Life just got easier for students applying to college

GUELPH, ON, March 21, 2012 /CNW/ - Enhancements to the Electronic Transcript Management System (eTMS) developed by the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) are making it easier for students to obtain the transcripts they need when applying to college.

The system, first introduced in 2005, allows former students to request a transcript from a high school they attended when completing their online application to college.  A process that used to take weeks has now been reduced to only a few days.

"Students are eager to request their transcripts online," said Bill McKee, Director of Operations at OCAS. "Our ultimate goal is to enable all applicants, both former and current students with this ability."  Presently, only 25% of transcript requests made by high school graduates are processed electronically, while the remainder are still fulfilled using an out-dated and costly paper-based process.

Barb Kankowski, student services secretary at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton agrees. "The Electronic Transcript system is saving us time and paperwork", noted Barb.  "We know that the process is secure and it makes scheduling the fulfillment of transcript requests here at the school much easier."  Barb also commented, "This system is great for our previous graduates.  They no longer need to call the school or come in person in order to obtain their transcript."

Building on the success of the eTMS system, OCAS recently piloted a new "Auto eTMS" solution with the Hamilton Catholic District School Board. "With Auto eTMS, we are able to automate the retrieval of transcript records directly from the source", stated McKee.  "Over 90% of transcript requests can be processed without any personal intervention. Auto eTMS is the natural evolution of this electronic transcript system.  We have already begun development of a new Total eTMS solution that will allow us to manage transcript requests in real-time for current high school students, in addition to those that have already graduated.  With real-time processing, applicants will see their grades within seconds of submitting their request."

eTMS is available free of charge to all schools and school boards within Ontario.

David Mantei
Manager - Marketing & Communications
Ontario College Application Service
519-767-6875
[email protected]