What Do Transcripts Look Like?

I feel a little clueless about this, but what does an official high school transcript look like? Is there a specific format or information it should include? Thanks for helping this confused junior out!

Hey there! No need to worry; it's a common question among high school students. A high school transcript is an official record of your academic accomplishments throughout your time in high school. While the appearance of transcripts may vary from school to school, they generally include the following information:

1. Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth, and sometimes your student ID number.

2. School Information: The name and address of your high school, and sometimes the school's CEEB (College Entrance Examination Board) code.

3. Grade Point Average (GPA): Both your unweighted GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and, if applicable, your weighted GPA, which takes into account the rigor of the courses you've taken.

4. Class Rank: If your school ranks students, your transcript will likely include your class rank, which is your position among your peers based on GPA.

5. Coursework: A list of all the courses you've taken along with the final grades you received for each semester or term. This usually includes course titles, the level of the course (e.g., honors, AP, IB, or regular), and credits earned.

6. Standardized Test Scores: Some transcripts will also include your standardized test scores, such as SAT, ACT, or state-mandated tests, though not all schools do this.

7. Attendance: The number of days you attended school and any absences, usually broken down by school year or term.

8. Extracurricular Activities and Awards: Some schools may include a brief list of extracurricular activities, honors, or awards you've received during your high school years.

It's also crucial to note that official transcripts will have a stamp, seal, or some other form of validation from your high school to indicate their authenticity. They are typically sent directly from your high school to the college or universities you're applying to, either via mail or electronically through a secure system.

If you're curious about your specific high school transcript, you can always reach out to your school counselor or guidance office. They can provide you with more information about your transcript and help you interpret any details that might be unique to your high school. Good luck!