OSU, or Ohio State University, is a public research university that consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. As such, its courses are highly competitive, and students can benefit greatly from obtaining an unofficial transcript. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about unofficial transcripts at OSU, including how to obtain one, how to read it, and how to use it.

What is an Unofficial Transcript?
An unofficial transcript is a document that provides your academic record at OSU. This includes information such as your coursework, grades, GPA, and other relevant information. It is not an official document, but it can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:
- Applying to graduate school or another university
- Applying for a job
- Tracking your progress towards graduation
- Getting a sense of your academic strengths and weaknesses
How to Obtain an Unofficial Transcript
Obtaining an unofficial transcript from OSU is easy. You can do so through the university’s online portal, BuckeyeLink. Here are the steps:
- Log in to BuckeyeLink.
- Under the “Academics” tab, select “View Unofficial Transcript”.
- Follow the prompts to generate your transcript.
You can print your transcript or save it as a PDF file.
How to Read an Unofficial Transcript
Your unofficial transcript will be divided into sections, including:
- Personal Information: This section includes your name, address, and other personal information.
- Academic History: This section includes a list of all the courses you have taken at OSU, along with your grades, course credits, and GPA.
- Other Information: This section may include information such as your degree program, graduation date, and honors or awards you have received.
How to Use an Unofficial Transcript
Your unofficial transcript can be used for a variety of purposes. Here are a few examples:
- Applying to Graduate School or Another University: Unofficial transcripts are often used as part of the application process for graduate school or other universities. They can help admissions committees to assess your academic record and determine your eligibility for admission.
- Applying for a Job: Some employers may ask for your unofficial transcript as part of the job application process. This can help them to assess your qualifications and determine if you are a good fit for the position.
- Tracking Your Progress Towards Graduation: Your unofficial transcript can help you to track your progress towards graduation. You can use it to see which courses you have completed, which courses you need to take, and how your GPA is progressing.
- Getting a Sense of Your Academic Strengths and Weaknesses: Your unofficial transcript can help you to identify your academic strengths and weaknesses. This can help you to make informed decisions about your coursework and your future career path.
Conclusion
Unofficial transcripts are a valuable tool for OSU students. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as applying to graduate school, applying for a job, or tracking your progress towards graduation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily obtain and use your unofficial transcript.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips for using your unofficial transcript:
- Keep your transcript up to date: Your unofficial transcript should always reflect your most current academic record. Be sure to update it regularly by following the steps outlined above.
- Use a PDF file: PDFs are a great way to store and share your unofficial transcript. They are easy to print and can be opened on any computer or device.
- Be aware of the limitations of unofficial transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are not official documents. They cannot be used for certain purposes, such as official transcripts for graduate school applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about unofficial transcripts at OSU:
- How long does it take to get an unofficial transcript? Unofficial transcripts are available through BuckeyeLink immediately.
- Is there a fee for an unofficial transcript? No, there is no fee for an unofficial transcript.
- Can I get an unofficial transcript if I am not a current student? Yes, you can request an unofficial transcript even if you are not a current student.
- I have lost my unofficial transcript. How can I get a new one? You can request a new unofficial transcript through BuckeyeLink.
Conclusion
Unofficial transcripts are a valuable tool for OSU students. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily obtain and use your unofficial transcript.