Not every scholarship will require a transcript, and many that do request applicants to send one do not place a relatively high importance to grades and the like. Nevertheless, when an application requires a transcript, you should take their request seriously and mail (or have mailed) a transcript well before the deadline. In the academic world, there are two types of transcripts: unofficial and official. An unofficial transcript is a listing of coursework and grades similar to the printout available from Bear Facts. Unofficial transcripts are normally acceptable only for campus-based scholarships and awards. An official transcript is printed by the Office of the Registrar on official paper and includes the seal of the university and the signature of the Registrar. All of the information on your BearFacts printout will be included on the official transcript, with the additional information of your major(s) and college. Most, if not all, scholarship foundations will request an official transcript, and ordering official transcripts, like letters of recommendation, requires some advanced planning. DO NOT SEND A BEARFACTS PRINT OUT WHEN ASKED FOR AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT.
The Office of the Registrar is the ONLY campus unit that will issue official transcripts, and they do it according to their own time line. There are various options for requesting transcripts:
Special Processing Transcripts
This service is designed to accommodate those who need transcripts immediately and/or have special processing requirements. You should use this service if one or more of the following apply:* You require transcripts for immediate pickup.
* You require attachments to accompany the transcript.
* You require express mail service such as UPS or DHL.There is a $15 fee per transcript for this service. The fee does not include express mail service. Overnight express delivery service is available at an additional cost of $12 for each domestic address and $25 for each international address.
Rush Transcripts
Rush transcripts are deposited in the mail within 24 working hours of receipt of your request. Please allow 5 to 7 business days for delivery. Fees for rush transcripts are $12.Regular Transcripts
Regular transcripts are generally processed five to ten working days after receipt of request. Fees for regular transcripts are $5. Please note that from November through February this service is subject to slight delays because of the high volume of orders.
Current students can order rush and regular transcripts by clicking on the "Request Official Transcripts" button in BearFacts. Charges for transcripts are billed directly to individual CARS accounts. Special processing transcripts can also be ordered in-person at 120 Sproul Hall from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday - Friday.
Always remember that official transcripts will not include current course work and grades until approximately four weeks after the semester has ended, and degrees are not posted until approximately ten weeks after the semester has ended. Also, transcript requests will not be processed if you have outstanding financial obligations to the University.
For more information on transcripts, please visit the Office of the Registrar's web site at http://registrar.berkeley.edu.