How to Change Grades on My College Transcripts

Successfully changing a grade on your college transcript is not an easy task, nor should it be taken lightly. Of course, mistakes are sometimes made on these important documents, possibly endangering your chances of being accepted to the graduate school or other higher-education program of your choice. It's in your best interest to address these issues before they become a hindrance to the progression of your career, and setting the record straight will prevent the possibility of heartbreak later on.

Things You'll Need

• Graded tests and papers of the course in question
• Signed copies of graded papers from your professor (optional but recommended)

Instructions

1. Examine your transcript to see which, if any, of the grades are questionable. Sometimes it's easy to spot, such as a D in a class where you know you had completed all tests and papers with at least a B. Others are more subtle, such as a grade-point average that's one or two points off.

2. Gather the necessary data to support your claim. If you suspect you might have a lower grade than you deserve in one or more of your classes, try to find as many tests and graded papers from that class that are still available to you. If possible, contact your professor from that class and ask if they have any material to help back up your statement. In many cases the professor is the person you need to speak with directly to have your grade changed, since the transcript office needs a voice of authority to assert that your grade was written incorrectly. If the professor is unable (or unwilling) to speak with you regarding this matter, move to the next step up the ladder and speak to the department head. If the professor in question is the department head, consider speaking to the dean of students or other similar faculty member.

3. Talk to your college's registrar or transcript office about the necessary procedure for disputing something on your transcript. For most universities, there's an official form to fill out, so you can list exactly what you're contesting and the evidence you have to support your claim. Obtain a copy of the form before handing it in for consideration.

Tips & Warnings

• When possible, have your professor sign any graded tests or papers you have, to prove you didn't write the grade on those papers yourself. Your professor may also have to write a letter accompanying these signed copies to prove the signature is true.

• Even if you're able to gain the support of your professor and have as much evidence as possible to support your claim, be prepared for your transcript change request to be denied. Transcripts are nearly always set in stone, and transcript offices are not usually willing to reconsider a change unless they're presented with evidence that's nothing less than obvious.