What to Do with a College Transcript You No Longer Need

While it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork accumulated over the years, especially when it comes to college transcripts, it's important to ensure these records are stored safely and securely for potential future use.

Why You Should Keep Your College Transcript

One of the most common reasons to keep your college transcript is for job applications. Companies may require transcripts as part of the hiring process, and having an official, up-to-date copy can significantly expedite the application process.

For example, if you were to apply for a job with a city-parish, they might request a copy of your transcripts. Owning a scanned copy can save time and avoid the need for the university to process and send an official transcript. Additionally, if you need an original copy, you can request one from the university, which might take a few days to arrive.

Why You Might Want to Discard Your College Transcript

On the other hand, if you no longer need your college transcript for any immediate purposes, it's a good idea to dispose of it properly. College transcripts take up valuable space, and once you've ensured all necessary copies have been retained, you can safely destroy them.

There are several ways to dispose of old transcripts securely:

Shredding: Use a cross-cut paper shredder or send them to a documents shredding service. Electronically: Delete the scanned copies from your computer or cloud storage. Physical storage: Store the original hard copies in a safe place, like a fireproof safe or a secure storage box.

Other Uses for Your College Transcript

Even if you no longer need the transcript for your current job, it can still serve other purposes. You might want to show your transcripts to family members or friends, or share them on your social media pages as a way to highlight your achievements.

For instance, if you had transcripts sent out to several schools for admissions purposes, but never received them personally, you can share this information with your family and friends. You might also want to retain an electronic copy of your transcript in your personal records, just in case future employers need proof that you've completed certain courses.

It's a good idea to hold on to at least one copy of your transcript for potential future use. In case a potential employer asks for proof of your college degree or specific coursework, you can provide a personal copy rather than requesting a formal transcript from the university, which can take time.

Conclusion

Your choices regarding what to do with your college transcript depend on your personal circumstances and future needs. While it's comforting to know that you can prove your academic achievements and credentials, it's equally important to maintain a clutter-free environment.

So, before you decide to shred or donate your college transcript, take a moment to ensure you have a digital or physical copy that is safe, secure, and can be retrieved if necessary. Remember, your transcripts are your records, and you have the final say in what happens to them.