Uploading Your Transcript

You are required to upload a copy of your unofficial transcript or academic record for each institution (even if you didn't receive a degree) in the Educational Background section of the online application. These copies must be uploaded before you submit the application. International students should also upload an English translation (along with the original language transcripts) if the transcript is not in English. If possible, please make sure the institution has put your name on the transcript/record.

Non-legible scans will not be accepted. Please refer to the details below before proceeding:

Please do not mail or fax in a copy of a transcript or academic record which you have uploaded to your online application. Instead, use only the upload feature of our online application at this point.

This process saves you the time, effort, and expense of mailing transcripts to us during the initial processing and review of your application. It also avoids any delays resulting from the non-receipt of transcripts and assures you that your documents have been successfully submitted - since you can view them yourself online!

When do I send my official transcripts?

Only if you are recommended for admission will you need to provide an official transcript which is sent to us directly from the institution ((U of Minnesota students are exempt from this requirement). Your offer of admission will be contingent upon the receipt and verification of these official documents which must show the award of degrees. Please do not send these official records until we request them from you.

Important tips for uploading your transcript:

• Please obtain an electronic version of your unofficial transcript or scan a copy of a current transcript at the lowest resolution that results in a legible document (we recommend using under 200 dpi).

• You may upload an institutional web based transcript/academic record.

• Please be certain that your document is saved as a PDF file or Word document, and that its size does not exceed 1500kb.

• If the scanned file is too large, simply make a photocopy first, then scan that photocopy (experiment with different settings until you find one that results in the smallest file size).

• Color documents are not necessary. Scanning in “gray scale” or black and white is strongly recommended.

• Do not upload spreadsheet documents to the online application. Instead, use a screen capture and copy/paste the image onto a Word document to upload.

• International applicants with transcripts from Mainland China, please click here.

• You must ensure that the institution name and other identifying marks are not missed during the scanning process and that your scanned copy is clearly legible and can print on letter size paper - 8 ½ by 11 in (21 ½ by 30 cm)

• Please include a copy of the transcript legend or university key (back page in most cases) for each institution.

• Click the “view document” button to verify whether the uploaded document is legible. If it is not legible, then try again. (NOTE: The system automatically converts your uploaded document into a   standard PDF file.)

• If you need assistance, please note that public libraries, office supply stores (Kinko's, Office Max, Office Depot, Staples, etc.), and other services can create scanned documents for you.

If you are unable to upload a legible document, you will need to have an official transcript mailed to the Graduate School Admissions Office. Please keep in mind that doing this will delay processing of your application. To be considered official, the documents must be sent directly from your institution(s) to our office. Click here for more information.

The University of Minnesota reserves the right to require official transcripts at any time during the admissions process, and rescind any offer of admission made if discrepancies between unofficial and official transcript(s) are found.