Homeschool parents often believe that their transcript is official because they write “official” at the top, but that’s not what makes their transcript official. There’s only one way to make your homeschool transcript official, and it’s probably not what you think.
Yes, as a homeschooling parent, you are the creator of your teen’s academic record. Yes, the academic record (transcript) is the legal record because it’s your homeschool school and you say so. BUT, when a college asks for an “official high school transcript,” what are they looking for?
This question gets asked a lot in our groups, and a lot of incorrect information is given. As homeschoolers, we have to get this RIGHT if we want to be taken seriously. None of these answers addresses what makes your transcript official.
- (False) “The difference between my unofficial and official transcripts was typing the words ‘official transcript’ at the top.”
- (False) “Throw ‘Official’ on the top and put a grading scale on the bottom and you are good to go in the transcript world.”
- (False) “The transcript you create is your official transcript. Many times the people you talk to at the college do not understand the requirements of a homeschooled student.”
- (False) “Notarize the front to make it official.”
“Official High School Transcript” has a very specific meaning. When a college asks for an official high school transcript, they are requesting the academic record be sent directly from the issuing institution (your homeschool) to the college, without being touched by any third party. In other words, the line from you to the college has to be unbroken. If the line is broken, the transcript becomes unofficial.
Unofficial Transcripts
These are any records that are copies, printed, screenshots, pdf, or COMING FROM your student in any form. Your student turns the official transcript into an unofficial transcript.
Official Transcripts
These are records coming directly from you. This means it must be YOUR EMAIL if sending electronically, or your mailing address through the mail.
Extra-Extra Official
Occasionally, a college/business/military may ask that extra things be part of an official transcript. These can be included (or not), but would be classified “extra requests” and not routine. Most are easy to adopt if you don’t mind the extra work.
- Wet signature by the school administrator on the transcript. A signature is always needed on the transcript (make a line at the bottom, type your name, sign and date), but a “wet” signature means signed in ink and not signed digitally. This can be done even if you have to send the transcript digitally. Print out a paper copy, then scan it back into a file and send it. If you’re sending by mail, send it after you sign it in pen. Use blue or black ink.
- Signature over the fold. This is when you are mailing a paper copy of the transcript, and once the envelope is sealed, you sign over the sealed fold.
- Notarized. Having a notary witness your signature is occasionally required. This can be done at most banks or mailing centers for free or a nominal charge. Like providing the wet signature, if you’re sending the transcript digitally, wait for the notary seal, and then scan it back into a file and send it. (The notary may require a specific pen ink color)
Your School / Your Rules
You don’t have to do any of the extra things outlined above. It is your school and your rules. However, if you choose not to provide them when asked, you’re forfeiting your student’s access to whatever program/college they are trying to get into.
Personal Story
I once had a college INSIST that I include my personal cell phone number on my son’s dual enrollment transcript. I wasn’t going to do that- but I also wanted my son to get into the program. Knowing this was a silly and unfair request, I sent my email reply and included two document attachments. The first was my son’s official (unaltered) high school transcript. The second was a page with my son’s info at the top and one piece of content in the body: my cell phone number. In my email, I explained that it was improper to ask a school administrator to modify a student’s academic record in any way, and asked if they also are requiring the public high school principal to provide his personal cell number on high school transcripts this year? My point was not to be difficult; it was to help them appreciate that homeschools are legal schools and our records should be treated the same as public or private schools. They accepted my student, and life went on. I am always mindful of the homeschoolers coming behind me and hope to make the path a little easier for them. If you know you’re right, I would encourage you to do the same.
