What is the SRAR?

I keep seeing people mention the SRAR in college application discussions. What exactly is it? How do I submit it, and is there anything specific I need to know before I start working on it?

The SRAR, or Self-Reported Academic Record, is an online form where applicants input their high school courses, grades, and any test scores they want to report. Many colleges and universities utilize the SRAR system to streamline the application process and save students the cost of sending official transcripts during the initial stages of review.

To complete your SRAR, you'll need to access the form through the college's application portal or the SRAR website. Make sure to have a copy of your high school transcript on hand to ensure the information you enter is accurate and up-to-date. It's crucial to be precise in your reporting, as any discrepancies between your SRAR and the official transcript could cause issues later in your college process.

When completing the SRAR, you'll be asked to enter your high school courses, grades, and class rank (if applicable) semester by semester. Some colleges may also require you to report standardized test scores through the SRAR. Remember to also list any courses you took outside of your primary high school (like summer courses, dual enrollment classes, or courses at another high school) if they were not included in your main transcript.

Once you've completed and submitted your SRAR, it will be attached to your college application for review. If you're accepted and decide to enroll, you'll then need to send an official transcript to the college for verification purposes. The college will compare your official transcript to your SRAR - a match between the two is required for your acceptance to be finalized.

Some tips for completing the SRAR:

1. Be accurate and thorough when inputting your coursework and grades. Check your work against your high school transcript to avoid mistakes.

2. Include any additional coursework taken outside of your primary high school, and verify the grades and time frames of completion.

3. Pay close attention to any specific requirements for the colleges you're applying to. For example, some may require you to report standardized test scores as part of your SRAR.

By being thorough and accurate in the completion of your SRAR, you will help ensure a smooth application review process and minimize any potential issues that could arise from transcript discrepancies. Good luck with your college applications!