I received an e-mail from Berkeley informing me that my transcripts will be considered as unofficial, unless i have my institution sent them directly to them. However, my school does not do that, so basically, I cannot send the transcripts through them. I did have them in an envelope signed and sealed by the school, but they say it doesn't make a difference to them and they will still be considered as unofficial. Does anyone else have the same predicament??? Will this effect my application? In the e-mail they do mention that they are aware that some institutions do not provide that service, but still they would like me to try nevertheless (as if I was bored to do it in the first place, but now that they insist, I will do it...).

I had the same issue. My institution sent it directly still the issue continued to be as it is and the transcripts are still unofficial.

Strange. I applied last year and sent them copies of my transcripts in an enveloped signed and sealed by the student's office of my university. Berkeley didn't have a problem with that.

Did you have your university sign both the transcript and then seal and sign the envelope? Maybe that would make a difference.

yes ofcourse. it was sealed signed stamped and directly sent by the institution