Transferring transcripts from one college to another can be a difficult, time consuming task. However, it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we’ve created this easy-to-follow guide to help you transfer your transcripts from one university to another online.

Transferring transcripts from one college to another online can be a simple and convenient process. By following a few steps and making sure to fulfill any necessary requirements, you can easily have your academic records sent to your new school. Starting with contacting your current school’s office and filling out a request form, you can take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transfer of your transcripts.

When it comes to admission requirements for transferring transcripts, most colleges and universities will require you to provide official copies of your academic records from your previous institution. This is to ensure that you have completed the necessary coursework and meet the academic standards of the new school. Additionally, you may be required to pay a fee for the processing and sending of your transcripts.

Once you have gathered all the required documents and information, you can begin the admission process at the new university. Typically, you will need to submit your official transcripts, along with any other required materials, such as letters of recommendation or test scores. Once your application is submitted, the admissions office will review your materials and make a decision on your acceptance based on your academic record and qualifications.

how to send college transcripts to another college

When you first applied to college, you probably learned how to send transcripts to colleges from the high school from which you planned to graduate. When it comes to transferring from one college to another, transcripts still play a major role. Since transcripts are a record of the postsecondary work students have already accomplished, transfer students usually need to request that an official transcript be sent directly from a prior college to the college to which they are applying. Keep reading to learn how to send college transcripts to other colleges.

How to Send Transcripts to Other Colleges

Step 1: Gather important information

Before requesting a transcript, students should gather information about where they want the transcript sent. One of the most important things to take note of is the address where the transcript should be mailed. Students should determine whether the university they’re applying to requires applicants to fill out a specific transcript request form to give to prior colleges. It is also important to request a transcript from every college a student has attended, whether or not the school actually awarded credit.

Typical Information found in college transcripts

Your transcript contains all of your administrative and academic information from the time you spent at the institution. Every transcript you receive should include the following items:

• Student name and Identification number
• Type of Record (undergraduate, graduate, or professional) and Program of Study
• Student Status (Completed or Incomplete)
• List of Record by Semester & Year (Course Number & Title, Available Credits, Grade Earned)

Step 2: Request transcripts through the Office of the Registrar or the Office of Records

Typically, students need to contact the registrar at their prior colleges to determine what is needed as part of the process for requesting an official transcript. Students must usually supply several important elements before a transcript request can be processed. In most cases, students need to have an address for the transcript to be mailed to, pay a fee, and sometimes fill out a special request form. Students may be able to request a transcript online or in person, depending on the institution.

Step 3: Confirm that transcripts have been received.

It is always important to make sure that paperwork is processed to prevent mix-ups down the line, and transcripts are no exception. When transferring colleges, students may want to wait a few days or weeks to confirm their transcript requests have been processed. Some colleges may even give students a time frame for when to expect their transcript be sent. To confirm a transcript has been sent, a student may be able to see the status in the online portal of the school the student requested it from, or the institution may email a confirmation. Alternately, to confirm it has been received, it may be beneficial to check with the office the student requested it be sent to, such as the Office of Admissions or Undergraduate Admissions. Sometimes, the online portal of the destination school may send a message once a transcript has been received.

Other Ways to Send College Transcripts for Transfer

Students at some colleges may also opt to have college transcripts sent electronically. In fact, in some cases, an electronic transcript is required, such as when transferring from a Washington state community college to the University of Washington. To send an official electronic transcript, students should first ensure that a prior college generates electronic transcripts and that the destination college accepts them. Then, they may need to make note of the correct email address for electronic transcripts, if they are accepted via email. Many universities that allow students to request electronic transcripts do so through third party websites like National Student Clearinghouse, which allows transcripts to be available immediately.

FAQs for How to Send Transcripts to Colleges

• How does the college transcript process differ from the high school transcript process?

In many ways these two processes are similar. When in high school, applying to college, you must send an official copy of your transcript, in the same manner as when in college wanting to transfer to another school. The difference between high school and college transcript requests is that often for high school you can request it in person at the school or over the phone. When requesting transcripts from colleges, because they are much bigger institutions, you will need to use a third party site like the National Clearinghouse Transcript Services in order to obtain your transcript. This can make things easier as everything is completed online.

• Whom should I contact when requesting a transcript from prior colleges?

It is always a good idea to check both your prior and current colleges’ websites in order to obtain all the information you will need to request and send transcripts. Your prior college’s Office of the Registrar website will provide the options for how you would like to receive your official transcript, and often provide a direct link to the site where you can request it. Similarly, make sure to check the Office of the Registrar website for the school you are sending your transcript to in order to find the correct place and person to address the transcript to. If you run into any problems, you can always email or call this Office directly.

• How long does the college transcript process usually take?

Always give yourself extra time when requesting your college transcript. The whole process generally takes around seven business days, but there are peak times of year for requests that can make the process longer. Also, if you attended the college more than ten years prior, allow extra time for your request to be processed.

