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

By Lynne Fuller, Founder of College Flight Path

Welcome to the summer! For our rising seniors it is time to get the paperwork together for the application process. This means requesting transcripts and test scores, completing the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), and follow up on those letters of recommendation from teachers and school counselors you asked about this past spring.

Not sure how to proceed? Don't worry, we have you covered. This post will guide students through everything they need to know about requesting transcripts and test scores, filling out the SRAR, and asking for letters of recommendation.

How to Request a Transcript

The academic transcript is a student’s academic history – it shows what classes have been taken and the earned grades. Colleges look at the transcript to get a sense of academic performance. Here is how to request a transcript:

Contact the School: The easiest way to request a transcript is to reach out to the school's counseling 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 a senior update on how to go about the process. However, here are the general rules for asking:

A. Submit a Request Online: If the school uses a service like Parchment or Naviance, the request for a transcript is online. Students log into their account, find the option to request transcripts, and follow the prompts.
B. Provide Required Information: When making the request, be prepared to include some basic information. This usually includes name, date of birth, and the names of colleges the transcript is being sent to.
C. Verify Submission: After the request is submitted, keep track of it! Check with the school's guidance office or the online service to confirm that the transcript has been sent to the chosen colleges.

How to Request SAT or ACT Test Scores

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

Students Log into Their 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 will see a list of colleges. Select the ones the student is applying to and if you want to engage score choice, select the scores you wish to send. Some colleges request that all scores be sent (Georgetown, Penn, Howard, Cooper Union, and The Citadel to name a few)
Pay Attention to Deadlines: Make sure to request scores well before the application deadlines. Schools usually take a few days to process score requests and add them to the application.
Confirm Receipt: After requesting scores, check college application portals to confirm that all scores have been received. If there is a delay, do not 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 to provide self-reported academic information directly to colleges. These schools require the SRAR. This portal includes details about all high school courses, grades, and any honors or AP classes taken. Here is how to fill it out:

Gather All Information: Before filling out the SRAR, gather all requested information. This should include an unofficial transcript that lists all of the student’s high school courses, grades, and any honors or AP courses taken.
Access the SRAR: Click here to build an account. NOTE: Please use a personal email address that is the SAME email used for the common application.
Fill In Course Information: Start by filling in the courses taken for each year of high school. Be sure to include the course title, the grade received, and whether it was an honors or AP course.
Double-Check Everything: Once the SRAR is filled out, double-check all information for accuracy. Mistakes could lead to delays in application processing.
How to Submit: After all information is accurately confirmed, log in through the school’s specific SRAR website and connect the account AFTER the application is submitted.

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

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

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

Conclusion

Getting ready for college involves more than just filling out applications and writing essays. It is important to request 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, students can manage it all and present a strong application to their dream school.

It is time to get started! Reach out for any support by emailing hello@collegeflightpath.com or clicking here to book a free 15-minute phone call.

Lynne Fuller https://www.collegeflightpath.com