DON'T forget standardized achievement test scores. DO report only the National Percentile Rank and Stanine (NPR/S), and avoid listing any grade equivalents. DO skip the subtest reports and work with the major sections of the assessment (i.e., Mathematics, Reading Comprehension or Language Arts, Basic Battery or Complete Battery).

DO include at least a summary of SAT and/or ACT scores--even though each college admissions officer will want a score report sent directly from the test provider.

DO figure out what addendum sheets should be attached to each program. Possibilities include Bibliography of Text Resources, Course Descriptions, Special Features of a Student's Program, Method of Computing GPA, Guidance Counselor Recommendations, Work in Progress: Senior Year, Extracurricular Activity Descriptions, and so forth.

DON'T omit a specific high school graduation date--even if you have to list a projected date for juniors who submit early applications to colleges.

DO sign your child's transcripts and provide a contact telephone number and/or e-mail address. While an embossed seal can add the "aura of officialness," it is not required.

Inge Cannon has served the homeschool movement for almost 25 years and is currently the executive director of Education PLUS. She is the author/seminar instructor of Transcript Boot Camp on DVD. Her TranscriptPro software gives the professional edge to every parent and is extremely easy to use. Details are available at www.homeschooltranscripts.com and www.edplus.com.

Copyright 2006. Originally appeared in Fall 2006. Used with permission. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Right now, 19 free gifts when you subscribe. www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com