Difference between transcript and diploma?

Hey! I'm a junior trying to prepare for the college application process, and I'm a bit confused about transcripts and diplomas. What's the difference between them, and what roles do they play in college applications?

Hello! The confusion is understandable, and I'm happy to help clarify the difference between transcripts and diplomas.

A transcript is an official document provided by your high school that lists all the courses you've taken, the grades you've received in each course, and often your overall GPA. Transcripts are a key component of your college application, as they give admissions officers detailed insight into your academic performance throughout high school. They help colleges assess the classes you've taken, the level of those classes, and how you've performed in them. When you apply to colleges, you'll need to submit a copy of your high school transcript as a part of your application.

A diploma, on the other hand, is a certificate awarded by your high school upon the successful completion of all graduation requirements. It serves as an official confirmation that you have met the necessary criteria and graduated from high school, but doesn't contain any details about your time in high school - usually it will just say your name and your high school's name. Diplomas are not required during the college application process. However, you'll need to provide proof of high school graduation (usually in the form of a final transcript that shows you've graduated) before you enroll in a college.

In summary, transcripts are an essential part of your college application, which show your academic performance throughout high school, while diplomas are certificates of high school graduation that you receive upon completing all your requirements. In the college application process, you'll only need to submit your transcript. I hope this clears things up for you!