How do I ask for my transcripts?

To request transcripts, contact your school's guidance office or use services like Parchment or Naviance. Include your name, DOB, and the colleges you're applying to.

How do I write a request for transcripts?

Submit a formal request online or in-person at your school's guidance office. Be prepared to provide necessary information like your name, DOB, and college list.

How do I get transcripts of records?

Transcripts can be obtained through your high school's guidance office or online services like Parchment, depending on your school's system.

How can I request my SAT scores?

Log into your College Board account, go to the 'Send Scores' section, select the colleges, and ensure you meet the deadlines. Confirm receipt on application portals.

Can I get my SAT scores from years ago?

Yes, SAT scores can be retrieved even years later through the College Board's website, although additional fees may apply for older scores.

Is my ACT score on my transcript?

ACT scores are typically not included on high school transcripts and need to be sent directly from the ACT organization to colleges.

How to do a self-reported academic record?

Gather your unofficial transcript, fill in course and grade information accurately, double-check for errors, and submit it through the college's SRAR website.

How do I enter grades on SRAR?

Enter the grades as they appear on your unofficial transcript, including course titles and levels. Double-check for accuracy before submitting.

How do you ask a school counselor for a letter of recommendation?

Request a meeting to discuss your college plans, provide relevant information about your achievements, and give ample notice before deadlines.

Do school counselors write letters of recommendation?

Yes, school counselors write letters of recommendation, reflecting your overall high school experience, academic goals, and personal achievements.

How to request a counselor letter of recommendation?

Schedule a meeting with your counselor, discuss your goals and achievements, and provide context to help them write a comprehensive letter.

College Application Paperwork Guide

College Counseling

Sep 18

Written By Lynne Fuller

Welcome to fall! For our rising seniors it is time to get your paperwork together for the application process. This means you need to request your transcripts and test scores, complete the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), and ask for letters of recommendation from your teachers and school counselor.

But how do you do all that? Don't worry, we've got you covered. This post will guide you through everything you need to know about requesting transcripts, test scores, filling out the SRAR, and asking for letters of recommendation.

How to Request a Transcript

Your transcript is your academic history – it shows what classes you've taken and how well you've done in them. Colleges look at your transcript to get a sense of your academic performance. Here's how you can get your transcript:

Contact Your School: The easiest way to request your transcript is to reach out to your school's guidance office. Most schools have a specific process in place, so ask a member of the school counseling office for specific directions…or better yet, read the email information included in your senior update on how to go about the process. However, here are the general rules for asking:
Submit a Request Online: If your school uses a service like Parchment or Naviance, you can request your transcript online. Just log into your account, find the option to request transcripts, and follow the prompts.
Provide Required Information: When you're making your request, be prepared to include some basic information. This usually includes your name, date of birth, and the names of colleges you're sending your transcript to.
Verify Submission: After you've submitted your request, keep track of it! Check with your school's guidance office or the online service to confirm that your transcript has been sent to your chosen colleges.

How to Request SAT or ACT Test Scores

Colleges also want to see your standardized test scores, like the SAT or ACT. Here's how to request those:

Log into Your College Board or ACT Account: Go to the College Board website for SAT scores or the ACT website for ACT scores.
Find the Score Reporting Section: Look for an option that says something like 'Send Scores', 'Score Reporting', or 'Send My Scores'.
Choose Colleges: You'll see a list of colleges that you can send your scores to. Select the ones you're applying to.
Pay Attention to Deadlines: Make sure to request your scores well before your application deadlines. Schools usually take a few days to process score requests and add them to your application.
Confirm Receipt: After you've requested your scores, check your college application portals to confirm that your scores have been received. If there's a delay, don't hesitate to reach out to the admissions office for help.

How to Fill Out the Self-Reported Academic Record

The Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) is a way for you to provide your academic information directly to colleges. These schools require the SRAR. This portal includes details about your high school courses, grades, and any honors or AP classes you've taken. Here’s how to fill it out:

Gather Your Information: Before you start filling out the SRAR, gather all the information you'll need. This should include an unofficial transcript that lists all of your high school courses, the grades you've received, and any honors or AP courses you've taken.
Access the SRAR: Click here to build an account. NOTE: Please use a personal email address that is the same as your common application.
Fill In Course Information: Start by filling in your courses for each year of high school. Be sure to include the course title, the grade you received, and whether it was an honors or AP course.
Double-Check Everything: Once you've filled out the SRAR, double-check all your information for accuracy. Mistakes could lead to delays in your application processing.
How to Submit: After you've confirmed everything is correct, login through the schools specific SRAR website and connect the account after you submit your application to the school.

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher and School Counselor

Letters of recommendation provide colleges with insight into your skills, character, and potential. They are written by someone who knows you well – usually a teacher or your school counselor. Here’s how to ask for these important letters:

Choose the Right Teacher: Choose a teacher who knows you well and can speak positively about your abilities. This could be someone from a subject area related to your intended major or a teacher from a class where you excelled.
Ask Early: Timing is crucial when asking for letters of recommendation. Aim to ask your teacher in the spring before your senior year. This gives them plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter.
Make it Personal: When you ask your teacher for a recommendation, share a detailed account of your experience in their class.
Provide Context: Your teacher might also appreciate knowing what you're planning to study in college and why you chose that field. This way, they can tailor the letter to emphasize relevant skills and experiences.
Remind in Summer: Once you've made your initial request, follow up with a gentle reminder during the summer. A quick email or conversation will help keep your request fresh in their mind.
Thank and Follow Up: After your teacher has submitted the letter, make sure to thank them! A handwritten note or a sincere email goes a long way in showing your appreciation.
Requesting a Counselor's Recommendation: Your school counselor will typically write a letter of recommendation that reflects your overall high school experience. To prepare them, share your academic goals, extracurricular activities, and any challenges you've overcome. This information will help them write a more personalized letter.
Schedule a Meeting: Request a meeting with your counselor well in advance of your application deadlines. During this meeting, discuss your college plans and provide any relevant information that can aid them in writing the letter. A face-to-face conversation can also help your counselor better understand your aspirations and how to best represent you in their letter.
Provide Additional Context: f there are specific achievements or experiences you'd like your counselor to include, make sure to mention those during your meeting. This could be anything from leadership roles in clubs to significant community service projects.
Stay in Touch: After your initial meeting, keep the lines of communication open with your counselor. If there are any updates or changes to your college plans, make sure to inform them. A quick email or note can help ensure your counselor has the most current information when writing your letter.
Thanking Your Counselor: Just like with your teacher, remember to express your gratitude after your counselor submits their letter. A simple thank-you note or email can show your appreciation for their time and support in your college application process.

Conclusion

Getting ready for college involves more than just filling out applications and writing essays. You also need to request your transcripts and test scores, complete the SRAR, and ask for letters of recommendation. While this might seem like a lot to do, don't worry! With a bit of planning and organization, you'll be able to manage it all and present a strong application to your dream school.

Now that you know how to handle these important parts of the college application process, it's time to get started!