Records RequestS

Q: What's the difference between an official and unofficial transcripts? 

A: Both types of transcript are fundamentally identical documents, but the difference is how they are submitted and to whom. 

An official transcript is delivered directly from the issuing institution (The City School) to another institution (a college, an employer, a background check agency, etc.), usually by the request of the graduate. Additionally, official transcripts usually bear a signature  of a school official. 

If it is an electronic copy, it is transmitted directly to the requesting institution via secure upload, email, or sending service -- done on the graduate's behalf by a school official.

If it is a printed copy, the transcript is usually embossed with the school stamp and sealed in an envelope. After it is sealed in the envelope, it can be mailed directly to the institution or picked up from the school office by the graduate to hand deliver (if allowed by requesting institution). The transcript remains official, even if handed to the graduate, as long as it remains in the unopened envelope and is opened only by the requesting institution.

The unofficial copy you may have received in your email will be unsigned and will be suitable for your basic personal recordkeeping. You can download the copy to store in your electronic files or print copies for your physical files. Some requestors will accept unofficial transcripts as sufficient proof (so you can submit what you have) but others will require official copies, so you'll need to communicate with The City School (using the Parchment ordering site) if you need an official transcript sent.