SRAR/SSAR Explained: What It Is & How to Complete It (Now Called STARS)
SRAR, SSAR, and STARS are the same thing — here’s exactly what it is, which colleges require it, and how to fill it out without mistakes.
Last updated: September 2026
If you’re working through college applications, you may have seen SRAR or SSAR come up and thought, wait, is this another form I have to deal with?
Short answer: yes.
Better answer: it’s actually one that can make your life easier — at least, once you understand how it works.
SRAR/SSAR (now officially called STARS) is used by a growing number of colleges to review your academic record before they receive your official transcript. And if a school requires it, skipping it isn’t an option — your Common App or other application won’t be considered complete without it.
Before we get into the details, here’s the quick version:
STARS — formerly known as SRAR (Self-Reported Academic Record) or SSAR (Self-Reported Student Academic Record) — is an online tool that allows students to enter their high school courses and grades exactly as they appear on their transcript. Colleges that require it use it to review your academic record before receiving your official transcript.
What Is SRAR/SSAR (STARS)?
The Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS) — the current name for what used to be called SRAR or SSAR — is a detailed record of the courses you’ve taken, or will take, for high school and/or college credit.
This includes:
- High school courses (all four years)
- High school credit earned in middle school or junior high
- Dual enrollment or dual credit classes
It does not include coursework taken independently through a college unless it’s part of a dual enrollment or Early College High School program.
While it doesn’t replace your official transcript (sorry — that would be too easy), it does allow colleges to begin reviewing your application sooner, without waiting on school documents.
Which Colleges Require SRAR/SSAR?
Not all schools require it, but schools like Texas A&M, the University of Florida, and Virginia Tech do (as of September 2026). Most institutions using it are public universities, though a handful of private schools — like Baylor — require it, too.
Schools that require it will ask incoming freshman applicants to enter course details, grades, class rank (if available on the transcript), and graduation plan before the application submission deadline.
To check if your target school is on the list, see this list or the school’s admissions page. Post-application, you can also check your applicant portal.
Why Does SRAR/SSAR Matter for Your Application?
For schools that require it, submitting it is mandatory for your application to be considered complete. Applications missing it will be considered incomplete at the deadline and won’t be reviewed for admission.
Even if you’ve already sent your transcript, if the school also requires STARS, you must submit it separately. In many cases, it supersedes your transcript during initial review.
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When Should You Complete It?
You can start as early as ninth grade, or wait until you begin completing your college applications. You can submit it before your college applications, but you often can’t link it to your application until after you’ve submitted.
Create your account at this site by clicking Create Account.
Pro tip: Use the same email address you use on your college application.
Good news — you only complete it once. After that, you just link your completed record to your application at each school that requires it.
In most cases, the STARS is separate from the admissions application, so each school will direct you in different ways to link your STARS. For example, for Texas A&M, applications are directed to click a link in the Documents Required for Admission checklist within the student’s Applicant Information System (or Howdy portal).
Important: If a school requires it, your application will likely be considered incomplete without it by the deadline. Don’t wait.
Why STARS Is Important to Your A&M Application
Your completed STARS plays an important role in how your application is reviewed. If you’re a Texas student in the top 10% of your class, accurately reporting your class rank here — and on your transcript — can help speed up your automatic admission decision. Even outside the top 10%, completing it correctly and on time is essential.
How to Fill It Out (Step-by-Step Tips)
- Have your high school transcript on hand as a reference — don’t work from memory.
- Set aside about an hour; it’s not difficult, but it’s time-consuming.
- Double-check entries before submitting — you can’t change it after submission.
- Click Save or Save Course before leaving a screen if working gradually.
- Contact the school directly if you need to change a submitted record.
- Don’t convert grade formats or weight grades — enter them exactly as they appear on your transcript.
- If a course name isn’t in the drop-down, type it exactly as it appears on your transcript.
- Choose “In Progress” for scheduled or current 12th-grade courses.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering grades from memory
- Converting GPA incorrectly
- Leaving out high school credit from courses taken in middle school
- Not matching transcript wording exactly
- Waiting until the last minute
Having trouble? Access the Support Center for guidance.
So there you have it—the lowdown on SRAR/SSAR/STARS. Yes, it’s one more thing on your college application to-do list, but it’s also your ticket to a smoother, more streamlined process.
FAQs: SRAR/SSAR/STARS
Q: Is SRAR the same as STARS?
A: Yes. STARS is the current name for what was previously called SRAR or SSAR. Same system, same requirements — just a rebrand.
Q: Does every college require it?
A: No — it’s required by select schools, mostly public universities. Check the official list or each school’s admissions page.
Q: Do I still need to send my official transcript if I submit this?
A: Yes. It’s used during initial review, but you’ll still need to send an official transcript once admitted or as the school requires.
Q: What if I make a mistake after submitting?
A: You can’t edit it yourself. Contact the school’s admissions office directly for next steps.
Q: Do I need to submit a separate one for each school?
A: No. Complete it once and link it to each school that requires it using your unique ID.
Q: What if my school doesn’t calculate class rank?
A: Leave the field blank or select the option indicating rank isn’t available. Don’t estimate.
Q: Can I include dual enrollment courses?
A: Yes — include dual enrollment and dual credit courses. Don’t include independent college coursework outside those programs.
