When to have the Registrar's office send out transcripts?

[gradstudent84]

Some of the schools I'm applying to request that my former schools send an official transcript directly to their (the schools I'm applying to) office. The thing is, is it ever too early to have them sent out? For example, some of the schools have a deadline in the months of February and March. If I were to have the registrar's office send out my transcripts in December, I'm worried that schools will lose the documents because I've sent them out way too soon.

I know I sound a bit too paranoid but I know these things happen and in the past I've had situations backfire on me for being TOO conscientious about things like timing. I want to get as much done as possible within a good time span that's why.

[newms]

I don't think it's too early. Schools generally open a file for you when they receive the first document about you and then they add to it until your application is complete.

[gradstudent84]

That's good to know

Thanks for your reply!

[eklavya]

Some of the schools I'm applying to request that my former schools send an official transcript directly to their (the schools I'm applying to) office. The thing is, is it ever too early to have them sent out? For example, some of the schools have a deadline in the months of February and March. If I were to have the registrar's office send out my transcripts in December, I'm worried that schools will lose the documents because I've sent them out way too soon.

I know I sound a bit too paranoid but I know these things happen and in the past I've had situations backfire on me for being TOO conscientious about things like timing. I want to get as much done as possible within a good time span that's why.

from my experience, i've discovered that the programs you apply to require you to send them an official transcript with the application whereas the (main) grad admissions does not want you to do this. or vice-versa. therefore i ended up sending official transcripts to all schools i applied anyways.. just to be on the safe side. and most of these have deadlines similar to yours. it's better to get things in early, and make sure they have reached there ahead of the deadline rather than panic at the last moment.

[coyabean]

What normally happens is your application file is initiated by receiving an app and payment. What can happen is that you send your transcripts before that file is created. Most schools try to keep track of these floating docs until an app comes in but, as you can imagine, that gets tricky. I would suggest requesting transcripts the day you hit payment or send on the app.