Scans of Official Transcripts

[haltheincandescent]

Hello, again.

So, for almost everywhere I'm applying to, the requirement for transcripts reads something like this: "Transcripts are required from all prior college level schools attended for at least one year.  A scanned copy of the official transcript is submitted as part of the online application.  Please do not mail transcripts to the department.  Our department will only be asking students offered admission to submit transcripts." So, I ordered an official copy of the transcript and scanned it. BUT, the document has a watermark embedded so that, when scanned, "VOID VOID VOID" appears behind the rest of the text in bold letters. Everything's still readable, but the intense "VOID" still worries me. Is this a normal thing for scanned transcripts? Will programs understand that this is how the Official version will look when they get a scan of it? Has anyone sent one in with a watermark like this, and been okay? Since nowhere wants a paper copy sent directly to them for the application, I'm not exactly sure what to do about this. My university does offer the option of sending a PDF, but that's 5$ more per copy than the paper version, and I honestly have no idea if there will be other security features embedded that will make that just as problematic... Any advice is welcome, thanks!

[RCtheSS]

I always assumed most official transcripts have watermarks. You followed the instructions exactly as stated, so I would not worry about it. So long as the transcript information is legible, admissions should be able to understand.

[sjoh197]

If you are really worried about... a call to the admissions office would be in order. It's a simple question that they could likely answer. 

[fuzzylogician]

^ Call if you're worried. I think you should be fine, I'm sure admissions have dealt with this before. 

[haltheincandescent]

Thanks everyone! I was sort of assuming this would be the case, but like I said, as soon as I saw that in huge bold letters across the whole thing, it just freaked me out a bit--maybe a little too worried/obsessive about any possible anomaly on my applications!--and wanted to double check. 

[stillalivetui]

Hello, again.

So, for almost everywhere I'm applying to, the requirement for transcripts reads something like this: "Transcripts are required from all prior college level schools attended for at least one year.  A scanned copy of the official transcript is submitted as part of the online application.  Please do not mail transcripts to the department.  Our department will only be asking students offered admission to submit transcripts." So, I ordered an official copy of the transcript and scanned it. BUT, the document has a watermark embedded so that, when scanned, "VOID VOID VOID" appears behind the rest of the text in bold letters. Everything's still readable, but the intense "VOID" still worries me. Is this a normal thing for scanned transcripts? Will programs understand that this is how the Official version will look when they get a scan of it? Has anyone sent one in with a watermark like this, and been okay? Since nowhere wants a paper copy sent directly to them for the application, I'm not exactly sure what to do about this. My university does offer the option of sending a PDF, but that's 5$ more per copy than the paper version, and I honestly have no idea if there will be other security features embedded that will make that just as problematic... Any advice is welcome, thanks!

Are your transcripts from Indiana University, by any chance? I ordered their PDF option, printed out the transcript, and scanned it with no such problems. You may want to try that. 

[MastersHoping]

I would definitely just call and/or email the dept and tell them to look out for it.

One of my official transcripts read "unofficial" on it when I scanned it. I attached no notes or explanations or anything and it went fine. Not quite the same as void, I guess, but similar situation.

Edited October 26, 2015 by MastersHoping

[haltheincandescent]

Are your transcripts from Indiana University, by any chance? I ordered their PDF option, printed out the transcript, and scanned it with no such problems. You may want to try that. 

I went ahead and did this. Ordering a 2nd copy's probably worth the peace of mind. Thanks!