• Is there a fee for requesting transcripts?

The answer to this is almost always yes, although the fees are minimal. Sometimes you can request a transcript directly from the college’s Registrar, but that is less common these days, and you will need to use a third party site. If you elect to mail your transcript to the desired recipient, it is possible you won’t be charged a fee, but if you want to deliver your transcript electronically, be prepared to pay a fee. For sites like the National Clearinghouse Transcript Services, the fees range from $3.00 – $10.00.

• Should I send an electronic or paper copy of my official transcript?

Either will work and should be accepted by the school, however, electronic is going to be received much faster. If you have time and do not want to pay a fee, sending a paper copy of your transcript is acceptable. If you are short on time, an electronic version will be much better. When sending an electronic version, double check the recipient school’s website for the correct email address. Transcripts must be opened by the correct people and confirmed to be authentic in order to considered official and applied to your record. If you have any questions about which type of transcript your school would prefer or the correct person to address it to, email or call your Office of the Registrar to clarify.

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You can view an unofficial copy of your transcript by logging into your student account and printing out your history. This transcript is free. It can be helpful as you begin the application process, particularly if the school to which you apply wants a list of recent courses or needs to know your GPA before it receives your transcript. Your unofficial transcript may also help you assess whether you meet certain prerequisites for the classes you hope to take or the program in which you want to enroll.

Most universities won’t accept an unofficial transcript. There are numerous reasons for this, including that an unofficial transcript may be incomplete. It’s also possible to forge an unofficial transcript. So at some point during the application and admission process, you’ll need to supply an official document. Each school’s rules for this vary slightly. Some only require an official transcript upon admission, while others want the transcript to be sent when you apply.

To get an official copy of your transcript, contact your school’s registrar. In most cases, you don’t even have to call or go in person; the registrar’s office may have an online form for requesting your transcript. You can usually pay the transcript fee online too. If the school does not offer such a form, you may need to download and print the right document, then send a check.

The process can take several weeks, so plan ahead. If you’re working under a tight deadline, contact the school to ask about transcript processing times. In some cases, you may be able to expedite the process by paying a transcript rush fee.

If the school you attended has closed, you can still get a copy of your transcript. Each state has its own rules for accessing these transcripts, so check with the governing body that oversees your state’s colleges. In Oklahoma, students can view a list of closed colleges on the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education website. Each school lists the process for getting a transcript. Other states, such as Illinois, maintain transcripts at the office of the State Board of Higher Education.

Do I Need a Transcript to Apply to College?
Students who attended college many years ago or who did not get good grades the first time may wonder whether they need a transcript. Some may even prefer to get a fresh start rather than transferring bad grades to a new school.

The truth is that even if your grades aren’t great, you need a transcript. Even a single transfer credit can help expedite your graduation. Perhaps more importantly, most schools require you to submit all relevant transcripts. It may even be an honor code violation to exclude a school.

Where to Send Your Transcripts
In most cases, you cannot pick up a copy of your transcript and take it to your new university. Instead, you’ll need your old school to directly send transcripts to the new school. This process can take some time, especially if you’re seeking a transcript from a larger school or your transcripts are very old. So contact each school as early in the application process as possible.

Most schools ask you to provide a specific address to which to send your transcript. Your new school’s registrar can provide this information. Contact them before completing a transcript request, because sending a transcript to the wrong office can delay the process or incur additional expenses. Contact SNU’s Registrar Services or Admissions Office for help accessing transcripts or sending grades from previous schools.

A Simple Checklist for Getting Your College Transcripts
Applying for college can be stressful and time-consuming, especially if you previously attended several schools. You don’t have to become a transcript expert to navigate the process. Just follow this simple to-do list:

Check with the admissions office of your chosen school for details about their transcript policy.
Make a list of each school you have previously attended, no matter how long ago or how briefly.
Complete a transcript request form with each school. You can usually fill out the form online, and you may have to pay a small fee.
If the school from which you need a transcript is closed, contact the organization that oversees higher education in your state. They can tell you how to get a transcript.
Follow up with the school to which you are applying to ensure they receive each transcript.
After they have received your transcripts, meet with an academic advisor to discuss which classes will transfer. In some cases, you may have to fill out a form to request that your classes transfer or to appeal a denial of transfer credit.
SNU is committed to student success from day one. We work with each incoming learner to maximize transfer credits. We also understand that college courses may not reflect your true mastery of a subject. We offer credit for prior learning, including military service, workplace certifications, and other experiences. Our prior learning assessment is a comprehensive measure of the things you’ve learned before coming to SNU. You can get up to a year’s worth of academic credit through this process.

We know that navigating the college transfer process can be stressful. Let us help. Contact us for assistance securing and reviewing your transcripts so you can start your degree program as quickly as possible.