When to send out transcripts

[Svenson]

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Hi,

I saw some discussion about this topic on the FAQ, but I wanted to get some more personalized feedback. I will be graduating this week, but would like to apply when the application opens on June 2nd. I am taking several courses which may count as prerequisites: genetics, cell biology, behavioral science, organic chemistry lab; however, their grades won't be boosting my GPA (3.95). I talked to my registrar and they said they were not sure (of course...), but it could take several weeks for my transcript to officially acknowledge my degree.

In your opinion, is it better to send my transcripts to AMCAS unfinished (no spring 2015 grades or official degree reported)? Or should I wait until the last semester's grades appear? Should I wait until it officially states my degree? The FAQ said it was a judgement call. Personally, I think it would be better to apply as early as possible, but I wanted to hear if anyone had any personal experiences. I also have any appointment with a pre-health advisor tomorrow, but I have my doubts about how helpful that will be.

Assuming I send my transcript out unfinished, should I send official transcripts directly to every school I am applying to once it is completely updated? I contacted AMCAS and they said I cannot update it on the main application.

Thanks for any help!

 

[cactusinmyhead]

If they won't affect your GPA you should just send the transcript now. Even if you submit your app on June 2nd you won't be able to get verified until the transcript is in.

There's an option in AMCAS to put in coursework that you're currently enrolled in...you just don't enter a grade. So the schools will know you have those pre-reqs. And you can update schools with your grades once they come out (in secondary applications or via email)

 

[Svenson]

Oh, awesome, secondary applications provide a chance to update the school with coursework? I have already filled out the coursework section of AMCAS and put in these classes under "current/future" without a grade. So when I update schools, does it have to be an official transcript mailed? How would I do it over email?

 

[cactusinmyhead]

Oh, awesome, secondary applications provide a chance to update the school with coursework? I have already filled out the coursework section of AMCAS and put in these classes under "current/future" without a grade. So when I update schools, does it have to be an official transcript mailed? How would I do it over email?

Many secondaries have a question like "Do you have any updates to report since submitting your AMCAS application?" You could put grades there. Doesn't need to be an official transcript. Just don't lie, because they'll probably check if you're ultimately accepted (and lying is bad).

By email you would just send an email to the admissions email with the subject "Grade updates" or something. But your GPA is gonna stay pretty much the same, so I wouldn't worry about any of this 🙂

 

[Svenson]

Thanks a lot for your advice. 🙂 I will get it sent out ASAP so they can begin verifying on June 2nd.