How To Get High School Transcripts

You worked hard through high school and are ready to start applying to colleges. You will need your high school transcripts to show your achievements and the work you’ve done. These educational records are essential to the college application process, for finding job opportunities, and even for personal use. Many universities, including Grand Canyon University, require official high school transcripts to verify your academic history.

The process of requesting your high school transcripts can vary depending on your school. Here, we take you through how to get high school transcripts, step-by-step, whether online, by mail or in person. We will also share expert insights from GCU’s registrar and assistant vice president of the Office of Academic Records, Erin O’Brien, to help you navigate any challenges and ensure your transcripts arrive on time.

In This Article:

• What Is a High School Transcript?
• Where To Begin Your High School Transcript Request
• Final Steps

What Is a High School Transcript?

Your high school transcript is more than just a list of the grades you earned. It reflects your academic achievement and coursework up to this point. Erin O’Brien advises, “Your high school transcript not only helps determine your admissibility into GCU but helps determine what scholarships you may be eligible for.”

Employers may also request your transcript to verify your education if the role you are applying for requires a high school diploma or specific coursework. Having your official transcript can also be helpful when you’re applying for professional licenses or continuing education programs. Make sure you have an official transcript for your formal applications or an unofficial transcript for your personal records to prepare for your next academic or career move.

Official vs. Unofficial Transcripts

What’s the difference between an official and unofficial transcript? “Your official transcript comes directly from your high school’s registrar’s office. We need the official one that shows you graduated (with the graduation date) to fully accept you and finalize everything here at GCU for admissions, but your university admissions counselor will ask for transcripts earlier on to help determine scholarship eligibility,” says O’Brien.

An unofficial transcript, however, can be printed from your school’s online portal. It shows your grades and courses but lacks official authentication. These are typically used for things like checking grades or informal applications, but they’re not accepted for formal admission or major decisions.

Where To Begin Your High School Transcript Request

The first step in requesting your high school transcript is determining where to order it. Start by contacting your high school’s registrar or records office, which typically handles transcript requests. Many schools offer online request options through their website, while others may require in-person or mail-in requests. When you contact the school, ask what information you must provide to get your transcripts.

Gather the Required Information

Before submitting your transcript request, ensure you have all the necessary information to avoid processing delays. Most schools require that you provide the following:

• Personal information, including your full name at the time of attendance, date of birth and the year you graduated
• School information, including the name and location of your high school
• Transcript request form, available online or in person
• Recipient details, including name and contact information for the college or employer where you need the transcript sent

Before contacting the school, have this information ready and let them know whether you need an official or unofficial transcript.

Check Processing Times and Fees

Before finalizing your transcript request, inquire about any required fees and the estimated time for processing. Many schools charge a small fee per transcript, particularly for official copies. These fees can vary by institution and request method, with online services sometimes adding additional processing costs.

Processing times vary from the same day to several weeks, depending on the school, request volume and delivery method. If you have a deadline, it is important to plan ahead and if needed, consider requesting expedited processing if it's available. Plan to make sure your transcript arrives on time for college applications.

Choose Your Request Method and Submit Your Request

Once you have gathered the necessary information, the next step is to choose how you will submit your request. Schools typically offer multiple ways to request transcripts, so select the best method for your needs.

• Online requests: Many schools partner with third-party services like the National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment, allowing a quick and secure online request process. These platforms let you order transcripts, track delivery status and send them directly to colleges or employers.
• Mail or in-person requests: If online requests aren’t available, you may need to mail a request form or visit your high school’s office in person. Check with your school for specific mailing addresses, processing times and any additional steps required. Once you’ve submitted your request, you may wonder if you need to notify your future university that you’ve done so. O’Brien offers, “No, you don’t need to let our office know, but if your university admissions counselor requests this information, please let them know. We are constantly monitoring our inboxes so we will see them quickly and make sure they are processed right away. We will also alert your university counselor right away with updates so that they can share the good news with you.”

Handling Common Issues

Sometimes, requesting high school transcripts isn’t as straightforward as expected. Here’s how to navigate common challenges:

• Closed schools: If your high school has closed, records are often stored with the district office, state Department of Education or third-party services like the National Student Clearinghouse. Check their websites for guidance.
• Lost records: If your school or district no longer has your records, state archive departments may have copies. Contact them to see if your transcripts can be retrieved.
• Urgent requests: If you need your transcript quickly for a deadline, ask if expedited processing is available. Some schools or online services offer rush delivery for an additional fee.

Final Steps

Once you’ve requested your transcript, follow up with the recipient to ensure it has been received. If you're applying to GCU, confirm with our admissions office that your documents have arrived and are in good standing. Does your transcript have to be official for college applications? Yes, says O’Brien, reminding us, “We need to know you graduated from high school to finalize your acceptance to GCU so we will always ask for that final transcript.” So, remember that if you apply before the end of your senior year, you will need to submit your official transcript once you have completed all your coursework and graduated.

If you need guidance on submitting your transcripts or getting started at GCU, visit our admissions page for more information. Whether you’re advancing your education or your career, having the right credentials can help open doors for you. Take the next step in your academic pursuits today by exploring our bachelor’s degree programs, available both on campus and online.