The Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS) (formerly known as the SSAR) is the student self-reported academic record that lists the courses and associated grades that have been attempted, or will be attempted, for high school and/or college credit.
The STARS is required by FAMU, FAU, FL POLY, FSU, New College of Florida, UF, UNF, and USF, and is part of the college application process. Each school has deadlines for when this form is due. Check with each college for the date. The best advice is to get it done as soon as possible! NOTE: Your college application will not be considered unless this document has been received by the requested college.
Other colleges in the country require the STARS. You can find the list of colleges here.
Filling out the STARS is used in place of sending a transcript.
Applying to UCF? That school requires the SPARK form.
Use the College Map Mentor's Academic Organizer to keep track of your classes, grades, awards, certifications, accolades, community service, clubs, sports, work, etc. Collect all of the information you need to complete your applications in one place.
Steps:
For Palm Beach County public school students, log onto your student portal (SIS)
Click on Grades (parents, click on your child, then "grades."
Check "show all years" and "show all schools" (for high school courses taken in middle school)
"Update"
NOTE: Make sure to update your STARS after midterm grades have been issued.
How to Create a STARS Account
How to Add a College or University to Your Dashboard
How to Enter High School Dates of Attendance
How to Use the STARS EasyImport Tool
How to Manually Enter Coursework By Academic Year
How to Manually Enter Semester, Trimester, and Quarter Courses
How to Enter Senior/12th Grade Coursework
What is the Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)?
The Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS) is a platform that allows students to submit their academic history directly to participating colleges and universities. Instead of sending an official transcript when you apply, many colleges use STARS to collect this information directly from you. It helps streamline the admissions process and gives you more control over how and when your academic information is submitted. Since accuracy is critical, you must have a copy of your high school transcript available to use as a reference when you create your STARS account. You may also use your College Map Mentor's Academic Organizer. Be sure to indicate any courses taken through an online school like FLVS.
When do I create my STARS?
The STARS website becomes available in August, prior to the start of your senior year. You may begin your admissions application prior to completing your STARS. If you decide to submit your STARS before submitting your application for admission, you will not be able to link your STARS to your application until your application has been submitted. Just remember, your application for admission is incomplete and will not be reviewed until your STARS and test scores have been received.
How do I enter my grades on the STARS?
The STARS collects grades on a semester basis. You should report all grades exactly as they are listed on your transcript. You will use the Course Level field on the STARS to indicate the type of course (e.g., honors, AP, dual enrollment, etc.). Please refer to the following examples to guide your grade submission. If your high school transcript has:
Only semester grades: enter your semester grades as shown on your transcript.
Only final grades: enter the final grade twice (first semester and second semester) for yearlong courses (one credit), and once for semester-long courses (1/2 credit). For example, if you earned a grade of B in Algebra I, which is a yearlong course (1 credit), enter that grade twice (first semester and second semester).
Both semester grades and final grades: use the final grade. For example, if you took Algebra I, earning an A in the first semester and a B in the second semester with your final grade being a B, enter a grade of B twice (first semester and second semester).
Both trimester grades and final grades: use the final grade. If the course is yearlong, enter the final grade twice. If the course is only for one trimester, enter the grade in either the first or second semester.
Block scheduling: you are completing a yearlong course (one credit) in one semester and a semester-long course (1/2 credit) in nine weeks. A one-credit course will be entered twice (first semester and second semester), and a 1/2 credit course will be entered once.
Dual-enrollment courses: you must self-report all college courses' grades listed on your transcript. If your course is one credit in high school, enter the grade twice (first semester and second semester). If your course is 1/2 credit, enter the grade once.
Numerical grades: you must convert to A-F grades using your high school grading scale.
If your transcript does not fall into one of the above categories, please email the Office of Admissions.
How do I report my senior coursework?
You should list your senior-year classes as "In Progress" since you will have no grades associated with them. If your schedule changes, you must immediately update your STARS. To make changes, simply log in to the STARS website with the email address and password used to create your original STARS.
How do I enter my college (dual enrollment) classes and grades?
You must self-report all college courses' grades listed on your transcript. If your course is one credit in high school, enter the grade twice (first semester and second semester). If your course is 1/2 credit, enter the grade once. You will then select "dual enrollment" under the course level field.
Do I report all the classes taken and grades earned that are reflected on my transcript?
All attempted coursework must be listed on the STARS, including repeated coursework or coursework that receives pass/fail grades.
Can I change the STARS once it is completed?
Yes. We want your STARS to be as accurate as possible, so if you have corrections or your schedule changes, we encourage you to update your STARS. To make changes, log in to the STARS website with the email address and password used to create your original STARS.
What if I am unsure about the dual enrollment classes that I will be taking during the second semester of my senior year?
You should provide the best estimation of what classes you will be taking when completing the STARS. If your schedule changes, you will be able to update the STARS. If the correct information is not listed on your STARS when we validate your classes and grades from your official high school and college transcripts, your admission is subject to revocation and, if discovered after classes begin, cancellation of registration.
When do I send my official high school and college (if dual enrolled) transcripts?
All applicants will be required to submit official high school and college transcripts. These transcripts will be used to validate the information on the STARS. Students with inaccurate STARS will be contacted, and their admission is subject to revocation and, if discovered after classes begin, cancellation of registration. All applicants offered admission will be required to submit final and official transcripts by July 15th.