Final answer:
Most college and university applications require official transcripts to be attached; these serve as a record of academic history and must be sent directly from the educational institution or in a sealed envelope.
Step-by-step explanation:
The requirement to attach official transcripts to an application depends on the specific institution and the type of application you are submitting. For most college and university applications, especially during undergraduate and graduate admissions, official transcripts are a mandatory part of the application process. These transcripts provide a record of your academic history and performance and are used by admissions committees to assess your preparedness and suitability for the program you are applying to. They must be sent directly from your previous educational institutions or in a sealed envelope if mailed by you, to ensure their authenticity. Always check the application guidelines for the specific institution to which you are applying to confirm their requirements regarding transcripts.