Confusion yields late transcripts

This year, many seniors' transcripts were sent in late to colleges. Some unfairly blame the guidance department for the tardiness, although the fault often lies with students for requesting transcripts late. Many of these students, however, were unaware of the proper procedure. To ensure that students understand how to request transcripts, the guidance department should do more to explain the procedure to students who are facing the often confusing application process.

Many students were unaware of the 20-day turnaround period required for processing a transcript. In an informal survey of 100 Blazers conducted on Mar 31, 68 percent said that the process for requesting transcripts was not clearly explained to them. Because many students requested their transcripts late, the guidance department mailed them in late.

Senior Amber Duckett didn't know the 20-day turnaround period meant 20 school days. Duckett's busy schedule also made it difficult for her to arrange an interview with her guidance counselor that would enhance her recommendation, resulting in a late mailing of Duckett's transcripts.

According to Registrar Maggy Waring, when students receive information from their college stating the deadline for mailing transcripts, they should immediately complete a transcript request form and submit it to the guidance department with the $3 fee.

Unlike the guidance department, whose staff is used to the college admissions process, students are experiencing this daunting task for the first time. And because many Blair students are first-generation college applicants, their parents cannot guide them. Staffers need to make a special effort to be patient with students and clearly explain the procedures to them.

The college application process must be made clear to every senior. If transcripts are not sent on time, the work that the understaffed and overworked guidance department has put in is all for naught.

The problem can be alleviated by regular announcements on Info Flow reminding students which steps in the college application process to take next. This information can also be relayed through English classes, where teachers could spend some time explaining and discussing the process. The small sacrifice to instructional time is worthwhile for students who otherwise might not successfully apply to college.