TranscriptPro
Does TranscriptPro provide a template for doing high school transcripts?
TranscriptPro is the type of software that is called a “wizard.” As such, it will walk you through a series of specific data entry fields where you will provide the required information. Explanations are available in the form of “Help” buttons which are earmarked by a [?] in a box. When you are ready to print your transcript, the data file you have created will be merged with the transcript format to give you a professional document. Click here to see sample transcripts.
Can you send me instructions for installing and operating TranscriptPro?
Instructions are printed on the inside of the front cover of your CD-Rom case if you have purchased a hard copy. You can also click here for a PDF copy of our tip sheet.
Is TranscriptPro available in a Mac version?
At this time we do not have a version of TranscriptPro available that has been specifically prepared for Mac computers. However, many of our customers have used TranscriptPro successfully on their Macs with one of PC emulator programs, such as Virtual PC or Parallel. Many of the newer Mac computers also allow users to boot up either as a Mac or as a PC. Many of our clients have also reported that they can run TranscriptPro on their Mac platforms with a free download interface called “Winebottler.”
Do I need internet access to produce high school transcripts with TranscriptPro?
Absolutely not! You may order any Education PLUS transcript product by calling us at 864-655-4799 between 2-5 p.m., M-F, East Coast Time. TranscriptPro is shipped to our customers via a download link or on a CD-Rom and then installed on their individual computers. After installation you will run the program from your hard drive. Thus, your data input and storage never interact with the internet.
Why is a password necessary to “unlock” TranscriptPro?
Unfortunately, we live in a world where the indiscretions of a few inconvenience the majority. The TranscriptPro password (registration/authorization code) is a copyright protection that requires the user to enter a computer-generated jumble of letters and numbers that matches a specific presentation of parent/guardian names for all the transcripts produced in a given family. The password needs to be entered only the first time that you open TranscriptPro on your computer. The user license for TranscriptPro is limited to one family per CD-Rom purchase. Click here to learn how to obtain your password.
Can I install TranscriptPro on more than one computer?
Absolutely—but you will need to be careful when working on multiple machines that you are always working with the latest version of your data file! It is also important that your computer has access to a printer.
Will TranscriptPro run on Windows 10?
Version 4 of the software was released in January 2009 to address the specific installation requirements of Windows 7 and then adjusted for Windows 10. The current version of TranscriptPro also installs smoothly on all previous Windows operating systems going back to Windows XP.
Is support available to solve installation issues?
Please send a request for help to [email protected]. Be sure to include your first and last name, a telephone number, and a time of day when you can be reached while at your computer. Give us a brief description of the difficulty you are having as well. We will contact you as soon as we possibly can. Please note, however, that since we are committed to being a family-friendly company, our offices are not open on weekends or holidays.
How can I send electronic copies of my transcripts?
As a result of current technology, you may receive requests for transcripts to be sent electronically. You have two options when trying to send a transcript as an e-mail attachment: [1] Scan your printed copy, save the scanned image to a file, and then attach; or [2] Print your transcript to a PDF, save that file, and then attach.
If your computer already has software on it that creates PDF files, you should be able to identify that option when you click on Print for the transcripts, then click on Page Setup, and finally see the PDF Creator (such as Microsoft XPS or PDF995 or www.cutepdf.com) in the list of available printers. The process literally works by “printing” the transcript to the PDF rather than to a hard copy. You will need to name the file and store it wherever you like on your computer. Once it is saved, you can attach it to an email, upload it to a college application, or save the file to a flash drive.
Does TranscriptPro save my work?
TranscriptPro automatically saves your work every time you exit the program.
How do I install backup data?
As with any computer software Education PLUS highly recommends backing up your data file regularly and keeping a hard copy of your transcript(s) on file. Be sure to include the transcriptpro.dat file in the list of your periodic backups.
In order to move your previous TranscriptPro data file to a fresh installation, follow these directions:
- Install your software from disk or download. (If you need to reinstall your previously downloaded file and no longer have access to the link, you may contact Education PLUS for a duplicate link by emailing [email protected].) Please note that the changes in the Windows 7 and Vista operating systems require the use of TranscriptPro Version 4.1 for reliable data management.
- Upon opening the software after a fresh installation, you will be prompted to re-enter your password information to unlock TranscriptPro and register it to your parent name(s). Please note that it should only be necessary to enter this information the first time you open a new installation of TranscriptPro. It should not be necessary to enter password information every time you open the software.
