What are Academic Transcripts?

What are Academic Transcripts?

With different types of certificates and qualifications, one is bound to get confused as to what is the transcript and how does it differs from a degree or diploma.

Many questions arise in minds of people such as

•  Where to find or get a Transcript from?
• When and why a Transcript is required?
• How to use a Transcript?

Let us try to solve all these questions.

What is a Transcript?

A transcript is proof of education. It is given by the institute we study in, it consists of the scores obtained in every subject.

What is Transcript of Records (ToR)?

It is a synonym for Transcript or Academic Transcript. Various names of transcripts create a lot of confusion.

Documents that are known as Transcripts / Common Names of Transcripts

In India, mark sheets are commonly known as transcripts.

Some common names of transcripts are

• Mark Sheet
• Mark List
• Academic Certificates
• Report Card
• Diploma Supplement
• Statement of Learning
• Record of Achievement
• Academic Record
• Cumulative Record File (CRF)
• Permanent Record
• Transcript of Records (ToR)

Above all are synonyms of each other. They are proof that the candidate has completed the education.

What is the difference between a Degree, Diploma, and Transcript?

Although Transcript, Degree, Diploma, Certificate, and Mark Sheet are proof of completion of education, transcripts are different than a degree or diploma.

Diploma/Degree/Certificate- It is a final certificate given at the end of completion of any degree or diploma. The type of certificate depends on the type of degree or diploma completed,

Transcript of Records (ToR)- A mark sheet that includes all the academic credentials of a learner is called a Transcript(ToR). It consists of the courses/subjects studied, grades received against each column, the awards, and achievements of students. It also includes the degree granted to the student. ToR doesn’t need to include every type of information.

What Transcript covers?

It must cover the subjects studied by a student during an academic year and the grades given to the student of every subject.

The following information must be incorporated in the transcript

• Full name of the student.
• Full name of the institute with the location.
• Board name or University name for college education.
• Complete name of the course.
• Subject-wise scores or marks are obtained every semester.

It may or may not have the following information:

• The overall grade received by the student for the entire academic course/year
• The total number of students in the class (overall strength of the class to compare where a particular student ranks)
• The average grade of the class to specify where a particular student stands.

NOTE- A transcript should always have a stamp of the institute to make it a legitimate document.

When do students need a Transcript of Records? When to request one?

Some documents are needed when a student applies for different colleges within the nation or outside the nation. These documents are called Academic Transcripts or Transcripts of Records. ToR is considered proof of degree completed.

When and Why a Transcript is required? How to use it?

When students apply for an abroad college they need to attach ToR with other documents. Soft copies of ToR should be kept so they can apply quickly. Several colleges may require to send a hard copy of the transcript. It is always advised to check out the requirements of the college.

Which transcript is needed for which course?

Transcripts needed for various levels are as follows

For a graduate degree abroad undergraduate transcript is required.

For an undergraduate degree, a secondary school certificate is required.

In some rare cases, colleges may ask for the last 2 qualifications. Requirements of the universities are mentioned.

What do to about the transcript if you are in your final year?

Students who are still in their last year may not have an original transcript. They will get that after the completion of their degree. Students who wish to apply for higher education and do not have a transcript should take the help of an interim or provisional mark sheet.

If anyone is completing an undergraduate course and wishes to apply for a postgraduate course then they must take the help of their latest mark sheet.

What documents are required to support a transcript for applying abroad?

The ToR covers every academic detail. Some colleges may ask for backlog certificates which indicates if you had any backlog. At some colleges, backlog creates a huge impact on the admission process.

Transcript (ToR) FAQs

1. How do I get my transcript? OR Where to procure a transcript from?

Generally, the education board of conduct or institute provides the transcript. The transcript can be obtained by visiting the college or contacting the authority and requesting them to send the document via post.

The official transcript is always collected in a sealed cover marked and acknowledged by the issuing authority and the student can get many copies of the same.

2.What to do if I misplace my transcript?

The original transcript is generally issued by the institute. Sometimes it becomes difficult to obtain a duplicate copy so it’s better to be precautious. But for those who have lost their ToR should ask the officials for a duplicate copy.

3.What to do if my transcript is not in the English language?

Some colleges do not provide ToR in the English language but their native language. At such times students can demand a translated copy. Both the copies should be signed by the respective authority. Some colleges may ask for both copies.

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