How to Get a Copy of Your College Transcript

Your college transcript is one document you probably didn't keep a copy of when you graduated, thinking, "Why do I need this now?" But years down the road, when you decide to go to graduate school or even just take a class for fun, you may need it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• Postage Stamps
• Envelopes
• Computers

1. Get all your information together before requesting your transcript. You'll need to include your social security number, the address where you want the transcript sent, your phone number, a statement authorizing the college or university to release the information, and your signature.

2. Find the address and phone number of the college or university from which you graduated. You may be able to find this in the phone book or on the Internet. Remember that the Registrar's office usually handles transcript requests.

3. Call ahead to make certain your transcript is readily available. If you have any outstanding fees or if your records are not on computer, your request may be delayed.

4. Check if your alma mater has a Web page. Many schools now handle transcript requests online, saving you time and postage.

5. Send your request - along with any pertinent processing fees - to the Registrar's office of the college or university from which you graduated. Allow at least a week for processing; more if your alma mater happens to be a large school.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out how the institution to which you are applying prefers to receive your transcript. Some colleges or universities can send your transcript straight to the school you're applying to after you've filled out a simple form.
• Always leave yourself plenty of time. You don't want any bureaucratic red tape to cause you to miss an application deadline.

[amay]

on 10/6/2009 I went to college back in 1974 to 1976 they can not find where i went to college at school. not sre what to do.

[cb4me]

on 9/21/2009 A friend of mine was having problems getting his transcripts from college b/c he had a $15 library fine he had forgotten about. The wait and delay cost him a job offer.

[chrissiepie]

on 6/25/2009 What happens to the official college transcripts??? The college was only 'in business' during the 1980's with maybe 25 students graduating, the founder is deceased, and her spouce is elderly and does not want to maintain the records. What should be done with the records? Can a transcript with her signature and the college seal be photocopied and be considered official? What happens after her spouse is deceased? Thanks! Chrissiepie

[LWhit]

on 11/23/2008 Does anyone know how to get your official transcript from a school even if a debt is still owed to that school?

[LWhit]

on 11/23/2008 Does anyone know how you can get your official transcript even if there is still a debt owed to the school you want it from?