What’s the Difference Between an Official and Unofficial Transcript?
Learn the key differences between official and unofficial transcripts, when to use each, and how to access your unofficial transcript directly through the student portal.
Understanding the difference between official and unofficial transcripts helps ensure you request the right document for your needs.
📄 Official Transcript: Delivered securely through Parchment.
- Includes the school’s official seal and Registrar’s signature.
- Sent directly to colleges, employers, military recruiters, or other institutions.
- Cannot be printed or emailed by the student.
- College and university applications
- Employment verification or background checks
- Military enlistment
- Scholarship applications
➡ To request an official transcript, visit the Parchment ordering page for your school:
[Insert Parchment Link for Excel High School]
[Insert Parchment Link for Northgate Academy]
[Insert Parchment Link for Washington Technical Institute]
📄 Unofficial Transcript: Downloaded directly from your student portal (Learn Stage).
- Used for personal records or informal reviews of your academic progress.
- Not accepted by colleges, employers, or official organizations as verification of completion.
When to Use:
- Reviewing your current grades and progress
- Sharing unofficial records with family or mentors
- Personal record-keeping
📚 How to Access Your Unofficial Transcript in Learn Stage
- Log in to your Learn Stage account.
- Navigate to the Academic Records or Transcripts section.
- Click Download Unofficial Transcript.
- Save or print for your personal records.
📌 Reminder: If you’re applying for college, employment, or military service, you’ll need to request an official transcript through Parchment. Unofficial transcripts are for personal use only.