Why Colleges Require a High School Transcript

To effectively evaluate a potential student, colleges and universities rely heavily on the high school transcript. This document serves as a crucial tool for determining a student's readiness for higher education. In this article, we will explore why colleges need a high school transcript, what it contains, and the importance of submitting an official transcript.

The Role of Prerequisites

When applying to colleges, one of the first steps they need to take is to check the prerequisites for the courses a student wants to take. A prerequisite is a course or requirement that must be completed before enrolling in a higher-level course. The high school transcript helps the college determine which classes the student should start with, ensuring that the student has the necessary foundational knowledge.

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Verification of Academic Preparation

Admission to a college or university is often conditional upon the accuracy of the student's reported grades. Additionally, finishing the high school program before starting classes is a prerequisite for acceptance. The college or university requests a transcript to verify both of these aspects.

Understanding the Application Process

Typically, the submission of the transcript is part of the application process, and it is not submitted afterwards. Colleges look for a record of the courses a student completed and the grades they achieved. This information is used to evaluate the student's academic preparedness and potential for success in higher education.

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Official Transcript vs. Application-Attached Transcript

A transcript submitted with the application is not an "official transcript." An official transcript must be sent directly from the issuing high school to the college. This ensures that the transcript cannot be altered or tampered with. Colleges and universities require the official transcript to maintain the integrity of the application process.

The Importance of an Official Transcript

Transcripts are official summaries of a student's high school or college work, including grades and a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). These documents serve multiple purposes:

Evaluation of suitability for study towards an undergraduate or graduate degree. Employment verification. A necessary record for students who move and complete their diploma or degree at another school.

Due to the historical attempts by students to alter official records, colleges and universities strictly require that the transcript be sent directly from the issuing institution. Any transcript sent directly with the application cannot be considered official.

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Conclusion

In summary, high school transcripts play a vital role in the college admission process. They help ensure that students are academically prepared for advanced coursework, that their grades are accurate, and that all documents are legitimate and unaltered. Colleges and universities take these measures to protect the integrity of the admission process and to provide the best possible educational opportunities for their students.