What is an Unofficial Transcript?
An unofficial transcript is a digital copy of your academic record that contains the same information as an official transcript (courses, grades, GPA), but is not certified or delivered by your institution’s registrar.
Unofficial transcripts are typically:
- PDFs downloaded or printed to PDF from your student portal
- Screenshots of your transcript page as long as it includes your name, institution, courses, and grades
- Scanned copies of a printed record
Formats that do not qualify as an unofficial transcript:
- A typed list of courses/grades created by the student.
- Degree audits, Academic Progress Audit System (APAS) Reports from MN State Schools, or transfer credit evaluations that don’t show original course numbers and grades.
- Progress reports or midterm reports without grades.
- Incomplete screenshots.
- Photos of a computer screen showing coursework
We will not be able to consider your transfer application complete if you submit any of these formats. Your application review will be delayed.
Why Unofficial Transcripts for Transfer Applicants?
Our goal is to support transfer students with an application process that’s responsive to your real-life circumstances—whether you’re working, caring for family, managing financial responsibilities, or returning to school after time away.
Submitting unofficial transcripts helps you:
- Avoid delays caused by third-party transcript requests
- Get your application marked as “complete” sooner
- Receive your admission decision more quickly
- Save on transcript request fees
- Stay in control of your transfer timeline
This approach reflects our commitment to access, equity, and timely decision-making—while still upholding academic integrity and transcript verification processes.
Equal Review for all Transcripts
Whether you submit an unofficial or official transcript, your application will be reviewed in exactly the same way by our admissions team. We evaluate all documents with the same academic rigor and care, regardless of format.
How to Submit Your Unofficial Transcript
You can submit your unofficial transcript in one of two ways, depending on your application method:
During your application:
Upload your unofficial transcript directly within the Academic History section of the Common Application for Transfer.
After your application:
After submitting your transfer application, you will receive an email (typically within seven days) containing your 7-digit University of Minnesota student ID number and instructions for setting up your Application Tracker account. First-time users should create an account by visiting the Application Tracker login page and creating an account using their student ID number.
1. Log in to your App Tracker account
2. Locate the checklist item labeled “Unofficial Transcript” and upload your document (PDF, screenshot, or scan).
Important: While this submission may enable an earlier admission decision, admitted students will be required to provide an official transcript at the end of the current term once your in-progress courses are complete. This ensures we have your full academic record on file.
What Happens After Submitting an Unofficial Transcript for your Transfer Application?
Once we receive your transfer application and an acceptable format of your unofficial transcript, your application will be marked complete and enter the review process.
If you are admitted and choose to confirm your enrollment to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, you will need to send us an official final transcript from every school that you submitted an unofficial transcript for so we can verify all of your grades and coursework.
If your unofficial transcript is not acceptable (photos of a computer screen showing coursework, a typed list of courses/grades created by the student, or any of the additional examples seen below), your file will be noted as “Missing Information” and we’ll reach out via email to request the missing document. The length of time to be notified if your unofficial transcript is not acceptable may be up to one week.
When do I need to submit an official transcript?
If you are admitted and you confirm your enrollment, the deadline to submit official transcripts is typically:
January 1 for spring enrollment
July 1 for fall enrollment
Students who fail to submit an official transcript by the posted deadline may have their admission rescinded.
Transfer credit evaluation is also based on your submitted transcript. However, credit will only be finalized and officially posted once we receive your official documents.
Unofficial transcripts can not be used to update records of currently enrolled University of Minnesota students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an unofficial transcript?
An unofficial transcript is a record of your academic coursework and grades that is not issued directly (via physical mail or electronically) by the Registrar’s Office in a sealed or certified format. While it contains much of the same information as an official transcript, it is generally intended for personal reference, advising, or preliminary application review. The University of Minnesota–Twin Cities can review unofficial transcripts from institutions within the United States to determine admissibility; however, official transcripts will be required before you are eligible to enroll.
An unofficial transcript should:
- Clearly display your full name and the name of the institution.
- List all courses attempted, including current (if available) and past enrollments.
- Include the grades earned for each course and the term/semester in which the course was taken.
- Show your cumulative GPA (if provided by the institution).
- Indicate the credit hours earned (and attempted) for each course.
Acceptable forms of unofficial transcripts may include:
- A PDF or download directly from your student portal.
- A scanned copy or clear photo of your paper transcript.
- A screenshot of your online academic record (as long as it includes your name, institution, courses, and grades).
Items that do not qualify as an unofficial transcript:
- A typed list of courses/grades created by the student.
- Degree audits, APAS Reports, or transfer credit evaluations that don’t show original course numbers and grades.
- Progress reports or midterm reports without grades.
- Incomplete screenshots.
- Photos of a computer screen
Can I submit an unofficial transcript from a school outside the U.S.?
No. Currently, we only accept unofficial transcripts from U.S.-based (domestic) institutions. International transcripts must be official to complete your application. Visit our international transfer application checklist for more information.
Why are official transcripts from colleges or universities outside the U.S. required?
This policy is in place to ensure that the institution is recognized and accredited and that any courses and grades completed can be reviewed accurately for admission and transferability. Without this verification, it would be difficult for admissions committees to fairly evaluate and compare the qualifications of applicants from different countries with varying educational systems and standards.
Will my application be reviewed differently if I submit an unofficial transcript instead of an official one?
No. All applications—whether submitted with unofficial or official transcripts—are reviewed equally and with the same academic standards.
What happens if I get admitted with an unofficial transcript?
Your admission will be conditional. You’ll be required to submit an official transcript after your current term ends to verify your academic record.
Can I upload multiple transcripts if I attended more than one college?
Yes. Please upload a separate unofficial transcript for each institution you’ve attended. You’ll see multiple checklist items in your Application Tracker.
Where do I upload my transcript?
You can also submit it through your Application Tracker, which becomes available shortly after your application is received. Look for the checklist item titled “Unofficial Transcript.”
Can I upload my unofficial transcript when I apply through the Common App?
Yes, absolutely. When applying through the Common App, you’ll have the opportunity to upload your unofficial transcript as part of your application. You can include it in the Academic History section or through the Member Questions section, depending on how your previous institutions are listed.
If for any reason you’re unable to upload it at the time of application, don’t worry—you’ll receive access to your Application Tracker shortly after we receive your application. There, you can upload your unofficial transcript under the checklist item labeled “Unofficial Transcript.”
Do I still need to submit an official transcript later?
Yes. If you are admitted with an unofficial transcript, you will still be required to submit an official transcript from each institution by the posted deadline in order to finalize your admission and transfer credit.
NOTE: Students who are admitted and confirm their enrollment, but who do not submit their official transcript(s) by the verification deadline will not be eligible to enroll at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Verification Deadlines are typically:
- January 1 for spring enrollment
- July 1 for fall enrollment
We recommend requesting your official transcript as soon as your current term is complete to avoid any delays.
Who can I talk to for help?
Reach out to the Office of Admissions at 612-625-2008 or visit z.umn.edu/ContactAdmissions to connect with a Transfer Specialist.