Transcript Resource Page

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)
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: Get a Template

Use a “by calendar” or “by year” format instead of a “by subject” format. While some colleges may permit you to use a “by subject” format, others will ask you to rewrite it. On the other hand, no college will ever ask you to rewrite a “by calendar” into a “by subject” format.
The “How To Homeschool” website allows you to create a pdf document that can then be printed or saved on your computer. The only downside is that your info isn’t saved. Transcript template
Home School Legal Defense Association has a wonderful section about transcripts on their website. Some of it is public, and some requires a membership, but you can also purchase a transcript template from their site. HSLDA Transcript Resource Page
Want the BEST template? Build one yourself! The problem with buying or downloading templates (even free ones) is that their formatting doesn’t usually allow you to edit or make changes you need. In Jennifer’s workshop, we’ll go from blank paper to full template in 30 minutes. It’s open to anyone with or without computer skills. (free) Build it Now!

Step 3: Calculate GPA

The easiest GPA calculator is Back2College SUPER easy to use, totally free, but it is really just a calculator. It uses the standard 4.0 (unweighted) grading scale.
The easiest GPA calculator for weighted GPA GPA Calculator (note, the credits for that calculator have to be at least 1.0 or higher)
GPA calculator for your phone

Step 4: Attend the HS4CC Transcript Writing Class

“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
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 2- 1/2 -hour class is offered several times per year (see schedule above), and taught by Jennifer Cook-DeRosa on Zoom. It’s 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. Class lasts for 2- 1/2 to 3 hours including a short break and concludes with a Q&A period. Each registered participant will receive a recording of the entire class, the slide deck/teaching packet, and an invitation to email their transcript for a private review. Space is always limited, classes always sell out. $40.

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!

Join the FB group

I’m here to help – do you need a transcript review?

Whether you’re in a hurry, there isn’t a transcript class being offered when you need it, or you want a second set of eyes- I’m happy to do a personal review & edit of your transcript via email. The cost for a review & edit is $40. ( I do not write transcripts from scratch) Email me to start the process. cookderosa@gmail.com