Transcripts: Common App Guide For International Students

how to add transcript to common app international students

International students applying to colleges in the US may need to submit their transcripts through the Common App. The Common App for transfer only accepts electronic transcripts from Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse. If your school does not offer either of these services, your registrar will need to mail your paper transcripts. You can also invite a counselor to submit your official transcript and any other supplemental documents, such as letters of recommendation. It's important to note that unofficial transcripts are typically submitted by students themselves, while official transcripts must be submitted by a counselor or school representative.

Characteristics Values
Transcript type Official and unofficial
Submission method Electronic or mail
Electronic transcript services Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse
Mailing address Common App for transfer Transcript Processing Center PO Box 9135 Watertown, MA 02471
Time for posting Up to five business days
Issues with transcript Incorrect/missing information, transcript not available
Additional requirements FERPA Release Authorization, School Report, letters of recommendation

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Check the transcript requirements for each college

When applying to colleges through the Common App, it is important to carefully review the transcript requirements for each institution. These requirements can vary, and submitting transcripts that do not meet the specified criteria may result in delays or even rejection of your application. Here are some key points to consider when checking the transcript requirements for each college:

Official Transcripts:

Most colleges require official transcripts, which means they must be sent directly from your school's registrar to the Common App for transfer. Do not send your transcripts directly to the colleges or universities; they must go through the official Common App channel. Transcripts sent by anyone other than the registrar, including yourself, will not be accepted for security reasons.

Addressing Transcripts:

Ensure that your transcripts are addressed specifically to "Common App for transfer." Transcripts addressed to you, a program, a school, or any address other than Common App for transfer will not be accepted. In rare cases, if a school's policy only allows the applicant's name on the transcript, instruct the registrar to include a letter stating this policy.

Electronic or Mailed Transcripts:

Some colleges may accept electronic transcripts, while others require mailed transcripts. Check the preferences of each college to which you are applying. If a college accepts electronic transcripts, select "Common App for transfer" as the recipient. If you are asked for an email address, it means that the college only accepts mailed transcripts.

Accepted Services:

Common App for transfer accepts electronic transcripts from specific services, such as Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse. Check if your school offers these services and follow their instructions for submitting transcripts. If your school does not offer these services or is not listed, you must send your transcripts by mail.

Transcript Format:

Transcripts must be original and cannot be photocopied, faxed, or sent from a career center or Interfolio. They should not have any stamps, such as "Issued to Student" or "Student Copy." Additionally, transcripts must be complete and not missing any pages.

International Transcripts:

If you are an international student, note that the Common App for transfer currently only accepts US and English-Canadian transcripts. Transcripts from other countries, including Caribbean and French-Canadian schools, will not be processed and will be destroyed.

Remember to refer to the specific requirements of each college to ensure your transcripts are submitted correctly and on time.

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Submit your official transcript

When submitting your official transcript to the Common App for transfer, there are a few key points to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that your transcript is sent by an authorised source. Typically, students can submit their unofficial transcript themselves, but their official transcript must be submitted by their high school counsellor or another designated school official. This ensures the authenticity and accuracy of the transcript.

Secondly, confirm the accepted methods of transcript submission. The Common App for transfer accepts electronic transcripts from specific services, such as Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse. If your school offers these services, select "Common App for transfer" as the recipient. However, if your school does not offer these services, your transcript must be mailed. The registrar should mail paper transcripts to the designated address: Common App for transfer Transcript Processing Center, PO Box 9135 Watertown, MA 02471.

It is important to note that emailed transcripts are not considered official transcripts. Additionally, express or certified mail does not guarantee faster processing or receipt. When mailing transcripts, ensure that the school's name and your name are correctly listed to avoid any delays or rejections.

To streamline the process, you can invite a Counselor during the application process by inputting their email address. This allows your counsellor to submit your official transcript and any other required documents, such as letters of recommendation. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your official transcript is submitted correctly and securely as part of your Common App for transfer application.

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Include your school in the 'Colleges Attended' section

It is important to include your school in the "Colleges Attended" section of the Common App. This is a crucial step in ensuring that your transcript can be attached to your application. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, confirm that your school is listed in the "Colleges Attended" section. If your school is missing from the list, you must add it before proceeding. This step is essential, as the Common App cannot attach your transcript to your application unless the school is listed accurately.

