Hey everyone, can someone explain to me what exactly goes into a high school transcript? I know it includes our grades, but what about class rankings, standardized test scores, or extracurriculars? Thanks in advance!
Hello! A high school transcript primarily provides colleges with a detailed record of your academics throughout high school, but it may include a few additional pieces of information as well. Here's a breakdown of what's typically included in a high school transcript:
1. Course titles and grades: Your transcript will list all the courses you have taken, along with the respective grades you earned for each course. It will also show the course level, like whether it's honors, AP, or IB.
2. Cumulative GPA: Your cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA), which is your weighted or unweighted GPA calculated up to the most recent grading period, is included in your transcript.
3. Class rank (optional): Some high schools report class rank, which is your position relative to your classmates based on your GPA. However, not all schools include this information, and some don't even calculate class rank.
4. Graduation requirements: Transcripts often show how many credits you have earned toward graduation and any outstanding requirements you need to fulfill.
5. Standardized test scores (optional): Some schools choose to include standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT on transcripts, but this is not universal. Colleges often require you to send official score reports separately, and some even allow self-reporting.
6. Attendance record: Your transcript may display your attendance record, including any absences or tardies throughout high school.
7. Additional notes: High schools may add notes to a transcript regarding any academic achievements, such as honor roll or advanced diploma requirements, or explanations about special circumstances, like a medical leave of absence.
Extracurricular activities are not typically included in your high school transcript. You'll instead report these separately in your college applications, where you could describe each activity in more detail, and indicate your role and any distinctions you received.
Keep in mind that the exact composition of a transcript can vary slightly between high schools, but the basics listed here should give you a good idea of what to expect.
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.