Professional Certificates

[humbled4real]

I was just looking for general feedback, but most applications ask for all transcripts from previously attended schools. Should transcripts for professional certifications be included even though they are not toward a degree?

My undergrad GPA is not stellar, but I maintained a 4.0 during the certifications which I think could be a good accomplishment to mention in essays especially since I work full time.

Any thoughts?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear humbled4real,

Schools want transcripts for courses you received credit for, as in credit recognized by a university towards a degree. So if you received credit for these courses, then you will need to submit the transcripts. If you did not receive university credit, then I think it could be helpful to include any transcripts for your certificate programs if grades were awarded on a competitive basis. These can serve as evidence of your current motivation and focus on coursework alleviating concerns the admissions committee might have based on your undergraduate GPA.

Good luck,
Lisa

[humbled4real]

Dear humbled4real,

Schools want transcripts for courses you received credit for, as in credit recognized by a university towards a degree. So if you received credit for these courses, then you will need to submit the transcripts. If you did not receive university credit, then I think it could be helpful to include any transcripts for your certificate programs if grades were awarded on a competitive basis. These can serve as evidence of your current motivation and focus on coursework alleviating concerns the admissions committee might have based on your undergraduate GPA.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa,

Thank you. This makes sense.

H4R