Planning on coming to the United States to attend school? If so, and if you have a past academic history with school(s) in your home country, then you may need an international transcript evaluation as a means of evaluating your previous credentials and determining their equivalency here in the United States.
The foreign transcript evaluation process can be complex, but it's an important part of setting you up for success in the United States. With a better understanding of the process and what to expect, you can choose a reliable transcript evaluation agency.
What Is International Transcript Evaluation?
Specifically, international transcript evaluation refers to a process that many schools, employers, and even immigration offices in the United States use to review foreign academic records and determine if/how each credit, grade, and GPA translates in the United States.
For incoming international college students, this process ensures that the student has completed any prerequisites for a program and that any applicable transfer credits can be applied.
When Is It Required?
A foreign transcript evaluation is most often required for international students looking to study in the United States. However, these evaluations can also be used for employment purposes to verify a person's credentials from another country, as well as for visa applications and even military recruitment.
Steps Involved in the International Transcript Evaluation Process
The exact steps involved in an international credential evaluation will vary from one service to the next. However, most will include a thorough review of:
- Every degree, transcript, or diploma submitted
- Dates of attendance
- Entrance criteria for the program/school and length of study
Using this information and United States educational standards, the reviewer then recommends converted credit hours and grades here in America.
Time Required for Evaluation
Because international transcript evaluations can require much research and tedious work, they can take some time to complete. The exact amount of time varies from one service to the next and may also depend on the complexity of the transcripts. However, it is not uncommon for the entire process to take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months.
The Complexity of International Transcript Evaluation
What makes evaluating a person's academic credentials from another country so complex? There are a few factors to keep in mind.
Variations in Educational Systems
First, consider the simple fact that every country has its own unique educational requirements and standards. In other words, an "A" grade in one country may not always translate directly to an "A" grade in the United States. The process of converting grades and credits fairly, then, can be very time-consuming.
Challenges in Verifying Authenticity
Because academic records can be forged, international transcript reviewers must also take the time to review documents for authenticity. In some cases, this may include reaching out directly to academic institutions for record verification, which can also take some time.
Pros of International Transcript Evaluation
Even if a formal evaluation isn't required, there are several reasons to consider doing this through a reputable third-party service.
Improved Educational Opportunities
First, think of how credential evaluation could work to your advantage. In many cases, your reviewer may be able to find transfer credits from your previous educational experience that could cut down on the number of credit hours you have to pay for in the United States.
Likewise, when applicants go out of their way to have foreign transcript evaluation done, this can make their applications look more credible. In turn, this may improve educational opportunities.
Expanded Job Prospects
The same concept is true when you're applying for jobs in the United States using transcripts/credentials from another country. Having that credential evaluation ready to go can make you appear more credible and authentic, which could expedite the screening process and potentially enhance your job prospects.
Cons of International Transcript Evaluation
Of course, there are some potential drawbacks to consider when it comes to international transcript evaluation services, as well.
The Risk of Fraud
Review agencies are heavily focused on identifying instances of transcript and credential fraud, as this is an ongoing problem throughout the international education system. Reviewers must look carefully for signs of fraud, including counterfeit documents, altered documents, and even creative "translations" of foreign documents that may be inaccurate or misleading.
Long Timeline for Evaluation
The process of having an evaluation done can take weeks or even months, so it's not something that you can decide to add on to your college application at the last minute. A longer timeline can present some challenges, especially for time-sensitive opportunities.
How To Choose a Reliable Evaluation Agency
A quick Google search of international transcript evaluation services yields pages of results, so how can you find one that's reliable and trustworthy?
Considerations
If you're applying to a college program as an international student, consider asking the school for recommendations on an evaluation agency. There's a good chance the school has worked with a handful of them in the past and may be able to provide you with some reputable options.
Ideally, you'll also want to select an agency that is part of one of the following organizations:
- The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
- The Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE)
Trusted Evaluation Agencies
Still not sure where to begin? Explore this list of the 10 best credential evaluation services, with top picks including:
- American Education & Translation Services, Corp.
- A2Z Evaluations
- Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute
Are International Transcript Evaluations Worth the Effort and Risk?
Although foreign transcript evaluations can be a bit time-consuming, they are generally worth the effort and expense when you're applying as an international student to a college program in the United States. By having a credential evaluation done, you can determine exactly where you stand in the U.S. education system and potentially gain some transfer credits in the process.
Looking for more guidance as you prepare to study abroad? Our international admissions team at Champlain College Online is here to help. Get in touch today to learn more about our programs and all that we have to offer.
FAQs
There are many credential evaluation services that offer this service, but the key is to find a reputable and trustworthy option. Check for services that are members of the NACES or AICE to narrow your search.
The cost to evaluate international credentials can vary greatly from one service to the next, but you can generally expect to spend between $160 and $365. Note that prices tend to be higher for expedited services, certified copies, or other add-ons.
You will need to send your transcripts into a reputable international transcript service and pay for a credential evaluation.
Any reputable credential evaluation agency can perform this service, but it's never a bad idea to check directly with your chosen school to see if they have any preferences or recommendations.
This depends on the complexity of the evaluation. However, most evaluations take anywhere from a couple of weeks to about a month.
