How do I know if a college received my transcript?

I sent my transcripts a while ago, and I'm stressing about them reaching the college. What's the best way to confirm they were received, and how long does it usually take for them to process?

The best way to confirm if a college has received your transcript is to directly reach out to the college's admission office. You can either call or email them asking for confirmation. When contacting them, it would be beneficial to furnish your application ID, full name, and date of birth to make it easier for them to locate your files. Alternatively, you can check your online applicant portal if the college has one – many schools often use this tool to update incoming students about the receipt of their application components.

Processing times can vary greatly from institution to institution. For many colleges, it might take a few days to a week from the time transcripts are received to processing and updating them in your file. During busy application periods, it could potentially take longer. Your best bet would be to check with the specific college for their estimated processing times.

Remember, colleges will understand that there may be delays in sending transcripts, especially given different high schools might have different protocols, timings or capabilities when submitting them. Always ensure you’re submitting your transcripts early to allow ample time for them to be processed. If you notice an unusual delay, be proactive and follow up with both your high school and the colleges you've applied to.