Sending non-fully translated academic transcripts for US PhD admissions I am currently applying to PhD programs in the US and got my undergraduate degree from a German university. My university issues English transcripts of records, yet for special (graduate) lectures, the description is often still in German. Instead, a generic english name is used for the name of the lecture. For example, a generic entry might look as follows:

Course Name: Mathematics V
Description: Statistische Inferenz für Netzwerke
Grade: ...


Of course, I would much rather the transcript said "Statistical Inference for Networks". What is the etiquette in such cases? Do I take my German transcript and receive a certified translation, even though technically my institution issues "English" transcripts? 

Some universities have an additional upload section, where I can describe the most important courses in more detail (including their content). In such cases, it would not be a problem. Yet, other universities only ask for a pdf of the transcript. Would it be OK to include my own descriptions at the end of the transcript pdf file, so that the committee can take these into account? Or would this rather upset the admissions committee?
Many university departments have officers for the internationalization of the department. Talk to this person. If she/he is willing to sign a letter stating what these course names translate to and she/he puts an official stamp on it, this should be a good solution. You would add this official letter as an addition to your application.

Suggest to this person that you will prepare the letter. If your offer is accepted, this saves a lot of work for this person, and she/he is more likely to accept. If the internationalization officer wants to rather perform the translation herself/himself, then....well, less work for you!