School Transcripts and University Applications:
Which Translation Should You Choose?

An application file, several documents to translate

Applying to a university abroad — in the United States via the Common App, in the UK, in Australia or in Canada — generally requires several school documents translated into English: report cards (often from the French equivalent of 10th to 12th grade), Baccalauréat transcripts, diplomas, and sometimes undergraduate transcripts for further studies. It is common for a single file to include 6 to 13 pages of report cards and diplomas to translate at once.

Certified or standard translation?

This is the most common question for this type of file, and the answer depends on the receiving institution, not on a general rule:

• Some universities accept a standard translation produced by a professional translator, with no legal certification
• Others require a certified translation, signed with the seal of a sworn translator — this is in fact a very common request for this type of file (report cards, transcripts, diplomas)

If you are unsure about the admissions office's exact requirement, it is best to check before ordering the translation — or to opt directly for a certified translation: it is accepted anywhere a standard translation would be, while the reverse is not true. Mention your specific need when requesting a quote.

British or American English?

The choice of English variant is not neutral: an application to a US university (spelling, school-system terminology) benefits from being written in American English, while a UK application calls for British English. Specify the destination of your file when requesting a quote — it is a detail admissions offices notice.

Should each document be translated separately?

No — a file with several report cards and diplomas can be translated and delivered as a coherent set, with consistent terminology across documents (grades, the French 20-point scale, subject names). This is essential for readability by an admissions committee unfamiliar with the French school system.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to translate a full file (report cards + Baccalauréat)?
Depending on volume, between 24 hours and a few business days. A file with several report cards benefits from a grouped quote, more cost-effective than translating documents separately.

Is the price the same for a standard and a certified translation?
No, a standard translation is generally less expensive, as the absence of certification formality reduces both turnaround time and cost.

Can I send photos of my report cards?
Yes, clear photos or scans are sufficient to produce the translation, regardless of the number of documents.