A transcript is an official written record of something spoken or performed. When a court reporter types every word said during a trial, they're creating a transcript. When you apply to college, your school sends a transcript showing every class you took and the grades you earned.

A transcript captures information precisely so it can be reviewed later. If you've ever watched a video with captions showing exactly what people are saying, those captions can come from a transcript of the dialogue.

Transcripts serve different purposes depending on the context. A news organization might publish a transcript of a presidential speech so readers can see the exact words used. A doctor's office might keep transcripts of patient appointments. Scientists may publish transcripts of their interviews when researching how people think or talk about certain topics.

In school, your academic transcript becomes increasingly important as you get older. It's your official record showing which classes you completed, what grades you received, and sometimes additional information like attendance or test scores. High schools send these transcripts to colleges so admissions officers can see your academic history. The transcript proves what you accomplished, creating a permanent record that follows you through your education.