That’s correct! Official transcripts serve as a crucial tool for educational institutions and employers to evaluate a student's academic history and achievements. They typically include information such as:
- Course List: Each course the student has taken over their academic career.
- Grades Earned: The letter grades received in each course, which contribute to the GPA.
- Credits Awarded: The academic credits earned for each course, which reflect the workload and time invested.
- Cumulative GPA: The overall Grade Point Average, calculated based on the grades and credits of all courses taken.
- Course Weighting: This aspect can vary by institution. Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors courses may carry additional weight, meaning that an "A" in a weighted course might contribute more positively to the GPA than an "A" in a standard course.
These elements combine to give a thorough overview of a student's academic progress and abilities, making transcripts essential for college applications, job applications, and transfers between schools.