| The paying for high school trancripts is something I had not heard of until this thread. I could see requiring a student to provide the stamped envelopes. Surely the mailing does not cost what some of your schools are charging and so it appears they are charging for the "service." But I think their "service" is to provide this for students. Sending students onto college should be part of their mission. They shouldn't make fees another obstacle or hardship. I think it should be figured into the school budget. Perhaps if someone was applying to some huge amount of schools.....like over 14, I can see them making a point of requiring something for that extra work over and beyond what they are doing per student. But to charge for every transcript (which some of your schools are doing) or for every transcript over five or six (which is too few for those seeking either elite colleges, arts by audition colleges, or seeking merit aid) seems to be giving the wrong message and adding another hardship on top of the app fees and score fees, visits, and what not. I feel this way at least with public school. For private, you do pay for various services. As well, there is an underlying assumption that the students may have the means to pay the fees since they are paying tuition (unless on scholarship), whereas public school is for all regardless of ability to pay. My child is applying to graduate schools this year, and will have to have her college transcript sent. I imagine there will be fees involved but the college is private. I think sending college transcripts is another story. |