Frequently Asked Questions regarding transcripts and the college application process:

Updated 07/16/2018


Q. What is a transcript?

A. A transcript is a document that includes student name, address, parent name(s), date of birth, grade, gender, school name, address, phone and fax numbers, diploma type, graduation or leave date, all final grades for high school credits earned and/or attempted, class rank and grade point average (GPA).


Q. Where do I get a transcript request?

A. Transcripts should be requested through MajorClarity. If you need help, please see your counselor.


Q. Is there a fee for transcripts?

A. There is no longer a fee for transcripts. Current students need to make their transcript requests through MajorClarity as they apply for colleges.


Q. Is there anything else sent with the transcript?

A. Additional items that may be sent with the transcript are: a copy of the school profile, SAT, ACT, and AP scores upon request, and/or Letters of Recommendations upon request.


Q. Do you send test scores?

A. We encourage you to have test scores sent directly from the testing agency as most colleges require this.


Q. What are the Counselor Forms or Secondary School Report Forms that some colleges require?

A. Some colleges do require these forms which are a counselor’s recommendation and/or evaluation to be included with the transcript. All forms are now sent electronically from MajorClarity. Students do not need to print off any forms for their Counselor.


Q. Are my grades from senior year included in the transcripts that are sent to the colleges where I am applying?

A. Some colleges request that current grades or grades from the most recent grading period be sent; however, most colleges only ask for the current student schedule until the first semester is over. At the end of the first semester, only first semester grades (no term 1 or term 2 grades, no exam grades) are sent to the prospective colleges where you have applied.


Q. Is my GPA re-calculated to include senior grades?

A. The GPA is re-calculated at the end of the first semester and again after final grades at the end of the year.


Q. I am worried that my transcript will not get there in time.

A. Due to the high volume of transcript requests, we encourage you to give us 2-3 weeks notice before your college or scholarship deadline; however, we make every effort to meet your needs.


Q. I have checked my application status online and the college says that they have not received my transcript.

A. DON’T PANIC! Check on MajorClarity to confirm that your transcript has been sent. If we have recorded that your transcript was sent, you should allow 2-3 weeks for the transcript to link with your file and be processed in your applied college offices. Colleges receive thousands of applications and it’s highly unlikely that the transcript will be received and processed in their database on the same day. The notification status will not be changed until the transcript is processed, even though the paperwork may be in a stack of mail on someone’s desk in the admissions office.


Q. I submitted a transcript request the same day as my friend. Her transcript was sent a week ago and mine wasn’t. What’s up with that?

A. Your friend most probably had an earlier deadline. Although we do try to process requests on a first-come, first-served basis, our priority is to meet deadlines. That may mean that your request is “bumped” or pushed ahead, depending on your deadline.


Q. SHS says they have sent the transcript, but I’m still concerned. The college says they still have not received it.

A. Don’t hesitate to call the college admissions office with any questions you have. If you feel that you’re not getting a satisfactory answer, come to the Counseling Office and we will attempt to contact the admissions office by phone. Again, DON’T PANIC! If your transcript was sent from our office by the deadline, but the college does not receive it, they will contact you or SHS and we will be allowed to send another one.


Q. I have notified my counselor that I am applying to colleges and have requested my transcripts on MajorClarity before the college application deadline so the college will understand if I have been too busy to complete my application, right?

A. NO WAY! It is your responsibility to have your application completed by the deadline. The college will not look at the transcript or anything else until your application is on file and complete. It’s very important to meet your deadlines.


Q. What about mid-year reports?

A. Mid-year reports including 1st semester grades are sent to colleges where each student has applied. Please print out a copy of the mid-year report for your counselor if the college requires one.


Q. How do I request that a final transcript be sent to my college choice?

A. At the end of the school year, you will be asked to complete a Senior Survey where you will list the college you will be attending. Also, notify your Counselor and the Registrar, Mrs. Correa as to where to send your final transcript. Final transcripts are normally sent out by July 10.