Zero credits - do I need a transcript?

Applying to College
1

I was an extremely good high school student. I scored in the 30s on two of my ACT subjects. I went to a very white collar high school who pushed me to go to college when I wasn’t ready.

My grandfather passed shortly before I began attending an out of state university. I was very alone and depressed and simply did not go to classes. I withdrew in Oct, past the drop window. I think my classes may have been officially listed as withdraw/ fails.

A couple of years later, I went to a local uncredited trade school that now exists under a different name. I earned very good grades but nothing transferable.

I now live several states away. It’s been years and I’m ready to go back to college. However, when I spoke to admissions for one college, they wanted BOTH transcripts. I never earned any credits. I barely went to college.

I called my trade school and they will only give transcripts in person - several states away.

That discouraged me and I gave up going back to college for a few years more, but this is something that I’m really wanting. I’m looking into a different college now. Could I just not report any higher education because I never earned any credits? I only went to my university for 2 months.

The associate’s degree I want has only 3 prerequisites, and I read somewhere about being required to “replace” fails to prove college compatibility. This isn’t the same degree I wanted years ago, and I don’t want to take irrelevant classes.

2

I should add that I did receive some kind of government financial aid for my trade school. I’m not sure about the details, because the school handled all of it.

By big concern is these schools showing up during the financial aid process and being forced to get irrelevant transcripts.

3

Yes, you do need to send both transcripts. Whether the credits transfer is immaterial. While you are at it, pick up a couple extra sealed official copies to keep for the next time you apply for admission or for a job that requires all of your transcripts.

Contact the trade school again. Will they accept a written request with your signature on it? Many places require that and don’t issue transcripts with only a phone call.

4

Yes, you will need to provide transcripts from all your post secondary education. The trade school should have a procedure for requests that aren’t in person.

5

you need to provide both transcripts. Their is a national student database colleges will check so they’re going to find out anyway. Best case is they then demand the transcripts, worst is they revoke your admission because you signed an application you said was truthful and complete when it wasn’t.

6

Send both transcripts, but you can add a note explaining the circumstances if there is a place on the app for “additional information.” The Common App has a spot like this.