- When you reach the student name screen in Version 4.1 of TranscriptPro, you should find a HELP button at the bottom right of the window. Click the button to open the HELP window and locate the IMPORT button. You will be prompted to locate your data file and open it to import your previously saved data file.
- To locate your data file on your previous computer, check the following possible addresses:
Old Versions:
C:\Program Files\TranscriptPro
New Versions:
C:\users\(your user name)\AppData\Local\EducationPlus
Old versions installed in Vista or Windows 7:
C:\users\(your user name)\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\ProgramFiles\EducationPlus
To see some of these folders you need to be an administrator on your computer, and they may be hidden. If you can’t see the AppData folder or some other folder in the list, select Tools/Folder Options/View and click the “show hidden files” button.
Save your data file to a flash drive so that you can access the file on your new computer in response to the IMPORT prompt.
Please note that it is crucial to include your data file in your list of regularly scheduled backups. It is also wise to keep a hard copy of your transcripts on file.
Where is TranscriptPro stored on my computer?
Double click on “My Computer,” then on “Local Disk” or (C:) drive, then on “Program Files.” Versions 1-3 would be listed as “TranscriptPro,” and Version 4 might be listed as “EducationPlus.” Please note that your data file is stored separately as “transcriptpro.dat.” The location of this data file will vary according to the version of Windows that you are running and the version of TranscriptPro you are using. The easiest way to find your transcriptpro.dat file is by using the “Search” tool on your computer (usually located in the “Start” button menu).
Should I consider upgrading my TranscriptPro software to a newer version?
The answer to this question depends upon your reporting needs. If your current version works well on your computer and does all the things that you need to do, you may continue to use it with confidence. If you find that you need some of the newer features, you may order the latest version of TranscriptPro at the current user’s discounted price of $29 (digital download) or $39 (hard disk). View upgrade.
How do the newer versions of TranscriptPro differ?
Version 2 added the capability to report grades on a semester basis and the capability to “weight” grades in the GPA calculations.
Version 3 added these options: South Carolina’s Uniform Grade Scale (UGS) for GPA calculations, the ability to report final grades with numeric averages instead of conventional letter grades, California’s credit system and the Indiana Core-40 credit system to replace traditional Carnegie Units, extended editing capability on the student course list, and the ability to preview transcripts on screen before printing.
Version 4 meets all the requirements for installation on Windows 10 with these added options: the ability to customize the 4.0 GPA scale with any decimal increment you desire for factoring plus and minus grades into your GPA calculations, the ability to print one page of the transcript at a time, an updated Uniform Grade Conversion Scale, expanded explanations at the “Help” [?] buttons, and the ability to report PE courses and grades without including them in the student’s GPA.
When upgrading to a newer version, can my older files be imported?
Version 4 allows users of Version 3 to import their existing transcript data. However, since there are so many additional features in Versions 3-4 than existed in the earlier versions, you will not be able to import data files from Version 1-2 into Version 4. We can help you with installation procedures for Version 4 that will leave your graduates’ transcripts intact.
Can I change the layout of the transcripts?
No. We have standardized the transcript layout to reflect the data categories that are recommended by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. If a specific category of the format does not apply to you, it is not a problem to simply leave it blank.
What do I do if my extracurricular activities list won’t fit on the transcript?
Please be aware that transcripts may not exceed 2 pages in length. Because print space for extracurricular activities is limited and printers vary in how many lines will fit, you may need to consolidate entries so that you don’t use more than 30 lines in this category. If in doubt, print a sample transcript to be sure that everything fits. Each activity entry must fit on one line since there is no paragraph wrap capability in the format. The transcript should list only an identification title for each activity and a parenthetical time designation summarizing the total length of the experience (e.g., 2000-2002 or 3 yrs).
In many school settings, the guidance counselor will provide the student with a recommendation letter (up to 2 pages in length) that summarizes character qualities, academic achievements, and leadership development. You may prepare such a letter addressed “To Whom It May Concern” and signed “Respectfully Yours.” Quoting recommendations written by coaches, music teachers, employers, supervisors, etc. is helpful in the content. If you wish to provide this option for your student, please use your word processing software to compose your letter.
How do I handle senior year courses before my child graduates?
Transcripts list only completed work—not work in progress. Thus, it is customary for colleges to receive incomplete transcripts during a student’s final year of high school with all work documented through the junior year. In such cases, parents need to plan an addendum sheet titled “Work in Progress” that lists current courses along with grades to date (if the college requests these). Final transcripts with senior work included should then be sent to the college within two weeks of graduation.
Should I click the “Final” or “Lock” button before printing my child’s final transcript?
