What is the SSAR/SRAR?
The Self-Reported Academic Record is basically a student’s transcripts in another format completed by the student instead of the high school. Until 2022, the SRAR and SSAR were two different forms with the SSAR only used by FL colleges and the SRAR by others. They have merged and are the SAME THING although colleges still refer to them using the two different names. It is used as a substitute or supplement to official transcripts at nearly 40 colleges in the US including NYU, University of Florida, Florida State University, Clemson, Baylor, and Texas A&M. Students complete this record by inputting their high school courses attempted and/or taken and their respective grades including the courses in progress senior year.
Why do schools use the SSAR/SRAR?
In Florida, UF began using the SSAR in 2013 and several schools joined them shortly after. They adopted it in order to streamline the process of connecting transcripts to applications. Instead of waiting for transcripts to be sent from the high schools, students’ SSAR/SRARs are connected directly to their applications. In addition to linking the students’ academic records to their applications more efficiently, the SSAR/SRAR allows colleges to sort through transcripts easily as the data was manually entered by the student in a standard form instead of being sent as a non-standardized document from the school. While many students complain about the tedious work of data entry, others say it relieves stress as they are now in control and do not need to rely on the school to send their transcripts on time.
When should students complete it?
The SSAR/SRAR is a regular and essential piece of the college application to the schools which require it. College applications are not considered complete until the SRAR is received along with everything else. Students should complete it while they are working on their applications and ensure it is submitted to the colleges by the admission deadline they are aiming for. While some colleges such as UF will accept the SSAR a few weeks after the early application deadlines, it makes the most sense to finish it all at the same time and avoid the risk of having an incomplete application. So if you are applying for a November 1 priority deadline, get it in by then, etc.
How is it completed?
Before starting the SRAR/SSAR, students need to obtain a copy of their high school transcript to use for the data entry. They will then create an account on the official website and begin entering the information. Once complete, they should double-check for any errors before submitting. Connecting the SRAR/SSAR to the application varies by college. Several schools have students connect it after they have submitted their application by logging into their student account where they check their application status and inputting their individual SRAR/SSAR code. Others send students an email with a link to log in to their SRAR/SSAR account and connect it to their application. Students should check with their individual colleges for proper instructions to link their academic records to their application. They should also check their email and application status pages for each college regularly to ensure they have complete applications.
What if you make a mistake on the SRAR/SSAR?
As long as the mistake is corrected before the application is reviewed and/or before the application deadline, you can log in to your SRAR/SSAR account and make the changes. If you are too late, you should call the admissions office at your chosen colleges to inform them of the errors. If you made a slight error and do not catch it, it will most likely have no affect on your application. However, if it appears that you intentionally inflated grades or listed courses you did not take, etc. your application could be thrown out. Do your best to accurately input the information. Students who have been accepted and plan on enrolling at colleges which require the SRAR/SSAR will have to send in their official transcripts to verify the information they entered on the SRAR/SSAR.
Other FAQs about the SRAR/SSAR
Which Universities Require the SRAR/SSAR?
Do you enter college courses on the SRAR/SSAR?
College courses that are taken as part of high school such as Dual Enrollment courses should be listed on the form, but courses taken on your own will not be included. The courses included in the SSAR/SRAR must be listed on your high school transcript.
Do international students need to complete the SRAR/SSAR?
This depends on the college you are applying to. For example, Texas A&M and NYU are two schools that require international students to complete the form. UF does not require it.
Do you students list grades as unweighted or weighted on the SRAR/SSAR?
List your grades as they are reported on your transcript. You will also select which type of course (AP, Dual Enrollment, IB, etc.) you are entering. If both unweighted and weighted grades are listed on your transcript, use unweighted grades for the SRAR/SSAR.
How do students list summer courses on the SRAR/SSAR?
List the courses under the previous academic year along with the other classes taken during that school year.
For other FAQs visit the official SRAR website or contact your colleges with specific questions.