What is considered an official transcript?
Official university/college transcripts bearing the official seal of the institution and the signature of the registrar are required for all previous post-secondary education. Certified copies are acceptable; photocopies are not. • I’m an international applicant. Do I need to have official transcripts sent as a part of my application? Yes, official transcripts are required for international applicants, even if the transcripts are not written in English. International applicants are also required to complete an evaluation through Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE). This process verifies whether the degree earned is the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. • Should my letters of recommendation be professional or academic? The letters of recommendation may be professional or academic. You should ask three people who can speak to why you are a good candidate for the program to which you have applied and/or have traits that would make you a valuable professional in the field.
Official transcripts must be requested directly from the university. When the university mails an official transcript, it will be in a sealed envelope. When Loyola receives your transcript, it must still be in the original sealed envelope for it to be considered “official” for your application file. Therefore, you may either have your university mail the official transcript to you so you can submit it or they can send it directly to Loyola at: Graduate Enrollment Management Loyola University Chicago 820 N. Michigan Ave Chicago, Illinois 60611 • Are official transcripts required for international applicants? Official transcripts are required for international applicants, even if they are not written in English. • What is the “transcript evaluation” that is required for international applicants? International applicants are also required to request a course-by-course evaluation from ECE. This will verify whether the degree earned is the equivalent of a US Bachelors degree. This is import
Official transcripts are those that come from the college or university in sealed, original envelopes with the school’s seal. Transcripts should be sent directly from the college/university to our office, although original sealed transcripts that are in the student’s possession may be acceptable. Opened transcripts, faxed copies, or photocopies cannot be accepted as official, but may be used to evaluate quantitative ability or to begin the admission process. Official transcripts that have been sent to our office cannot be returned or shared with the applicant.
