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When you apply for a job, a scholarship, or a college program, you may be asked to provide your transcript. A transcript is a document that shows your academic record, including the courses you took, the grades you earned, and the degree you obtained. But did you know that there are two types of transcripts: official and unofficial? What’s the difference between them, and when should you use each one? In this article, we will explain the difference between official vs unofficial transcript, and how to get them.

What is an Official Transcript?

An official transcript is a certified copy of your academic record that is issued by the institution where you studied. It usually has a seal or a signature of the registrar or another authorized person on it, and it is sent directly from the institution to the recipient in a sealed envelope. An official transcript is considered as an authentic and accurate proof of your education, and it is required for most formal purposes, such as:

• Applying for a job that requires a certain level of education
• Applying for a scholarship or a grant that requires academic merit
• Applying for a college or university program that requires transcripts from previous institutions
• Transferring credits from one institution to another
• Verifying your degree or certification for professional or legal reasons

What is an Unofficial Transcript?

An unofficial transcript is a copy of your academic record that is not certified by the institution where you studied. It may be printed from an online portal, downloaded as a PDF file, or obtained from the registrar’s office in person. An unofficial transcript usually does not have a seal or a signature on it, and it may be sent by you or by the institution to the recipient. An unofficial transcript is considered as an informal and unofficial proof of your education, and it may be used for some purposes, such as:

• Checking your grades and academic progress
• Planning your course schedule and graduation requirements
• Sharing your academic achievements with your family and friends
• Applying for a job that does not require a certain level of education
• Applying for a scholarship or a grant that does not require academic merit
• Applying for a college or university program that does not require transcripts from previous institutions

Official vs Unofficial Transcript: How to Get Them?

The process of getting an official vs unofficial transcript may vary depending on the institution where you studied. However, here are some general steps that you can follow:

• To get an official transcript, you usually need to fill out a request form online or in person, pay a fee (if applicable), and provide the name and address of the recipient. The institution will then mail or electronically send the official transcript to the recipient in a sealed envelope. You may not be able to get an official transcript if you have any outstanding financial obligations or academic holds with the institution.
• To get an unofficial transcript, you usually need to log in to your online portal or visit the registrar’s office in person, and print or download a copy of your academic record. You may also be able to request an unofficial transcript by email or phone, but you may need to provide some personal information to verify your identity. You can get an unofficial transcript anytime without paying any fee or having any restrictions.

Official vs Unofficial Transcript: How to Use Them?

The way you use an official vs unofficial transcript depends on the purpose and the requirement of the recipient. Here are some tips that you can follow:

• If you are applying for a job, a scholarship, or a college program that requires an official transcript, you should request one from your institution as soon as possible, and provide the correct name and address of the recipient. You should also keep track of the delivery status and confirm with the recipient that they have received it.
• If you are applying for a job, a scholarship, or a college program that does not require an official transcript, you can use an unofficial transcript instead. You can either send it by yourself or ask your institution to send it on your behalf. You should also make sure that the unofficial transcript is clear and legible, and that it contains all the relevant information.
• If you are using an unofficial transcript for your own reference or for sharing with others, you can print or download it anytime. You should also keep in mind that an unofficial transcript is not a valid proof of your education, and that it may not be accepted by some recipients.

In conclusion, an official transcript is a certified copy of your academic record that is required for most formal purposes, while an unofficial transcript is a non-certified copy of your academic record that may be used for some informal purposes. The difference between official vs unofficial transcript lies in their authenticity, accuracy, format, delivery method, cost, and availability. You should always check the requirement of the recipient before you request or send a transcript, and use the appropriate type of transcript for the purpose.