Sending transcripts from outside sources to colleges or universities is an important step in the application process. These transcripts can include credits from dual enrollment programs, summer courses, study abroad, or any other academic work completed outside of your high school. Here’s how to ensure these transcripts are properly sent and considered as part of your college application:

1. Identify the Required Transcripts

First, you need to determine which outside transcripts are necessary for your applications. This could include:

• Dual Enrollment Credits: Courses taken at a college while still in high school.
• Community College Courses: Classes taken during summer or alongside high school courses.
• Study Abroad or Exchange Programs: Academic work completed in a program outside your high school.
• Online Courses: Accredited online courses not offered through your high school.

2. Check College Application Requirements

Different colleges have different policies regarding how they want to receive transcripts:

• Direct Submission: Some colleges prefer transcripts to be sent directly from the institution where the credit was earned.
• High School Submission: Other colleges may accept transcripts that are included with your high school transcript, assuming your high school agrees to this.

3. Request Transcripts Early

Transcripts can take time to process and send, so request them well in advance of application deadlines. Here’s how:

• Directly from the Institution: Contact the registrar’s office or the equivalent at the institution where you earned the credits. You may be able to request the transcript online, by mail, or in person. There may be a fee involved.
• Through a Service: Some schools use transcript service providers like Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse. These services can send transcripts electronically to colleges.

4. Follow Up

After requesting your transcripts, it’s wise to follow up to ensure they’ve been sent and received. Keep records of your requests and confirmations.

5. Inform Your High School Counselor

Let your high school counselor know you’ve requested outside transcripts to be sent. If your high school is submitting your main transcript, they may include a note about the expected outside transcripts to ensure colleges look for them.

6. Check Your Application Status

Many colleges provide a way for you to check the status of your application materials online, including whether they’ve received your transcripts. Use this feature to confirm that all parts of your application, including outside transcripts, have arrived.

7. Know the Deadlines

Be clear on the deadlines for each college to which you are applying. Outside transcripts should arrive by the application deadline, so plan accordingly.

Sending transcripts from outside sources requires attention to detail and timing. By following these steps, you can ensure that all parts of your academic record are considered in your college applications. Remember, these transcripts can showcase your initiative, breadth of interests, and readiness for college-level work, making them a valuable component of your application.