The “Lock this Transcript” or “Final” feature in no way changes the appearance of the transcript you have prepared. This lock is provided as a security option for families who are concerned that no one tampers with their final transcripts. Since clicking the lock or “final” feature will prevent you from making any future changes to your transcript(s), Education PLUS recommends that you avoid clicking the button unless absolutely necessary. The lock cannot be reversed once you enable it.
Do colleges accept the alternate format that organizes the academic history by content rather than chronology?
With several years of transcript production experience under our belts and several thousands families served with our training seminars and software, we have yet to hear any negative feedback on this issue. The bottom line is that your transcripts need to describe your academic program accurately and clearly. There are many home school experiences that simply do not fit the conventional high school model.
When should the alternate format that organizes subjects by content be used?
There are many situations in the tutorial framework of home education that make it very difficult to report a high school student’s work in the conventional groupings of freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior. In these situations, you would be wise to organize your student’s academic achievements by subject areas: English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Fine Arts, Practical Arts, Business, Physical Education, and Religious Studies.
Consider these situations:
[1] If the student’s work in a single subject area is spread out over several years (e.g., studying various topics in biology or world history as they relate to a unit study format).
[2] If the student was ready to begin studying subjects normally reserved for the high school years at an earlier time (e.g., a junior high student who takes algebra or geometry or is ready to work with high school texts in U.S. or world history, etc.)
[3] If the student is gifted in a particular subject area (e.g., music, art or apprenticeship fields, etc.), and you want to highlight the concentration of study in that area.
[4] If you decided that your son/daughter would benefit from an extra year between high school and college (essentially a “Grade 13” experience) to pursue special interests, but you don’t want to create the impression that he/she needed the extra year to complete graduation requirements.
Can someone help me know what information should be entered onto the transcripts?
Detailed information about the transcript production process is included in our Transcript Boot Camp on DVD seminar. This 4-hour presentation accompanied by a downloadable 76-page syllabus is especially designed for home educators. You will find answers to all your questions here. Group packages are also available.
Never forget that as a home-educating family, you are not granting a state high school diploma to your child. Your transcripts are simply the certification that your child has met your own “school’s” requirements for graduation. You may mirror the state department of education guidelines for graduation if you wish, but you are not required to do so. It is also not necessary to satisfy any college admission requirements in order to graduate from high school—though, of course, if college is your goal, it does make sense to include the appropriate preparation in your child’s high school program.
What if I ordered a TranscriptPro (digital version) but I'd also like a hardcopy CD?
No problem at all. We’ll need to verify your previous purchase using your email address. You may order the hardcopy CD product here.
Transcript Boot Camp DVD
What kind of equipment do I need to view the seminar?
The Transcript Boot Camp sessions will play on your television screen with any DVD player or you can play the sessions on your computer with any of the media software programs that are available. The 76-page Transcript Boot Camp syllabus will come to you in a PDF format on a CD-Rom. This syllabus and the accompanying record-keeping forms can be viewed and printed with either a Windows or Mac operating system. We highly recommend having a printed copy available for note-taking as you watch the seminar.
How long are the Transcript Boot Camp sessions?
Session 1 is approximately 45 minutes long.
Session 2 clocks in at 69 minutes.
Session 3 takes 65 minutes to view.
Session 4 takes 63 minutes to view.
May I share my copy of Transcript Boot Camp on DVD?
Yes, we encourage you to share the videos with your friends or acquaintances in your support group. In fact, we have had several support groups arrange “Group Showings.” We do not charge any extra fees for you to use the seminar in a group situation, so we expect you to charge each attendee only enough to cover your cost in hosting the event.
We also expect you to honor the copyright for the materials by requiring each attending family to purchase their own copy of the Transcript Boot Camp syllabus. If you simply share the videos with a friend, ask that person to purchase a syllabus. If you place the Transcript Boot Camp on DVD seminar in your support group library, please do not share the syllabus disk. Instead, please ask each borrower to purchase a copy of the syllabus.
Do you ever present Transcript Boot Camp in live settings?
Yes, we are willing bring the seminar to your city. However, the realities of travel and facility costs, time away from home for us, and all the logistical details that go into live presentations require that we have a minimum of 100 paid attendee reservations for each event.
For smaller groups we recommend using the Transcript Boot Camp on DVD seminar so that you can more effectively control your schedule and provide opportunities for group discussion after the sessions. Some groups have scheduled a series of four nights to watch one session per meeting. Others schedule two sessions at a time, and some folks make a day of it! Do what works best for you. Call us if you need suggestions: 864-655-4799.