WHAT IS A STARS (fka SRAR) AND DO I NEED TO COMPLETE IT?
So, you’ve submitted all of your applications and you breathe a sigh of relief. Woohoo! I’m golden! Well… possibly not. Before you relax too much, check your college portals. Some schools ALSO want you to complete a Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS). What in the world is this?
What Exactly Is STARS?
STARS is the updated version of what used to be called the SRAR/SSAR (Self-Reported Academic Record). As of August 1, 2025, the platform officially rebranded as STARS. The change came after feedback from students, counselors, and colleges, and it reflects improvements, including a new EasyImport tool that helps you transfer transcript information faster and with fewer errors.
Instead of having your school send an official transcript right away, certain colleges ask you to capture your courses and grades in an online system, STARS. Similar to the Course and Grades that are reported in the CommonApp, admissions officers can review this online system as part of their application review. If you’re admitted and choose to enroll, you’ll later submit your official transcript to confirm the information.
Why Do Colleges Use It?
STARS helps to streamline the admissions process for colleges, especially those reviewing tens of thousands of applications each year. It also speeds up your file review since colleges don’t have to wait for your school to send an official transcript.
But here’s the catch – if a school requires a STARS and you don’t complete it, your application will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications do NOT get reviewed.
Some Require It, Others Do Not
Not every college uses STARS, but more are adopting it every year. Some well-known examples include Penn State, Virginia Tech, and the University of Delaware.
The requirements can vary:
• Some schools want you to self-report all high school courses and grades.
• Others may also want you to self-report your standardized test scores.
This is why it’s so important to keep an eye on your email and your application portals after you hit “submit.”
If STARS is required, you’ll usually see instructions on how to set up and complete your record.
What You Need to Do
• Use your transcript as a checklist.
STARS must exactly match your high school transcript – course titles, grades, credits, everything.
• Don’t skip repeated or withdrawn classes.
If you retook Algebra II, enter both attempts. If you withdrew from Chemistry, enter that course too. There are specific drop-down options for repeated and withdrawn courses.
• Enter grades exactly as shown.
Don’t try to convert them, “round up,” or leave something blank. The system is designed to mirror your transcript word-for-word.
• Double-check before you submit.
Errors or omissions could delay your application or raise red flags with admissions offices.
Key Details About the Transition from SRAR to STARS
Note: Most students will not have a previous SRAR account. They will need to create a STARS account
• Name change only.
If you have an old SRAR/SSAR account, it still works; your login and submitted records remain the same.
• No new account needed (IF you already have an account).
You don’t have to create anything new – just log in with your existing information.
• Colleges still accept old submissions.
If you completed a SRAR before August 1, 2025, colleges that used it will still accept it under the new STARS system.
Why This Matters
For many students, STARS is the last piece of the admissions puzzle. You could have written an amazing essay, polished your activities list, and submitted your applications on time, but if you forget to complete STARS for a college that requires it, your application will just sit there. No review. No decision.
So, think of STARS as a bridge between submitting your application and having it officially marked as complete. Missing this step could cost you an opportunity at a school you love.
Final Reminders
• Check every portal.
Requirements vary by school. Don’t assume because one college didn’t ask for STARS that another won’t.
• Act quickly.
Many colleges won’t even start reviewing your application until your STARS is submitted.
• Accuracy is everything.
Match your transcript exactly, including repeated and withdrawn courses.
Completing STARS may feel like an extra hoop to jump through, but it’s one that matters. Take a deep breath, gather your transcript, and get it done. Once you do, you really can celebrate that your applications are complete!
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