What's included in a high school transcript?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I just started looking into the college application process. Can anyone explain to me what exactly is included in a high school transcript? Like, what info do colleges see about my high school years?

7 months ago

Hello! Your high school transcript is a vital part of your college application as it provides colleges with a detailed look at your academic performance throughout your high school years. Here's what's included in a typical high school transcript:

1. Basic personal information: Your name, date of birth, and the name of your high school.

2. Coursework and grades: A list of all the courses you have taken, separated by academic years or semesters, along with the corresponding grades you received in each course.

3. Credit hours: The number of credit hours you've earned for each course, which can vary depending on your high school's system.

4. Cumulative and/or weighted GPA: Your cumulative GPA represents your overall grade point average throughout high school, while a weighted GPA takes into account the difficulty of the courses you've taken (like honors, AP, or IB courses) and weighs them accordingly.

5. Class rank (if available): Your rank within your graduating class, based on your GPA. Not all schools provide this information.

6. Standardized test scores (optional): Some transcripts may include your SAT, ACT, or other standardized test scores, but this varies by school.

7. Graduation requirements and progress: Your transcript may show how many credits you have completed and which graduation requirements you've met or still need to fulfill.

8. Attendance: The number of days you were present and absent during each academic year.

9. Awards or honors: Any academic honors or recognition you've received may be listed on your transcript, such as honor roll or membership in the National Honor Society.

10. Advanced coursework: If you've participated in advanced academic programs like International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, or dual enrollment, this information will also be included.

Keep in mind that transcript formats can vary between schools, so your transcript may not include all the items listed above. It's a good idea to request a copy of your transcript from your school counselor to familiarize yourself with its contents before applying to colleges.

7 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.