SRAR/SSAR is Becoming STARS: What Students and Counselors Need to Know for 2025
- Kenny Sholes
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
If you're applying to colleges that ask for a self-reported transcript, you'll likely be using a platform called SRAR (Self-Reported Academic Record) or SSAR (Self-Reported Student Academic Record). This system allows you to manually enter your high school courses, grades, and test scores—rather than sending an official transcript right away. It's used by many colleges to speed up the review process, and starting in August 2025, it will officially be renamed STARS: Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System. Same process, same login—just a new name and some helpful new features.This system is getting a new name—but don’t worry, the process remains virtually the same.
Why the Change?
The shift from SRAR/SSAR to STARS reflects feedback from students, school counselors, and colleges and coincides with a major tech upgrade:
AI-powered OCR (optical character recognition) will allow the system to extract data more quickly from your transcript, making the process faster and more accurate for you.
The new name, STARS, better represents the platform’s evolving capabilities—especially in data automation and user experience.
What’s Staying the Same?
You don’t need to worry about any major changes to your process. Here’s what’s NOT changing:
Your existing account stays the same—no new username or password.
Past and in-progress records will not be affected.
The website URL remains unchanged.
Colleges will still receive and process your self-reported records as usual.
When Is This Happening?
August 1, 2025: The rebrand officially goes live.
Before then: You may begin to see STARS appear on the platform and support materials.
What Is STARS (formerly SRAR/SSAR) Used For?
STARS allows students to self-report their high school courses, grades, and test scores to participating colleges. Think of it as a digital version of your transcript—submitted directly by you.
This system:
Saves time (no need to send an official transcript early in the process)
Helps colleges evaluate your academic record quickly
What You’ll Need to Complete STARS
Your unofficial transcript or report card
Your in-progress senior schedule
Any test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.) that schools ask for
A supported web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge)
👉 Don’t guess! Use your transcript to avoid mistakes.
How to Create and Use a STARS Account
Click “Create SRAR Account” (this will automatically become STARS)
Enter your:
Name, birthdate, email
High school graduation year
Password (must include a number and symbol)
Once inside, you can:
Add your courses/grades
Link your STARS record to participating colleges using the “My Colleges and Universities” dashboard
💡 Each college has its own instructions for linking your STARS record to your application. Follow those carefully!
Can You Edit After Submission?
Yes—usually.
You can update your STARS if your grades change or you made an error. Just log in, click “Make changes to your SRAR/SSAR,” and then resubmit.
But some schools do NOT allow edits without permission, including:
Clemson University
Louisiana State University
Penn State University
Texas A&M University
University of South Florida
Always check with the admissions office if you’re unsure.
What Colleges Use SRAR/SSAR/STARS?
Many major public and private universities use it, including:
Baylor University
Clemson University
Duquesne University
Florida A & M University
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Polytechnic University
Florida State University
Kean University
Louisiana State University
Montclair State University
New College of Florida
New York University (NYU)
Pennsylvania State University
Rutgers University, Camden
Rutgers University, Newark
Rutgers University, New Brunswick
Temple University
Texas A&M University
United State Air Force Academy
University at Buffalo, State University of New York
University of Connecticut
University of Delaware
University of Florida
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
University of North Florida
University of Oregon
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rhode Island
University of South Florida
University of Tampa
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
University of Texas at Arlington
University of Texas at San Antonio
University of West Florida
Virginia Tech
For the most up-to-date list of participating colleges and universities, please reference the 'My Colleges and Universities' dashboard on the home page of your SRAR/SSAR. Your STARS dashboard will show which schools you’ve linked your report to and whether it’s been submitted.
Comments