Transcript
TRAN-skript
/ˈtræn.skrɪpt/
An official record of a student's academic history, including courses taken, grades received, and degrees awarded, typically issued by an educational institution.
Unlike a report card, a transcript is cumulative and comprehensive, covering all academic periods, and is often required for college applications or job searches.
The story behind the word. The word 'transcript' comes from the Latin verb 'transcribere,' a combination of 'trans-' meaning 'across' or 'over,' and 'scribere' meaning 'to write.' So, a transcript is essentially something 'written over' or 'copied across' from an original source. In an academic context, it's the faithful, official copy of your entire academic journey, written down for posterity and future use.
Word relationships
- Academic record: A more general term, 'transcript' specifically refers to the official document.
- Record of studies: Similar to 'academic record,' less formal than 'transcript'.
Commonly confused with
- Report Card: A 'report card' is a periodic summary for K-12; a 'transcript' is a cumulative, official record for all academic history, especially in higher education.
Word family
- transcribe (verb): To put thoughts, speech, or data into written or printed form.
- transcription (noun): The act or process of transcribing; a written or printed copy.
Collocations
- official transcript
- academic transcript
- send transcript
- request transcript
- transcript request
Example sentences
- "To apply for the master's program, she needed to send her official college transcript directly from the registrar's office." Applicants must submit an official transcript from all previously attended universities.
- "His high school transcript showcased a strong academic record, including several advanced placement courses." The university's policy states that transcripts will only be released upon written request and payment of a fee.
Memory hook
Think of 'TRANSferring' your academic 'SCRIPT' (writing) to a new school. Transfer script
When not to use
Do not use 'transcript' for informal summaries of grades or for K-12 period-specific reports (use 'report card').
Fun facts
- The earliest forms of academic transcripts were often handwritten by scribes or clerks.
- Digital transcripts with secure verification methods are becoming increasingly common to prevent fraud.
Related words
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