What's the Difference Between SRAR and a Regular Report?

As I'm going through the college application process, I'm getting a bit confused about the various terms and requirements. Can someone explain the difference between the SRAR and a regular high school transcript/report? Are both necessary for applying to colleges?

The SRAR (Self-Reported Academic Record) and a regular high school transcript have different purposes and requirements.

SRAR is a system that allows you to self-report your high school coursework, grades, and test scores during the application process. You manually enter this information into an online form provided by the college or a specific platform like the Common Application. Many colleges and universities now accept self-reported academic records, as it can save both the student and the institution time and money. Colleges will typically request an official transcript if you are admitted and decide to enroll, to verify the accuracy of the self-reported information.

A regular high school transcript, on the other hand, is an official document prepared by your high school that lists all the courses you have taken, the grades you received, class rank (if applicable), cumulative GPA, and possibly other information such as community service or standardized testing results. This transcript is typically submitted directly by your high school to the colleges you're applying to in a sealed envelope or through an electronic submission system, such as Naviance or Parchment.

While the SRAR can save you and the colleges time and money, not all institutions accept it. Some colleges may still require an official high school transcript at the time of application, regardless of whether they allow self-reporting. Keep in mind that even if you submit a SRAR, you will need to provide an official transcript if you're admitted and decide to enroll in that college.

To figure out which method a specific college requires, consult the college's admissions website or contact their admissions office directly. You don't typically need to submit both a SRAR and an official high school transcript during the initial application process, but always check the institution's guidelines to be sure.