Re: Sending transcripts
Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 1:23 pm
You see these requirements stated the way they are because they are "calibrated" for North American schools, which often have systems in place to distribute transcripts. However, as you said, many international schools don't distribute transcripts in this manner. Fortunately, most US schools also know this about international schools, so they likely have a procedure in place to handle these exceptions.
First, I would find out what is possible from your home University so that when you contact the US schools, you know what are you able to provide.
Then, I would email the department you are applying to and explain that your undergrad school in [name of your country] does not allow you to send sealed transcripts directly to their school. Say what is possible and ask them what they would like you to do instead.
Finally, US applications are often a two-step process, with some University-wide office (e.g. the Faculty of Graduate Studies) managing the application documents and giving final approval/admission to the school while the Department selects the candidates to nominate for admission. So, whatever happens, you will likely also have to meet document requirements for the University as well. So, if your department arranges for you to send transcripts or grades in some other way, depending on the solution, you might need to also email someone at the University level to ensure your application will be regarded as complete.
One common solution for international students with limited ability to send transcripts would be to ask you to just send unofficial transcripts for the department to make the decision. After they have accepted you and you decide to come, then they might ask for an official transcript. So, even for schools without the ability to efficiently send out lots of sealed transcripts, they might be able to send one single copy once you decide where you want to go. Usually the graduate school / University level admin might be okay with a copy of your degree instead of your transcript too. But these things depend on each school, so you'll need to talk to each place you're applying to if you can't easily get the documents they need.
First, I would find out what is possible from your home University so that when you contact the US schools, you know what are you able to provide.
Then, I would email the department you are applying to and explain that your undergrad school in [name of your country] does not allow you to send sealed transcripts directly to their school. Say what is possible and ask them what they would like you to do instead.
Finally, US applications are often a two-step process, with some University-wide office (e.g. the Faculty of Graduate Studies) managing the application documents and giving final approval/admission to the school while the Department selects the candidates to nominate for admission. So, whatever happens, you will likely also have to meet document requirements for the University as well. So, if your department arranges for you to send transcripts or grades in some other way, depending on the solution, you might need to also email someone at the University level to ensure your application will be regarded as complete.
One common solution for international students with limited ability to send transcripts would be to ask you to just send unofficial transcripts for the department to make the decision. After they have accepted you and you decide to come, then they might ask for an official transcript. So, even for schools without the ability to efficiently send out lots of sealed transcripts, they might be able to send one single copy once you decide where you want to go. Usually the graduate school / University level admin might be okay with a copy of your degree instead of your transcript too. But these things depend on each school, so you'll need to talk to each place you're applying to if you can't easily get the documents they need.