A college transcript is a complete record of your academic performance at a college or university. A college transcript documents the classes you took and other related activities, the grades you received, your grade point average, and whether or not you have withdrawn from a class during the school year. There are two types of transcripts: unofficial and official.
Unofficial transcripts are those most readily available to you. They may be instantly accessed online through your college or university's website. These are provided for your own personal reference to assist in gauging your academic performance and in planning and registering for classes later.
Official Transcripts come in printed form. They have been faculty-approved and bear the seal of your university. Copies of official transcripts must be ordered and come with a small fee.
If you can simply access your information for free online, why pay for an official copy? An official transcript provides absolute proof that you have attended a particular school. As such, only official transcripts can be used in applying for a program at another college or university, a job, internship, grant or scholarship.
Order your official transcript in person, online, through the mail or by phone. Your college or university's registrar's website can provide further details. In general, you will need to have your student number or another form of identification and payment method on hand. Note that many colleges or universities will hold back your transcripts if you still owe tuition, library fines or loan payments.