What constitutes an official transcript?
Official transcripts are labeled as such and printed on special copy-proof paper, and a seal from the registrar’s office is included. To be considered official, all transcripts must arrive in the original sealed envelope as issued by the registrar, usually with a signature or registrar’s seal across the flap. No photocopies or unofficial student printouts may be accepted. As with the letters of recommendation, you may have registrars send the transcripts directly to our department or they can be sent to you to be included in a larger packet, as long as the transcripts remain unopened and in their original sealed envelopes. Usually if the transcripts are released to the applicant it is noted on the envelope or on the transcript itself. If the Graduate Program Assistant receives a transcript that seems unofficial or arrives in an envelope that appears to have been opened or is unsealed, she cannot accept it and you will have to solicit another set of transcripts.
