Universities often require a complicated application, letters of recommendation, GRE scores and a transcript. In the beginning stages of admissions, a representative or director may accept an unofficial transcript with the sole intention of viewing past courses and grades to see if the student meets the prerequisites for the program.
Unofficial transcripts are only acceptable for short periods of time, which are subject to the respective college's admission policies. The school website usually states when the deadline is for all materials to be submitted or lists a contact number for an admission representative who can answer questions about transcripts.
Depending on the college, transcript requests can be done via phone or through the school website. Most schools will not charge for regular transcript deliveries. But if there is a charge, fees are indicated on the transcript request form.
If a deadline is close for an official application deadline, it is a good idea to invest in ordering an expedited delivery, but this will come at an extra charge.
Official transcripts are always delivered directly to the selected college or federal agency in an envelope sealed by the delivering university and with the registrar's signature on the seal. These are rarely mailed directly to students like unofficial transcripts, which are generally for a student's own use.
An unpaid debt to the university can prevent both an unofficial and official transcript from being sent out. Unpaid debts do not include student loans. All obligations to the school must be met before graduation or settled upon afterwords in order for transcripts to be processed and available for delivery or pick up.