Differences Between Official and Unofficial Transcripts

What are the differences between official and unofficial transcripts?


Transcript Type Description Target Audience General Use (example)
Unofficial Transcript
  • Displays student's U-M coursework to date, Advanced Placement and examination credit
  • Breakdown of accepted transfer course credit from external academic institutions 
  • Academic standing and discipline actions
  • U-M degrees conferred 
  • Honors
  • Milestones
  • Previous academic institution degree and address information
  • Academic Program/Plan activity
  • Student's address and phone number

Printed on plain white paper

Primarily Internal Document
  • Academic Standing evaluation tool
  • General university (U-M) business
  • Degree clearance tool (in lieu of Academic Advisement Report)
  • Advising tool (in lieu of Academic Advisement Report)
Official Transcript
  • Displays student's U-M coursework to date, Advanced Placement and examination credit 
  • Total number of transfer course credits accepted from external academic institutions (courses not listed)
  • U-M degrees conferred
  • Honors
  • Milestones (depending on the school or college policy)

Does not include:

  • Academic Program/Plan activity
  • Detailed academic discipline actions (e.g., academic probation and academic progress notices)
  • Student's address and phone number 

Printed on official transcript paper or sent as a secure electronic (PDF) document with Registrar's signature and U-M seal

Printed and/or sent only by Registrar's Office

Primarily External Document
  • Application for admission to another institution
  • Application for employment
  • Used for all off-campus purposes

Important points:

  • The unofficial transcript is not an official transcript and cannot take the place of an official transcript.
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) rules and regulations apply to the information contained within all types of transcripts.
Was this helpful?
67% helpful - 9 reviews
Print Article

Details

Article ID: 7737
Created
Wed 4/6/22 12:46 PM
Modified
Mon 10/7/24 11:21 AM