In the "Colleges Attended" section, ensure that the name of your school is spelled correctly. Even a minor misspelling can cause issues with attaching your transcript. Verify that the name on your transcript matches the name listed in the Common App database. Discrepancies may occur if your name has changed or was misspelled on either the transcript or the application. Ensure that you have created your Common App account with the correct name to avoid any inconsistencies.

If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information in the "Colleges Attended" section, take the necessary steps to correct or update it. Contact the registrar's office or the relevant authorities to resolve any discrepancies. Remember that even a small detail, such as a misspelled name, can delay the processing of your application.

Additionally, be mindful of the type of transcript you are submitting. The Common App requires official transcripts, which must be submitted by your high school counsellor or an authorised representative from your school. These transcripts are considered official records of your high school classes and grades. Your school counsellor can submit these documents through the Common App's "Invite a Counselor" feature, where they can include your official transcript along with any other required documents, such as letters of recommendation.

If your school offers the Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse service for electronic transcripts, ensure that you select "Common App for transfer" as the recipient. If your school does not offer these services, your transcript must be mailed. Have your registrar mail your paper transcripts to the Common App for transfer Transcript Processing Centre at the specified address.

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Send your transcript by mail or electronically

When sending your official transcripts to Common App for transfer, you can do so by mail or electronically.

Sending Transcripts by Mail

Your registrar should mail your paper transcripts to the following address:

Common App for transfer Transcript Processing Center

PO Box 9135

Watertown, MA 02471

Please note that express or certified mail does not guarantee faster processing or receipt, and Common App for transfer is not responsible for any materials lost in the mail or delays caused by the Registrar's Office.

Sending Electronic Transcripts

Common App for transfer accepts electronic transcripts from Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse. If your school offers either of these services, select Common App for transfer as the recipient. If you are asked for an email address, your transcript must be sent by mail.

If your school does not offer Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse, your transcript must be sent by mail. If your school requires that you use a different service, ask that service to mail the transcripts instead of sending them electronically.

General Guidelines for Transcripts

  • Different colleges may have specific requirements for transcripts, so be sure to check and meet those requirements.
  • Typically, students can submit their unofficial transcripts themselves, while official transcripts must be submitted by a high school counselor.
  • Ensure that your transcript is not missing any pages and is not damaged.
  • Provide your school with as much information as possible so they can properly identify your records, especially if another student has a similar name.
  • If your school has closed, confirm that your academic records can still be obtained by checking the school's website or contacting the relevant state licensing agency.

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Provide your school with your Common App details

To provide your school with your Common App details, you must first ensure that you have all the necessary information. This includes your high school transcript, which is an official record of the classes you took and the grades you received. It is important to note that there are two types of transcripts: official and unofficial. Different colleges may require different types of transcripts, so be sure to check the requirements of your desired colleges. Typically, students can submit their unofficial transcript themselves, while a school official, such as a high school counsellor, will need to submit the official transcript.

Once you have determined the type of transcript required, you can proceed with providing your school with your Common App details. Here are the steps you can take:

  • Invite a school counsellor or official: In the Common App, you can "Invite a Counselor" using their email address. This will allow them access to submit your official transcript and any other required documents, such as letters of recommendation.
  • Provide your school with your Common App details: Share your Common App login details or any specific requirements with the designated school official. They will need this information to submit your official transcript on your behalf.
  • Confirm the submission process with your school: Communicate with your school's administration or the responsible official to ensure they understand the submission process and any deadlines that may apply.
  • Follow up on the submission: After providing your school with the necessary details, maintain open communication to confirm that the official transcript has been submitted successfully.

It is important to note that if your school does not have a counsellor or official designated for this process, you may need to submit your transcript yourself. In such cases, confirm with your school if they allow self-reporting. If they do, you can upload your unofficial transcript through their portal or fill in your grades manually.

Additionally, if your school offers the Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse service, you can select "Common App for transfer" as the recipient. However, if your school is not listed as offering these services, the transcript must be sent by mail to the Common App Transcript Processing Center.

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Frequently asked questions

You can add your transcript by mailing it to the Common App for transfer Transcript Processing Center at PO Box 9135 Watertown, MA 02471. You can also submit your transcript electronically through Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse.

Your transcript must be official and addressed specifically to "Common App for transfer". It should also include your name, which must match the name on your application.

Typically, official transcripts need to be submitted by your high school counselor. However, students can usually submit unofficial transcripts themselves.

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