You’ve worked hard for your education and your degree, so receiving a rejection on your transcript or credential evaluation can feel incredibly frustrating and confusing. Whether you’re an international student applying for university, a professional seeking licensure, or a skilled worker moving for a new job, this rejection can feel like a major roadblock.
But don’t worry, it’s not the end of the road. In this guide, we will provide a clear, step-by-step plan to help you understand the transcript rejection, explore your options, and get your foreign credentials accepted.
Step 1: Understand Why Your Credentials Were Not Accepted
The first and most crucial step is to get clarity. A rejection isn’t always a final “no.” It’s often a signal that something in your application was incomplete or didn’t meet the specific requirements of the receiving institution or employer.
You must find the exact reason for your transcript evaluation rejection. Don’t guess; look at the rejection letter or email for specific details.
Here are some of the most common reasons your academic evaluation may have been denied:
- Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: This is one of the most frequent issues. You might have submitted unofficial copies, blurry scans, or be missing a key document like a transcript or a diploma. Always ensure you are providing exactly what is requested, in the correct format.
- Evaluation from an Unrecognized Agency: Not all credential evaluation services are created equal. Many institutions, employers, and licensing boards require evaluations from agencies that are members of organizations like the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). If your report came from a provider that isn’t widely accepted, it won’t be valid.
- Degree Equivalency Issues: Your program or degree may not have been considered equivalent to a similar degree in the U.S. or Canada. This can happen due to differences in curriculum, program length, or grading systems.
- Outdated Evaluation Report: Some receiving parties require a recent transcript evaluation. If your report is several years old, you may need a new one to proceed.
- Incorrect Evaluation Type: There are different types of reports, such as a general evaluation (which confirms the overall degree) and a course-by-course evaluation (which provides a detailed breakdown of your subjects and grades). If your university or employer requires one specific type and you submitted another, your application will likely be rejected.
- GPA Doesn’t Meet Requirements: Many schools have minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements. If your evaluated GPA falls below their threshold, it can lead to a rejection.
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Step 2: Explore Your Options for Re-evaluation
Once you’ve identified the “why,” you can move on to “how to fix it.” You have a few paths forward, depending on the reason for your rejection.
Submitting an Appeal
If you believe the evaluation was based on a clerical error or a clear misinterpretation of your foreign credentials, an appeal is the right option.
- When to consider an appeal: This is best for situations where there was a mistake on the evaluator’s part, such as miscalculating your GPA or failing to recognize a specific course on your transcript.
- The process: You will need to submit a formal, written request to the evaluation agency. Be sure to reference the specific reason for your appeal.
- What to include: Provide a clear, concise statement identifying the error, along with any supporting documentation that proves your case.
Related Read: How to select the best credential evaluation service provider?
Submitting a New Evaluation
If the rejection was due to an outdated report, an unrecognized agency, or a lack of proper documentation, your best bet is to start fresh with a new application.
- When this is a better option: This is often the most straightforward solution when the initial error was on your end. It avoids the potentially lengthy appeals process.
Tips for a new submission:
- Choose a reputable and recognized agency. Check to see if the receiving institution has a list of approved providers. Using an agency that is a NACES member is a good way to ensure the report will be accepted.
- Double-check all documentation requirements. Make a checklist and ensure every single form, transcript, and certificate is included and in the correct format.
- Request the correct evaluation type. Confirm with the institution what type of report they need before you order it.
Other Solutions & Alternative Pathways
What if your education equivalency is genuinely the problem? In some cases, a foreign degree may not be considered equivalent to a U.S. degree. In this situation, an appeal or new evaluation may not change the outcome.
- Consider taking additional coursework. You may be able to take a few college courses to meet the requirements of the institution or employer.
- Research other institutions or employers. Another organization might have different requirements for your degree. Don’t be afraid to broaden your search.
Step 3: Take Proactive Steps to Prevent Future Rejections
After all this work, you don’t want to go through the process again. By taking these proactive steps, you can help ensure a smooth process for future applications.
- Always ask for a preferred agency. Before you spend the time and money, ask the receiving institution, employer, or professional licensure board if they have a preferred list of credential evaluation providers. This will save you a lot of trouble down the line.
- Use certified translations. If your documents are not in English, do not attempt to translate them yourself. Always use a professional, certified translation service to ensure accuracy and acceptance.
- Be meticulous with your documents. Ensure all scans are high-resolution, clear, and include every page. A simple blurry image can cause an immediate rejection.
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