Understanding Transcript Requirements for College Applications: Can WES Send Transcripts to Me?

As an international student applying to colleges, you may encounter the requirement for an unofficial copy of your transcripts to be uploaded for your application. One of the schools you're applying to has specified that you need to upload an unofficial copy of your transcripts. Meanwhile, you're currently in the process of getting a WES (World Education Services) evaluation and you're wondering if WES can send your transcripts to you. This article aims to clarify this common confusion for international students and provide guidance on what steps to take.

Transcript Requirements: Official vs. Unofficial

Firstly, it's important to understand the difference between an official and an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts are issued directly by your institution and are usually stamped or sealed by the academic office. While unofficial transcripts are copies of your academic records that are not officially verified by your institution.

Why Are Unofficial Transcripts Required?

Many colleges require unofficial transcripts as part of the application process because they are easily accessible and minimally invasive compared to obtaining an official transcript. This process might include scanning your official transcript from your academic institution and sending it as a copy to the college.

WES Evaluation and Its Limitations

When you submit your transcripts to WES for an evaluation, the goal is to have them evaluated for U.S. equivalency. Therefore, WES will not be able to send your transcripts back to you, as their function is to provide an evaluation, not to hold onto your original documents. However, if you still need your transcripts for your application process, there are alternative ways to obtain them.

What Can You Do If WES Cannot Send Your Transcripts?

Here are some steps you can take to address your situation:

Scan Your Official Transcript

Most academic institutions allow you to request an unofficial transcript, which you can then scan or take a high-quality photo of. Make sure you follow the institution's protocol for obtaining unofficial transcripts. This might involve reporting in person or using an online service.

After scanning or photographing your official transcript, save the file in a high-quality format such as PDF. Ensure the document is clear and that no confidential information is visible.

Once you have your unofficial transcript, you can upload it to the college application as required. This is most commonly done through the college's online application portal.

Verify the Quality of Your Scanned Copy

Ensure that the scanned version of your transcript is legible and does not contain any borders, watermarks, or other details that might be misinterpreted by the college.

Double-check that all relevant academic information such as your grades, course names, and course numbers are clearly visible.

Include your name, student ID, and the date of the transcript in the document, as this information is often requested by the college.

Other Considerations

It's also worth noting that some colleges prefer to work with official transcripts directly. If this is the case, you might need to request an official transcript from your institution and follow their procedure to send it directly to the college. Consider the deadlines for your applications and plan accordingly.

Conclusion

While WES is a valuable tool for evaluating educational credentials for U.S. equivalency, it may not send your transcripts back to you. As an international student, it's important to be proactive and follow the correct procedures to obtain and upload unofficial transcripts for your college applications. Remember, the quality of your scanned copy is crucial, and it's always best to confirm with each college what they require to avoid any delays in your application process.