As you begin to consider college options, it's helpful to know where you stand and how competitive you'll be when you submit applications.
With Appily, you can find this out before applying to any college. Simply create a free account, and you can use your academic information — GPA and test scores — to get an estimate of how likely you are to be admitted to the schools on your list. It's free, easy, and will save you time. Just click the button below to get started.
