Not all high school graduates want to go to college. In fact, around 34% of high school graduates do not enroll in college. Instead, they decide to pursue other interests or focus on pursuing employment opportunities.
If you’re part of this 34%, then you should know that your high school transcript is a powerful tool. Prospective employers view high school transcripts as an effective tool in deciding whether or not they will hire a person.
What’s Inside a High School Transcript?
A high school transcript contains the following information:
- The full name of the student
- The date they graduated
- A complete list of all of the courses they’ve taken
- The grades they received for each course
- The credits given for each course
- The student’s cumulative GPA
If applicable, your transcript will also contain disciplinary records, scores on standardized tests, and awards or honors received.
A high school transcript follows a fairly standard format. You’ll find the name of the school at the very top along with a verification seal. It may also contain personal information about you, including your parents’ names, your home address, and your official graduation picture.
What Does Your Transcript Tell an Employer?
A high school transcript is something you can present to an employer in lieu of experience if you’re a fresh graduate. Even if you already have work experience, your transcript still improves your chances of getting hired. But what exactly will your employer find out through your transcript?
Your School’s Reputation
The general reputation of a school is often considered when evaluating an applicant. The perceived excellence of the school impacts the perceived excellence of each student who graduates from it. For example, is your school known for producing good graduates? Does the school have a rigid system that encourages students to study well? Are the teachers in the school particularly skilled? All of these perceived ideas about the school can be transferred to you by association, which can work to your benefit if you’re from a well-known school.
Your Overall Performance
Of course, your overall performance matters more than the school you come from. Specifically, employers will look at your cumulative GPA. This gives them an overall idea about your intelligence and ability to grasp new concepts. In many cases, the mere fact that you managed to maintain a good GPA tells them that you have what it takes to learn more. A generous employer will be able to see your potential and offer you more opportunities for advancement.
Your Grade in Related Courses
Not all subjects are the same. Employers may look into specific courses to see if you’re fit for the job. For example, if you’re applying for a job in media, they will pay more attention to your English and Journalism subjects. If you’re applying for an accounting job, they will look into your Math grades to see if you have a good grasp of the basics.
Final Word
Your high school transcript is more than just a piece of paper. It can tell your prospective employers plenty about whether you’ll be a good fit for the job. This is why being able to present a good transcript for any job gives you a great advantage over other applicants.