Graduate Application and ACE Transcripts

[study-warrior21]

For those that have ACE credits and have applied to Masters programs, when you submitted your application did you typically list those ACE credits/places where you received ACE credit on your application? 

I am a WGU CS grad and am applying to grad school, but i'm having trouble figuring out whether I should note the places I received ACE credits from. For example, I know I have to list all colleges and sources of credit that are on my transcript, however Sophia.org and Study.com are not "universities" and thus they do not grant college credit. However, they do show on my transcripts and thus I know I need to provide them.

I do want my transcripts considered though as some of the necessary prereqs were taken there. I just don't know if I should list them under Colleges/Universities previously attended OR if I should avoid listing them but still provide their individual transcripts.

[davewill]

When I applied to OMSCS, I just sent my community college and TESU transcripts and said nothing about alt credit. They did not come back and ask for the alt credit transcripts. If you choose to send them, It won't hurt anything, but it might not help, either.

[ss20ts]

I didn't send ACE transcripts when I applied to grad programs. They only wanted proof that I had a bachelor's degree and that my GPA was over 3.0. Some wanted to make sure I had specific courses, but no one asked for ACE transcripts. I wouldn't send them but instead wait for them to be requested. The credits aren't from a college so I made no mention of them on my application.

[allvia]

I applied to at least a dozen different schools for grad programs, and the only thing I sent them was my TESU (bachelor) transcript. I only took one course, the capstone, at TESU. The master programs ranged from Data Science to MBAs; I was admitted to all programs at all the schools I applied (some even to my surprise - top programs, but not budget friendly for me). None of them asked me for more. Most just care that you have an appropriate bachelor (with a reasonable GPA reflected), along with other things they'll ask for - like resumes and references. Getting into a graduate program is more often about you being a well rounded package; not about the micro details of how you got to be one. Don't overcomplicate your graduate application - keep is as simple and straightforward as you can. Most schools/programs are not as competitive as they lead you to believe; the university battle for graduate students (and their money) is where the real competition is. And before the naysayers come in with some exceptions, I said most - not all. Plus some of those top (and non-profit) schools are just as relentless about trying to get you into their programs as any for-profit at the grad level.

[bjcheung77]

Applying to grad school only requires your 'final' transcript, as it will indicate you've received transfer credit from previous studies. Unless the institution you're applying for specifically contacts you for additional remaining transcripts, you can then send them your ACE transcript from Credly. I've seen this for those who only completed a handful of credits and the majority was ACE, the institutions had specific requirements and wanted to know more about the transfer credits. In short... You only need to elaborate on it when asked, the more info you send them may be better, but not always required...

[study-warrior21]

I didn't send ACE transcripts when I applied to grad programs. They only wanted proof that I had a bachelor's degree and that my GPA was over 3.0. Some wanted to make sure I had specific courses, but no one asked for ACE transcripts. I wouldn't send them but instead wait for them to be requested. The credits aren't from a college so I made no mention of them on my application.

Okay that makes sense. Though some of the prerequisites required are listed on my Study.com transcript. For example, I am applying to OMSCS and ASU. ASU specifically requires completion of Computer Arch which is only listed on my Study.com transcript. 

Do you think it still matters if I list study.com on my application or should I only submit my Bachelors transcript.

[davewill]

Okay that makes sense. Though some of the prerequisites required are listed on my Study.com transcript. For example, I am applying to OMSCS and ASU. ASU specifically requires completion of Computer Arch which is only listed on my Study.com transcript. 

Do you think it still matters if I list study.com on my application or should I only submit my Bachelors transcript.

They should also show in the transfer section of your WGU transcript. I'd leave it at that unless they ask for the ACE or Study.com transcripts.

[ss20ts]

Okay that makes sense. Though some of the prerequisites required are listed on my Study.com transcript. For example, I am applying to OMSCS and ASU. ASU specifically requires completion of Computer Arch which is only listed on my Study.com transcript. 

Do you think it still matters if I list study.com on my application or should I only submit my Bachelors transcript.

Just send the transcript from where your bachelor's degree was completed. If they want additional transcripts, they will let you know. Don't complicate things and give them something to question. I wouldn't mention Study at all. It's not a college.

[sanantone]

Applying to grad school only requires your 'final' transcript, as it will indicate you've received transfer credit from previous studies.  Unless the institution you're applying for specifically contacts you for additional remaining transcripts, you can then send them your ACE transcript from Credly.  I've seen this for those who only completed a handful of credits and the majority was ACE, the institutions had specific requirements and wanted to know more about the transfer credits.  In short... You only need to elaborate on it when asked, the more info you send them may be better, but not always required...

The graduate admissions requirements and/or application instructions will specify whether they just need a transcript from the degree-granting institution or from all institutions attended. Many graduate programs want transcripts from all institutions attended. The reason for this is that grades for transfer courses are often not on the degree-granting transcript. Additionally, a student might not have transferred all courses to the degree-granting institution. If they ask you to list all institutions attended on the application, then list them all. People have been kicked out of programs and have had degrees revoked for not listing all institutions. 

ACE and NCCRS providers, with a few exceptions, are not accredited colleges and universities. Therefore, they should not be listed on the application as a previous college attended. If it's Penn Foster or Genesis University, then list it. If it's Study.com, Sophia, Straighterline, etc., then do not list it.

[bjcheung77]

That's right, I should have elaborated - 'final' transcript is coming from all institutions you've attended, these are official transcripts. They're coming from a college, university, institute, or is a learning center recognized by CHEA/USDOE (such as Portage Learning), you're going to have to submit all transcripts from these. The only exception are those that have ACE (Penn Foster) or NCCRS (Genesis), you'll have to send these in as well. For the usual ACE/NCCRS providers, you'll have to send them through Credly, or through the provider themselves if the institution you're apply the Masters requires them.