Understanding Parchment and What It Does
Parchment is a company that handles official academic documents for educational institutions across the United States. Founded in 1996, Parchment has grown to serve more than 3,900 educational institutions, including high schools, colleges, universities, and career and technical schools. The company's main role is to store, manage, and send official transcripts, diplomas, and other educational records on behalf of these schools.
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When you graduate from a school or complete a program, your official records are stored in Parchment's secure system. This includes your transcript, which shows the courses you took and the grades you received. Your diploma or certificate of completion may also be stored there. Rather than keeping physical files in school offices, many institutions use Parchment to maintain these documents digitally and securely.
Parchment operates as a third party between you and your school. Your school decides to use Parchment to handle document requests, but Parchment does not decide what records exist or what information appears in them. That information comes from your school's records. Parchment simply processes your request and sends the documents where you ask them to go.
The company processes millions of document requests every year. Whether you need your transcript for a job application, to transfer to another school, or for your own records, Parchment is often the organization that handles getting that document to you or to whoever is requesting it.
Practical Takeaway: Before contacting Parchment, confirm that your school uses them for document services. You can do this by visiting your school's website or calling your school's registrar office directly.
How to Find Your School on Parchment
Parchment's website allows you to search for your school to see if they use Parchment's services. This is an important first step because not all schools use Parchment. Some schools handle transcript requests through their own systems or through different third-party providers. Finding out whether your school is in Parchment's network will save you time and prevent confusion.
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To search for your school, go to Parchment's main website and look for their school finder tool. This tool typically appears on their homepage and is labeled something like "Find Your School" or "School Search." You will enter your school's name, and the system will show you whether they are part of the Parchment network. The search is usually straightforward and returns results within seconds.
When you search for your school, Parchment will show you information about how to request documents from that specific institution. Different schools may have different processes set up through Parchment, so the exact steps you take may vary depending on which school's records you need. Some schools may allow you to request documents online, while others may require you to submit forms by mail or email.
If your school does not appear in Parchment's database, you will need to contact your school's registrar office directly. The registrar is the office responsible for maintaining academic records. You can usually find their contact information on your school's website or by calling the main school number and asking to be transferred to the registrar.
According to Parchment's data, their network includes institutions in all 50 states and several international locations. However, this does not mean every school uses them. Small schools, very new schools, or schools in certain regions may use different systems.
Practical Takeaway: Start by visiting Parchment.com and using their school finder tool. Write down your school's name as it appears in Parchment's system—this exact name will be important when you submit your request.
Understanding Different Types of Document Requests
Parchment handles several different types of educational documents, and understanding which document you need is important before making your request. The most common document is an official transcript, which is a detailed record of your academic history at a school. A transcript lists every course you took, the grade you received in each course, your GPA or grade point average, and sometimes additional information like honors you received or programs you completed.
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Another document type is a diploma or certificate of completion. This is the official proof that you completed your program of study and graduated. A diploma is different from a transcript—the diploma shows that you finished, while the transcript shows what you studied and how you performed. Some organizations request both documents.
Parchment also can send enrollment verification letters, which confirm that you were enrolled at a particular school during specific dates. These letters are often used by employers, insurance companies, or government agencies that need proof you were a student. Academic progress reports and degree audit reports may also be available through Parchment, depending on what your school has set up in the system.
Some schools offer "unofficial" transcripts through Parchment as well. An unofficial transcript can typically be viewed online or printed by you directly. An official transcript is sealed and sent directly to the organization requesting it, which makes it more formal and legally recognized. Colleges, employers, and government agencies often require official transcripts rather than unofficial ones.
The type of document you need depends on where you are sending it and why. A job application may only require verification of your degree, while a college transfer may require a full official transcript. It is worth thinking about who is requesting the document and what they specifically said they needed.
Practical Takeaway: Before requesting a document, find out exactly what type the requesting organization wants. Call them and ask whether they need an official transcript, a diploma, an enrollment letter, or something else.
Step-by-Step Process for Requesting Documents from Parchment
Once you have confirmed that your school uses Parchment, the actual process of requesting a document is relatively straightforward. Most schools using Parchment allow document requests to be submitted online through the Parchment website or through a portal that your school hosts. Some schools may still accept requests by mail, email, or phone, so the specific steps can vary.
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If your school uses Parchment's online system, you will typically start by visiting your school's document request page or Parchment's main site and selecting your school from the list. You will then need to enter personal information to verify your identity, such as your full name, date of birth, student ID number, and the dates you attended the school. Schools maintain this information in their records, so having this information ready will speed up the process.
After you verify your identity, you will select the type of document you want to request. If you are sending it to an organization, you will enter that organization's name and address. You will also need to specify how many copies you want. Many organizations that request transcripts may ask for multiple official copies so they can keep them on file.
The next step involves payment. Most schools charge a fee for official transcripts through Parchment, typically ranging from $3 to $10 per transcript depending on the school and delivery method. Online credit card payment is the most common option. Some schools may offer free or reduced-cost transcripts under certain circumstances, such as for recent graduates or for employment verification purposes. Schools set these fees, not Parchment, so the cost will be different depending on which school's records you are requesting.
After you submit your request and payment, Parchment processes it and sends the document to the address you provided. The timeframe for delivery depends on the delivery method you chose—electronic delivery may take 1-3 business days, while mail delivery may take 5-10 business days. You may receive a confirmation number or email acknowledging your request.
Practical Takeaway: Gather your student ID number, date of birth, and the exact name and address of where the document should be sent before you begin the online request process. This information will be required and having it ready saves time.
Contact Methods and What Information to Have Ready
If you cannot find what you need online or prefer to speak with someone directly, Parchment offers several ways to contact them. The primary contact method is through their customer service phone line. Parchment's general customer service number is available on their website, and they typically have phone support available during business hours, Monday through Friday. When you call, have your school name, student ID, and date of birth ready so the representative can help you more quickly.
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Parchment also offers contact through email for general questions. Response times for email inquiries typically range from 24 to 48 hours. Email is useful if you have questions