Translation of Transcripts for US Universities, NCAA and NAIA

To apply to an American university or to obtain eligibility to play in the NCAA/NAIA, all academic transcripts from 9th grade onwards must be provided in an English translation. This guide explains the requirements for the translations and how you can ensure that your documents are submitted correctly.

1. Which transcripts need to be translated?

All transcripts issued from 9th grade onwards must be submitted in English:

1. Transcripts from 9th to 12th grade: This includes all school transcripts, including semester reports and final transcripts.

2. Final Transcripts: The final transcript of the last grade is mandatory for applications to universities and for the NCAA/NAIA.

3. University Transcripts (if applicable):

   • If you are already studying at a university, you need the English translations of all Transcripts of Records (academic records) for all previous semesters.

2. Translation Requirements

The translations must meet the following criteria:

1. Word-for-word Translation:

   • The entire content of the German transcript must be transferred to English in the same order.

   • Headings, subject names, grades, and footnotes must be translated exactly.

2. Preservation of Structure and Formatting:

   • The structure of the transcript (e.g., tables, sections) should match the original as closely as possible.

   • No information may be added or removed.

3. Translation of Grades:

   • International grades are not converted to the American system. The grade "1" remains as "1" and is not converted to an American equivalent like "A".

   • If necessary, a brief explanation of the German grading scale can be added at the end of the translation (e.g., "1 = excellent, 2 = good, etc.").

4. Language and Style:

   • The translation must be in simple, clear English.

   • Technical terms (e.g., for specific subjects like "Chemistry" or "Literature") must be correctly and contextually translated.

5. Certification of the Translation:

   • When submitting to American universities and for NCAA and NAIA eligibility, a certified translation is often required.

   • The translation must therefore be prepared by an official translator or certified by us as an official service.

3. How to Order the Translation through Us?

If you choose to use our translation services, we will handle the complete translation of your transcripts into English. Simply send an email to operations@smarthlete.com and state that you'd like to add the transcript translation service to your current service package. Ideally, add all your transcripts to the email, as an attachement.

4. Frequently Asked Questions about Translation

Question: Do I have to have all my transcripts from 9th grade translated?

Answer: Yes, for applications to American universities and for NCAA/NAIA eligibility, all transcripts from 9th grade onwards are required. This also includes semester reports.

Question: Can I do the translation myself?

Answer: The NCAA and NAIA only accept certified translations from official translation services or from us as an authorized provider. Self-translated translations are usually rejected.

Question: What if I haven't received my final transcript yet?

Answer: In this case, you can have a "Partial Evaluation" done with the existing transcripts. As soon as the final transcript is issued, it can be added to the existing translation free of charge.

5. Benefits of Our Translation Service

• Fast Processing: The translation is usually completed within a few business days.

• Official Certification: All translations are affixed with an official stamp and certification.

• Direct Submission to Universities/NCAA/NAIA: Upon request, we can send the documents directly to the institutions to avoid delays.

If you are interested in our translation service or have any further questions about transcript translation, please contact us! We will be happy to assist you and ensure that your academic documents are submitted correctly and on time.