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Parents get worried about preparing a high school transcript for their students. There is nothing to worry about. With a little guidance, preparing a high school transcript can be done easily. This can be created when the student starts taking high school-level coursework and added to it throughout the years. If you are near the end of your student’s high school coursework, you will need to complete the transcript all at once. This is the most important document to be completed for the high school years. Colleges are going to want to see a transcript and financial aid will not complete anything without seeing an official transcript.
Categorizing Courses
The first thing to do is write down all courses your student has completed. You need to decide what category each course falls under such as Language Arts or Math. Make sure all core classes are completed or if just starting high school use this time to know where the student needs to have further courses. Below are the general guidelines for core classes and elective classes.
Core Classes
- Languge Arts: Litature, Composition, Creative Writing, Grammar
- Math: Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Trignomotry
- Social Sciences: History, Goverment
- Natural Sciences: Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, (Labs)
- Foreign Language: Any Langueage other than English
- Physical Education
Elective Courses
- Fine Arts: Music, Art, Drama
- Practical Arts: Shop, Driver’s Ed
- Business: Accounting, Keyboarding, Business Dynamics
- Other Elecrives: Computer Programming, Logic/ Critical Thinking
Dual Credits
Any course taken at a community college or other college or university before graduating high school can count towards high school credits. A math class or computer programming class taken at a college would also count as a math class or an elective for high school. Dual credit should be listed on the high school transcript.
When you prepare the transcript you will not put core class or elective class on the transcript. This is for your knowledge to make sure the minimum requirements have been met. Since most courses will be in the category of core classes, when the requirement is met, the rest would be elective courses. When four language arts are completed, the fifth course would be seen as an elective credit.
Creating the Transcript
When you create the transcript, there are a few different ways one can be created. I prefer to do a transcript based on when the course was taken. In this case, you would list 9th grade and then all the courses completed in 9th grade with the amount of credit (1/2 credit, 1 credit) and the corresponding grade. Then, 10th grade would have the courses taken in 10th grade with their corresponding credits and grades. The other way I find effective in creating the transcript is to list the courses based on categories, such as Literature, Science, or Math. All courses taken in that field would be listed under that category.
Make Accredited or Dual Credit Courses Stand Out
Courses taken from an accredited program should be marked differently than courses you have developed (student-led or not). Not all courses taken from other programs will be accredited. Make sure you know which courses are being taken through a program that applied for and received accreditation. The best way to distinguish this is to put an ostrich beside the course name. A course taken at a college under dual credit would have two placed beside the course name. An explanation of these distinctions should be placed at the bottom of the transcript on each page.
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities should be on the transcript. This may have to go on an additional page but is important. It should be sent any time the other part of the transcript is sent. This should include any community service, organizations, positions held in those organizations, groups, and sports teams. Other activities that should be included are any hobbies the student spent a lot of time doing, music lessons, and any competitions the student competed in and include if the student placed.
Homeschool and Student Information
Remember to include your homeschool information at the top of the transcript. This would include the name of your homeschool and the mailing address with contact information. Include the student’s name, date of birth, and cumulative GPA.
If you liked this post, read Requirements for High School Credit.
