Transcript Requests

It depends on the college and university. Some schools (for example, KU & K-State) use the “self-report” method for courses and grades, and do not need a transcript when you apply. You will enter your courses and grades online when you apply. (You can obtain an unofficial transcript from the SME Registrar to make it easier to fill in your application.)

Some self-report schools may ask that you send them a transcript after you apply, or that you have an official transcript sent from SME, so be sure to check your email. 

If a school requests that you send them a transcript, please see the SME Registrar first (if you haven't done so yet).

SME will automatically send a final transcript in June to the school each senior plans to attend. (Seniors will indicate their college or university in a Skyward form in May.)

Check the admissions website for each school you're applying to. Procedures can vary considerably among schools. 

Follow the instructions carefully. When in doubt, contact the admissions office directly for advice.

• You must contact the SME registrar, Melanie Lowe, first for all transcript submission methods (mailed, electronic, or uploaded). Students must submit a completed transcript release form in person or electronically to Mrs. Lowe.

• Before requesting a transcript, you should always confirm first that your college or university actually needs and wants a transcript right now.

  • If the school uses self-reporting for courses and grades, you'll just enter them yourself.

  • A school may allow you to upload an unofficial transcript yourself. You may request one from the SME registrar.

  • If your school requires an OFFICIAL transcript, it must be sent directly from SME. You will request it through Xello (if you applied directly to college's website), or through your counselor (if you applied via Common App). See instructions below!

  • Do not request that a transcript be sent unless you're sure they want and need it now. You may be asked  to send an official transcript later, so be sure to check your email frequently for messages from colleges you've applied to.

• Some schools allow your counselor to upload your transcript directly to their portal. Discuss this with the registrar when you sign your transcript release form and she will let your counselor know.

• For transcripts, you should contact the registrar a minimum of 48 hours before your application deadline.

1. Keep in mind that it may take several days (or even weeks, during busy times), for a college or university to download and match your transcript to your application file. This must be done manually, even with transcripts sent electronically. Your application status may continue to indicate they have not yet received your transcript if they haven't yet matched it to your file (even if it has already been sent by SME). If you have questions, first check with your college's admissions department directly.

1. If you're sure the college needs a transcript now, you may request it through your Xello account, but only after you have contacted the registrar and signed a transcript release form. Only students may do this (parents are not able to request transcripts using their child's Xello account). Please allow at least two school days after you submit the request for your transcript to be sent.

2. To submit a request to have a transcript sent to a school that you are NOT applying to through Common App, following these directions:

   • In your Xello Student Dashboard, under Goals & Plans, click College Planning.

   • Under the Application Checklist, find Transcript.

   • To the right, click Request.

     • A banner at the top of the screen will indicate the request was sent.

1. You must contact the SME registrar, Melanie Lowe, first for all transcript submission methods (mailed, electronic, or uploaded). Students must submit a completed transcript release form in person to Mrs. Lowe
    

2. Invite your counselor in your Common App (or SendEdu) account and email your counselor to update her on your colleges and deadlines. (Check with your counselor to ensure you're using the correct email address.)

3. If you are applying via Common App (or SendEdu), your counselor will upload your School Report (which includes your transcript) to Common App (or SendEdu) and each college will download it when you submit your application.

4. If a college requires a counselor recommendation, Mrs. Lowe will send you the link to the Counselor Recommendation Questionnaire google form. This questionnaire must be completed a minimum of one month before your earliest college application deadline.

• Check your email frequently for emails from the colleges and universities you're applying to.
   
• Most colleges require applicants to create an account that allows them to check their application status online. Follow these directions carefully!
   
• Your account will show a checklist of the items that have been received and those that are missing. 
   
• Keep in mind that it may take several days (or even weeks, during busy times), for a college or university to download and match your transcript to your application file. This must be done manually, even with transcripts sent electronically. Your application status may continue to indicate they have not yet received your transcript if they haven't yet matched it to your file (even if it has already been sent by SME). If you have questions, first check with your college's admissions department directly.

Some scholarships, honors programs, and other special programs may require a transcript, even if you don’t need to submit one with your general application for admission.

 *NOTE:  The KU Honors Program no longer requires a transcript as part of their application process. Follow instructions on their website.

For other programs, check details on their website; some will allow you to upload an unofficial transcript. If they need an official transcript sent directly, see the registrar.

In April, each senior will complete a senior survey, which includes designation of the college they’ve decided to attend. SME will automatically send your final transcript to that school in June.

Therefore, you will NOT need to contact the registrar or your counselor to ask that they send a transcript to the college you're attending, unless you change your mind and decide to attend a different school.

See the SME registrar, Melanie Lowe, in the Student Services / Counseling office.

Alumni should request their transcript through the SMSD Transcript page.

Contact or stop in to see the SME registrar, Melanie Lowe, in the Student Services / Counseling office.  (School days between 7 am - 3 pm.)