One of the unspoken requirements of the transfer applications is the ability to be organized. Sending your school transcripts demonstrates this need.
Though the Common Application for freshman applicants allows high schools to electronically submit school reports and transcripts through the Common App website, this function isn’t available to transfer applicants, who must send hard copies to the colleges/universities they’re applying to. To have the best control of your transcripts, you should ask your high school and college to send you several copies of your transcript, with one transcript in one envelope. For example, if you’re applying to 6 colleges, ask for 6 copies of your transcript, each in its own sealed envelope. Ask for all the copies to be sent to you, and don’t open the transcripts when you get them, because that would make the transcripts unofficial.
Here’s what the situation would look like for your application to College X–in addition to completing Common App online application, you would send one, large envelope containing these items to College X:
1. your high school transcript in its own envelope
2. your college/university transcript in its own envelope
3. A cover page that includes this information:
– CA ID (Common App ID #):
– First name:
– Last name:
– Date of birth (mm/dd/yyyy):
– Applying for [semester and year] transfer
I’ve worked in an office of admissions before, and there’s a lot of paperwork to handle, so it’s easier for the admissions office if you send everything at one time.
Photo: Will Hart