Academic Transcript FAQs

Once a transcript is requested, all transcripts are processed within 1-3 business days unless there is an error with the request or a hold on your account. Self selected holds, such as waiting until grades or a degree is posted, will delay processing time.

Can I request expedited or express service?

Yes, after the standard processing time of 1 business day you can request your paper transcript be mailed to you using Overnight mailing services. The cost per transcript is $46.00. However, you can also use our electronic transcript delivery method to save time and money.

Can I get my transcript in less than two business days?

All transcripts are processed within 1-3 business days unless there is an error with the request or a hold on your account.

I ordered overnight mailing. How can I access the tracking number?

When we mail your transcript, the tracking number will be provided to your online order.

I want to pick up a copy of my transcript. How do I pick up a copy?

When requesting a transcript, simply select 'Hold for Pickup' under the 'Delivery Method' drop down menu. All orders can be picked up at the Students First Center during business hours.

I want to request an official transcript in person or through mail. How can I do this?

We do not allow any in-person or mail in requests. All of our requests are done online through National Student Clearinghouse. If you no longer have access to your connect.ucmerced.edu portal, you can access the online request form directly by going to the National Student Clearinghouse. If you do not have access to the internet, email registrar@ucmerced.edu and we would be happy to assist.

I need my final grades for the semester reflected on my transcript. How do I make sure this happens?

When requesting a transcript online, make sure to select 'After Grades are Posted' under the 'Processing Option' drop down menu. If this option is selected, the 2-5 day processing time does not apply. More information about term grades and when they are viewable can be found here.

I need to make sure my degree is posted and viewable on my transcript. How do I make sure this happens?

When requesting a transcript online, make sure to select 'After Degree is Awarded' under the 'Processing Option' drop down menu. If this option is selected, the 2-5 day processing time does not apply. More information about when a degree is posted at the end of a term can be found here.

What are some common transcript request errors?

• You've attached a cover letter that is not accepted. We only accept cover letters from AACOMAS, AMCAS, CAPSA, PharmCAS, and LSAC. We also accept cover letters provided by the university you are applying to. Attached cover letters or documents that are not accepted will result in a cancelled order.
• You selected express mail and provided a PO Box address. This type of delivery method is not available to these types of addresses.
• You selected express mail and provided a local Merced address. Transcripts are produced and sent from the University in Merced, it is not recommended that you pay the additional cost for delivery to a campus address. Instead we recommend picking up the transcript or having it sent through standard mail.
• You selected express mail and are sending your transcript to a department on campus or to an on-campus residence. You will not be provided a tracking number for this type of request. These requests are delivered by our office the day they are produced. We will attempt to contact you to change your delivery method so you are not overcharged.

I never received the transcripts that I ordered. What should I do?

Please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@ucmerced.edu if there is a problem with the delivery of your request.

I need to send an attachment with my transcript. Can I do this?

Yes, the following are acceptable transcript attachments. Cover letters from AACOMAS, AMCAS, CAPSA, PharmCAS, and LSAC. We also accept cover letters provided by the university you are applying to. Using the online request service, you will have an opportunity to upload documents to be attached to your official transcript.

What is an electronic transcript or eTranscript and how does it work?

An electronic transcript is a certified PDF of the official transcript. Recipients of the official electronic transcript receive an email with instructions on how to retrieve the document from a secure web site. Official electronic transcripts can be sent to any valid email address. Of course, it is the sole responsibility of the requestor to ensure the recipient accepts official electronic transcripts.

How do I request an electronic transcript?

You can request an electronic transcript the same way you request a paper official transcript, through our online transcript request service. Make sure to select 'Electronic PDF' under the 'Delivery Method' drop down menu.

How do I download an electronic transcript?

When you receive an electronic transcript from National Student Clearinghouse, follow these steps to download the PDF. You will receive an email notification that a document has been sent to you. One email will contain a link and a username. A separate email will contain a password. Click the link to go to the secure web site. On the secure web site, you will be required to enter your email address and password. Once the document is open, clicking on the PDF will bring up another pop up window. This will ask for the username and password. Entering the correct username and password will provide you access to view the electronic transcript. Make sure you have your popup blockers turned off.

I'm having trouble opening my electronic transcript. What do I do?

1. If you are using an old version of Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer, try uninstalling and installing the most recent version. A free download can be found at www.adobe.com.
2. Make sure that your browser settings allow pop-ups from http://www.studentclearinghouse.org
3. Please make sure that your computer allows the site http://www.studentclearinghouse.org as a 'trusted site'
4. Have both the "Transcript Link. " with username and "Transcript Password. " emails from National Student Clearinghouse available.

Is an electronic transcript official?

Yes, electronic transcripts are official issued by the Office of the Registrar. An electronic transcript is official only when a blue ribbon appears at the top of the navigation page, the seal of the University of California appears, and the signature of the University Registrar appears. A transcript is a complete copy of a student's academic record at the time it is produced.

Who accepts electronic transcripts?

Electronic transcript delivery is becoming increasingly common. We suggest that before requesting an electronic transcript, you verify that the recipient will accept an electronic transcript.

Can I forward an electronic transcript to someone else?

Each transcript is issued to a specific recipient and is only considered official if it is delivered to that recipient directly. The Office of the Registrar cannot certify the authenticity of any electronic transcript that has been forwarded to any person or organization other than the intended recipient.

Will I be notified when the recipient has downloaded my electronic transcript?

Yes. You will be notified via email when the recipient has downloaded the transcript. You will also be notified if the recipient hasn't downloaded the transcript after receiving the email and more than two weeks have passed.

How long is my electronic transcript accessible?

Electronic transcripts expire 30 days after being created, not 30 days after being opened. Please plan accordingly and print copies before the expiration date. Recipients who have not accessed your transcripts will be sent several reminders.

I would like to get an electronic copy of my transcript to attach to a job or scholarship application. Is that possible?

Although possible, it is not advisable. Since electronic transcripts are PDF files it is possible to attach them to online applications. We caution you in doing this because of the additional security and also because of the expiration date. We recommend you first check with the recipient before ordering an electronic transcript for job or scholarship applications to make sure it is safe to send.

I ordered an electronic transcript, but the recipient never opened it. Can I get a refund?

We cannot refund the cost of a transcript due to the recipient either not opening or not being able to open an electronic transcript. We recommend you first check with the recipient before ordering an electronic copy to make sure it is safe to send.

Why am I submitting my transcript request to National Student Clearinghouse?

The National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) serves as a web based transcript request servicer for UC Merced. All requests are reviewed daily by UC Merced Registrar staff members. Transcript production occurs at UC Merced and all sending is from our office on campus. Please consider the pick-up delivery method if you will be on campus, this will reduce your waiting time for delivery. NSC provides electronic delivery for PDF transcripts in addition to being our transcript request servicer.