What exactly is an unofficial transcript?

Applying to College
1

<p>I recently had my transcripts from my past uni sent out to two new unis I am applying for. However, one has received it and the other hasn't. In fact, it should of received the transcript a while ago and they had suggested just sending a letter for a new request or faxing it to them to shorten the processing time.
I had mentioned that my old uni will send them a fax of the transcript directly from the school. However, on my past attended uni's page it says, "Faxed transcripts are unofficial and are most often requested for personal use or as a placeholder for the official transcript". I had mentioned that to the uni I am trying to send that transcript to and they said to have them fax it and see if it works.
My only hold up is it costs $6 for a faxed transcript vs free in the mail and I don't really want to pay $6 unless I know it is going to work. (I know it is only 6 but I guess I am cheap lol) </p>

<p>Anyone have any experience with this?</p>

2

<p>Check if they can send it electronically. $6 is not that much. It is only a small fraction of the cost of school application. Why do you want to take the risk and go through all these troubles.</p>

3

<p>I don’t know if that is an option… I don’t see “electronically” as an option on either uni website</p>

4

<p>Call and see if they accept electronic submissions of transcripts from the high school. In any event, you cannot assume a faxed transcript will be considered official unless the college definitely says it is. As to having high school mail or fax it, it likely really depends on how fast you need to get it there. If you order it mailed now it should be sent and received within the next couple weeks.</p>