It’s only the most important homeschool document you’ll ever create! No pressure.
We have lots of free and paid resource recommendations below. One thing to be aware of, is that recording college credit on a high school transcript is a bit different than recording high school credit.
Families who have a lot of college credit often worry about how to record credit earned through dual enrollment, CLEP, or ACE. Our families also want to be sure they are assigning the proper letter grades, calculating their GPA accurately, and not missing any key essentials.
Step 1: The Basic FAQs
- Length? 1 page
- Titles? Keep them simple.
- Fonts and colors? Resist the urge.
- + and – grades? Only if you like doing extra math.
- To weigh or not to weigh? When in doubt, do it both ways.
- 1 college course taken at a college with a grade = 1 high school credit.
- Use subject names, not brand names (yes to Algebra 1, no to Saxon)
- “by year” is preferred over “by subject”
- Test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT, CLEP, AP, etc.) shouldn’t appear on a transcript per FERPA privacy guidelines.
- Remember that the transcript is only one part of the application!
Step 2: Make a Template
- Free HS4CC Transcript Template My recommendation for a template is easy to use and build yourself. Best of all, there is lots of room for college credit! I like having TWO copies on my computer- one as my “working copy” where I plan, and the other as an “official copy” that is always ready to send. (free) Build it Now!
Step 3: Calculate GPA
- My favorite GPA calculator makes each year and cumulative GPA very easy to calculate. You can also toggle between weighted/unweighted and you have your pick of regular, honors, AP, or college level. GPA Calculator (note, the credits for this calculator have to be at least 1.0 or higher)
- GPA calculator for your phone
Step 4: Attend the HS4CC Transcript Intensive
“I was VERY anxious about transcripts before this workshop. My mind is now totally at ease on this topic, not an easy task for a Type A personality. Best workshop I’ve taken as a mom of a soon to be high schooler who has already taken a few high school level classes in Junior high. I walked away with more than an understanding of transcripts and the template to create them, but also what I needed to be saving for college applications as my son will take college level classes offered in co-op for college credit next year.”
“Having attended the April session, I can say it was well worth the time and money for the class. My son is an 8th grader and high school is looming. I’m now at peace with this task. I’ve made my template and have the high school classes he’s already taken filled out. Getting this knowledge and creating the transcript was a huge weight off my shoulder. It gave be real anxiety and now I say bring it. I’m ready and prepared. Thank you!!!!”
| Date | Time | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| June 18-Aug 26, 2022 | available on demand for a limited time | Enroll now |
| May 18, 2022 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
| April 18, 2022 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
| March 18, 2022 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
| January 14, 2022 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
| October 6, 2021 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
| August 30, 2021 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
| July 27, 2021 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
| June 23, 2021 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
This special class is offered live several times per year (see schedule above), and on demand during the summer or holiday breaks. This intense class is the best way to get a deep and thorough understanding of building the best transcript for your homeschool teen – especially when it includes both high school and college credit!
COURSE OUTLINE:
- What is a transcript? What is it not?
- Homeschool record keeping
- Sending transcripts to college
- Where does a transcript come from?
- What to put on the transcript, and what to leave off
- Why unique transcripts make a poor impression
- What goes in the header and footer
- How to enter courses on any template
- Weighted Honors GPA / College GPA / AP GPA
- Unweighted GPA
- How to use a GPA calculator
- What counts as 1 high school credit? (5 methods to use)
- What makes dual enrollment different?
- Using blending homeschool & DE courses for credit
- Converting dual enrollment into high school credit
- When and how to round with good judgement
- Recording dual enrollment on a homeschool transcript
- Recording credit by exam (CLEP, DSST, AP, UExcel, TECEP, ACTFL)
- Recording ACE credit (Sophia, Studycom, Straighterline, Saylor, etc.)
- Recording continuing education / adult education courses
- Recording remedial courses
- Writing course titles
- Writing course descriptions
- Case Studies (examine several real examples of homeschool and college curriculum and see how it is properly recorded on a high school transcript)
Step 5: Join our HS4CC Transcript Writing Support Facebook Group!
Do you need a transcript makeover?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process, I’m happy to help. I’ve reviewed and audited 1,000+ homeschool transcripts. In your makeover, I’ll ensure your transcript meets college admissions standards, make title and credit recommendations, calculate your GPA (weighted or unweighted) and spot omissions. I will leave in-line edits, marginal comments, and a thorough final recommendation for revisions. This service carries a fee of $100. Email me to start the process. cookderosa@hs4cc.com
