Is it legal for a US University to keep my original transcripts they recd. from my foreign university, forever

Question

In order to transfer to one US college, i gave them my original transcripts. I already graduate there but now, when i want to apply for my master in another school, my first american college doesn't want to give me the original transcripts that i brought from my country. Is this legal? there is anything i can do? I am rushing against the deadline, and i dont have enough time to get a new transcripts from my country. Pls. suggest.

Answer 1

Let me extend my sympathies for your predicimant, however this is how it works:

When you give a transcript to a college you are transfering ownership of those papers. Once you give it to them, you no longer own it. You voluntarily turned those documents to that institution and it is theirs to keep. It is your responsibility to obtain other copies to give to other colleges.

Colleges usually require original, sealed transcripts sent from the institution that issued the transcript.

The best person to talk to would be the admissions counselors at the college you are applying for your masters. They can best assist you with your issue. Remember, their job is to help you get admitted to the univeristy.

Answer 2

Yes, it is both legal and appropriate. Original transcripts are sent by the school which issued them to the school you asked them to send them to, not to you. They are not unique; it is not as if you had given them your personal diploma and they refused to give them back, so you can order an infinite number of transcripts sent from the school. The likelihood is that the new school would not accept a transcript issued by the school in the other country from either you or from the other U.S. school even if you could get it from them; most require that they come directly from the school which issued them. Check with the school in your country (call them directly, so that you can be assured of an immediate answer) and ask if they have a way of expediting the transcript. Usually you have to pay extra for this service, but it can be done.