Sending official transcripts question

[chron]

I'm confused about how grad schools require my official transcript to be sent to them. From my understanding, it means I have to buy official transcripts from my previous university by sending a form in the mail (I'm not on campus), then receive the transcripts in my mailbox, and then mail it to the grad school. But then I heard from someone that I'm not supposed to do this and that I should have gotten my previous university to send my transcripts directly to the grad school without me being involved in the mailing process. This is important because it takes time for my alma mater to process the official transcripts, plus time for the post office to do all the sending and shipping - I figure it could take 3 weeks and that's probably not "safe". I would likely miss some deadlines in that case.

 

Should I tell my alma mater to send my transcripts directly? I think I'd still have to pay for the transcripts but it would save time. I've seen occasional grad schools who do want transcripts sent directly, but most seem to say they want me to send transcripts in offiical envelopes to them. I've also seen occasional grad schools which say I can just give them an electronic copy of my unofficial transcript now, but if I were admitted I'd have to send them an official one. IMO this is the best policy, but could I actually do this with other grad schools? I guess not but I just wanted to ask.

 

 

[Bearcat1]

If official transcripts are required, they usually prefer that you have them mailed directly from the issuing universities. This prohibits students from tampering with them, I believe is the purpose. I had one program that preferred I have them all mailed to myself in official envelopes, then mail them together, but even they also allowed them to be sent directly from issuing universities.

If you're worried about the timing, most schools have an option to rush transcripts, for a larger fee. But if official transcripts are required with your application, I'd say only supplying electronic copies isn't an option.

[ridofme]

This is a case in which you need to contact each school. Only one of my schools wanted transcripts sent directly from my undergrad college. The rest were all unofficial upload or assemble-and-mail-yourself. But for those with stringent requirements, you will want to make sure to follow their instructions to a T. General gradcafe advice/speculation will do no good.

[blakeblake]

Try checking your alma mater's website.  Most schools allow current and former students to order transcripts online and pay with a credit card and/or Paypal.  These services will allow you to have our 'scripts send directly from your alma mater to the university where you are applying.

 

Bearcat is right.  Most schools will want your alma mater to send your transcripts directly so you do not have the opportunity to tamper with the grades.

[herbertmarcuse]

This is a real nightmare for people like me who got their degrees in Europe. Anyone in a similar situation?

[Sio68]

I am but I have to admit that I mailed mine myself. There was no use in even asking my home Uni to do it for me... it would never have been done in time, especially factoring in the cost and time needed to reach the US. However... I don't recall any Uni asking for them directly from another institution, so I think it was fine for me to mail them.

[amlobo]

I had quite a few programs request hard copies of transcripts.  Most had no requirements beyond "mail official transcripts to X address."  Some said "in a sealed envelope" or something similar.  I had 4 transcripts, so this was a logistical nightmare that terrified me to no end.  I ended up requesting copies from each school, then mailing the sealed, official envelopes all together in one big envelope to each program.  The programs show my transcripts as "received," so I assume there were no issues.  If you only have one transcript, I would think requesting that the school send it directly would be much quicker.  My alma mater also allows "rush delivery" for an extra charge, so you might want to look into that if it worries you.  Most universities have online transcript ordering now, too.

[chron]

I'm annoyed right now because I ordered transcripts during the holidays and my university says they haven't even received the order form yet (and I live close by so mail shouldn't take that long to deliver). Maybe the mail got lost, but it means I'm likely going to miss up to 3 deadlines considering it'll still take a week for them to process the transcript plus mailing time. If I send a new order now, they can't guarantee that they'll cancel the old order and not cash in the cheque.

 

I wonder if there's such thing as an "official" electronic transcript send directly from my university to the grad school. I could still submit the hardcopies but they'll at least get an electronic transcript quickly. I don't know if that's acceptable.

[amlobo]

I wonder if there's such thing as an "official" electronic transcript send directly from my university to the grad school. I could still submit the hardcopies but they'll at least get an electronic transcript quickly. I don't know if that's acceptable.

 

My alma mater will send official electronic transcripts, but I think you have to verify the grad school will accept it.  I know it's a "newer" option, so not everyone might accept or even offer it.