What is the difference between an Official and an Unofficial Transcript?
The official transcript has the school’s seal, registrar’s signature, and is printed on “transcript stationery.” Unofficial transcripts do not have the school’s seal or registrar’s signature. Every student may request three unofficial and/or official transcripts for free. There is a $1.00 fee for each transcript after the third. Sometimes students mistakenly request unofficial or official transcripts from the registrar when they are looking for information found on the transcripts that can be provided by their counselor. Students may wish to talk to their counselor before requesting a transcript through the CCR. As a general rule schools and scholarships require official transcripts as part of the application.
An unofficial transcript can be picked up by the parents or faxed. An official transcript is signed by the Registrar, and stamped with the official Academy seal. The official transcript is sealed in an envelope and mailed directly to the designated school, institution, or employer. Transcripts can be requested from the Registrar’s office by calling 540-459-2167, ext. 266 or by using our online form. The fee is $10.
The main difference is that an official transcript typically reflects a higher level of authentication and a reduced opportunity for someone to alter the record. We use special safety paper and it includes the registrar’s signature. It is most acceptable as official if it goes directly from UWSP to the other school or business rather than passing through the student’s hands. Some places may accept an official transcript that is given to the student in a sealed envelope if the student sends it to them unopened. Some places may even accept a faxed copy in place of an official record. You should make sure a fax is acceptable before paying the charge to have a faxed copy sent.
The main difference is that an official transcript typically reflects a higher level of authentication and a reduced opportunity for someone to alter the record. We use special safety paper and it includes the registrar’s signature. It is most acceptable as official if it goes directly from UWSP to the other school or business rather than passing through the student’s hands. Some places may accept an official transcript that is given to the student in a sealed envelope if the student sends it to them unopened. Some places may even accept a faxed copy in place of an official record. You should make sure a fax is acceptable before paying the charge to have a faxed copy sent. There is a fee of $7.00 for any of the above records.
Related Questions
- If the job listing requests a transcript, should I send an official or unofficial transcript? And should I have it sent to them directly or include it in my application packet?
- What is the difference between an unofficial (student) transcript and an official transcript?
- What is the difference between an official transcript and an unofficial transcript?
