Understanding STARS for College Applications
Many colleges require students to submit a self-reported version of their high school transcript through STARS (Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System). This guide walks you through the complete setup process and helps you avoid common mistakes that could delay your application.
Who This Is For
High school students applying to colleges that require self-reported transcripts, families supporting the application process, and school counselors helping students complete accurate academic records.
What is STARS?
STARS is a digital platform where you enter your high school courses, grades, and credits exactly as they appear on your transcript. Previously called SRAR or SSAR, the system rebranded to STARS on August 1, 2025.
Admissions officers use STARS to review your academic performance early in the process without waiting for official transcripts. Because it's often the first academic document they see, accuracy is essential to your college application success.
Use Caution
Mistakes or inconsistencies in your STARS record can delay your application or raise concerns with admissions officers. Take time to complete it carefully using your official transcript as reference.
What Information Goes on STARS?
STARS collects specific information about your academic history. Understanding what details you need to provide helps you prepare and complete your record accurately.
Course Information
Full course titles, semester or year taken, subject area, and course level (Honors, AP, IB, Dual Credit, Regular)
Grades and Credits
Final grades for each course and credit value earned (typically 0.5 or 1.0 per semester)
High School Details
Your high school name, location, CEEB code, dates of attendance, and expected graduation date
Grading Scale
Your school's grading system (4.0 scale, 100-point scale, letter grades, etc.) and GPA calculation method
Test Scores (If Required)
SAT, ACT, AP exam scores, or other standardized test results depending on college requirements
Senior Courses
Current year schedule including courses in progress that haven't yet received final grades
What You Need to Complete STARS
Gather these materials before you begin. Having everything ready will help you complete your record accurately and efficiently.
Required Documents
- • Unofficial transcript
- • Current senior class schedule
- • Test scores if required by colleges
Technical Requirements
- • Chrome, Firefox, or Edge browser
- • Quiet workspace without distractions
- • 30-60 minutes to complete entry
How to Set Up Your STARS Account
Follow these steps to create your account and enter your academic record. Work carefully and refer to your transcript for every entry.
Visit the Platform
Go to srar.selfreportedtranscript.com and click "Create SRAR Account"
Create Your Account
Provide your full name, birthdate, email, graduation year, and create a password with at least one number and symbol
Tip: Use your personal email address, not your school email, to ensure continued access after graduation
Enter Course Information
Add all high school courses and grades using your transcript as your only reference
Link to Colleges
Use the "My Colleges and Universities" dashboard to connect your record to participating schools
Verify Submission
Check that each college has received your record through your application portal
Tips for Accurate Completion
Accuracy is non-negotiable. Admissions officers will compare your STARS record to your official transcript, and discrepancies can harm your application.
Use Your Transcript
Never guess course names, grades, or credit values. Enter information exactly as it appears on your official documents.
List All Courses for Credit
Include electives, dual credit, summer courses, and any class where you earned high school credit.
Match Course Titles Exactly
Enter class names as they appear on your transcript, even if they seem unusual or inconsistent.
Enter by Semester
List courses under the correct semester designation shown on your transcript.
Verify Credit Values
Full-year courses typically earn 1.0 credit, semester courses earn 0.5 credit each. Confirm your school's system.
Use Correct Grading Scale
Match the grading system used at your school whether letter grades, numerical scale, or other format.
Pay Attention to Course Codes
Pay close attention to the codes by the courses. These explain the type of course it is and specific details important to the college. You can find a code key on the bottom of the transcript.
Proofread Before Submitting
Have a counselor, parent, or teacher review your entry to catch potential errors.
Can You Edit STARS After Submitting?
In most cases, you can log in to make corrections and resubmit your record after initial submission. However, some institutions require permission before accepting post-submission changes.
Schools That May Require Permission for Changes
- • Clemson University
- • Louisiana State University
- • Penn State University
- • Texas A&M University
- • University of South Florida
Always verify editing policies with each college's admissions office before making changes.
Important: Document All Communication
If you need to make edits and cannot edit directly, make sure you both call AND email the admissions office to notify them of the needed changes.
Document everything:
- • Record the date and time of your phone call
- • Write down the name of the person you spoke with
- • Note what was discussed and any instructions given
- • Save the email you sent to the admissions office
- • CC yourself on the email for documentation
This documentation protects you if questions arise later about the information you submitted or changes you requested.
Colleges That Use STARS
Over 50 colleges and universities currently accept self-reported records through STARS. Check your dashboard for the most current list of participating institutions.
Participating Institutions Include
Log in to your STARS account and visit "My Colleges and Universities" for the complete list.
Common Questions About STARS
STARS (Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System) is a digital platform where students enter their high school courses and grades. Colleges use it to review academic performance early in the admissions process without waiting for official transcripts. It saves time and allows admissions officers to begin evaluating applications sooner.
Yes. STARS is a self-reported tool for early review, but you must still submit official transcripts to confirm your admission. Colleges will verify that your STARS record matches your official transcript, so accuracy is essential.
You can usually log in and make corrections, then resubmit your record. Some colleges require permission before accepting changes, so contact their admissions office if you need to edit after submitting. Prevent errors by working carefully with your transcript and having someone review your entries before submission.
Most students need 30 to 60 minutes to complete their STARS record. The time varies depending on how many courses you've taken and how organized your materials are. Set aside uninterrupted time and have your transcript ready to work efficiently.
Need Help Completing STARS?
Ms. Thrash offers personalized support for college application planning including transcript review, STARS completion guidance, and application strategy. Work with an expert who understands the process and helps students submit accurate, strong applications.