Essentials for Translating Academic Documents for WES

Created: Jan 4, 2024 | Updated: Mar 7, 2024

An educational journey outside of your country often demands more than just academic prowess; it requires building language bridges to help the recognition of your qualifications. Today, we will discuss the process of translating documents for World Education Services (WES) evaluations. Whether you're planning to pursue higher education or professional opportunities abroad, let us walk you through what WES is all about and how you can provide accurate translations of your academic documents for your evaluation.

What is WES Evaluation?

World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit organization that specializes in credential evaluation services. WES evaluates and compares your academic credentials earned in institutions outside the United States to their U.S. equivalents. This evaluation is often used by individuals who have studied abroad and are seeking educational or employment opportunities in the United States. WES helps institutions, immigration bodies, and employers understand the educational backgrounds of individuals from all over the world.

The US Grading System

The US grading system can vary among educational institutions, but there are some commonalities. In the US, the most widely used grading scale is the letter grade system, which typically ranges from A to F. Here's a basic breakdown:

A (Excellent): Outstanding performance = 90-100%
B (Good): Above-average performance = 80-89%
C (Satisfactory): Satisfactory performance = 70-79%
D (Passing, but below average): Minimum passing grade = 60-69%
F (Fail): Failure = 59%-below

Some institutions also use "+" and "-" modifiers to further define your grades (e.g., A+, B-, etc.), and others may use a different grading scale, such as a percentage system or a 4.0 GPA scale.

In higher education, the Grade Point Average (GPA) system is commonly used. The GPA is a numerical representation of your overall academic performance and is calculated based on the grades earned in each course.

Special Grades in the U.S. Grading System

Apart from the standard letter grades, the US grading system includes special letter designations that signify the status of a course. Although these letters don't represent traditional grades, they do appear on your transcript. Here's what the letters mean:

1. IP (In Progress): This is assigned when students haven't completed all aspects of a course within the allotted time. Once the outstanding requirements are fulfilled, this designation is converted to a regular grade.

2. NC (Not Complete): This is given if a student fails to finish assigned tasks or homework. This designation reflects incomplete work on the transcript.

3. W (Withdrawn): This indicates withdrawal from a course. If a student attends classes but leaves the course before completion, they receive a 'W' on their transcript.

Note that the US grading systems can vary between K-12 education and higher education institutions can be different, and there may be variations among different states and schools within the U.S. Always refer to the specific grading policies of the educational institution you are associated with for accurate information.

What Does a World Education Service Evaluation do for you?

A World Education Service evaluation serves as a bridge between your educational background in your home country and the educational standards and requirements of the country to which you are applying. It is important in several aspects related to your educational credentials when seeking opportunities in the United States or other countries. A WES evaluation typically provides:

Credential Verification:

World Education Services verifies the authenticity of your academic credentials and makes sure that the degrees, diplomas, and certificates you present are legitimate and obtained from recognized institutions.

Credential Identification and Description:

World Education Services identifies and describes your educational credentials in a way that is easily understandable to the relevant parties in your destination country. This is particularly important when the educational systems and terminology differ between your home country and the country where you are applying.

GPA Equivalency:

World Education Services converts your grades into the equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) based on the U.S. grading scale. This provides a standardized measure of your academic performance, making it easier for educational institutions and employers to assess your qualifications.

Evaluation of Documents' Authenticity:

World Education Services evaluates the authenticity of the documents submitted to make sure they are genuine and unaltered to maintain the integrity of the credential evaluation process.

Types of WES Evaluation Reports

WES offers different types of credential evaluation reports based on what you need. The common types of World Education Services evaluation reports include:

Course-by-Course Evaluation:

This report provides the U.S. equivalency and detailed analysis of each academic credential, including a course-by-course listing. It includes information on the level of study, credit hours, and grades received. This type of evaluation is often required for educational purposes, such as admission to U.S. schools or universities but cannot be used for CPA certifications.

Document-by-Document Evaluation:

This report provides the U.S. equivalency and summary of each academic credential without a detailed course-by-course listing. It is a more straightforward evaluation and is often used for freshman university applications, employment or immigration purposes where a detailed breakdown of each course may not be necessary.

CPA Supplemental Report:

This report provides an analysis of your business and accounting courses for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) boards.

How to Apply for World Education Service Evaluation

To apply for a World Education Services evaluation, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the official WES website and create an account. You will need a valid email address to register.

2. Log in to your WES account and choose the type of credential evaluation you need based on your educational and career goals.

3. Complete the online application form with your details, including your name, contact information, and educational history. Be accurate and consistent with the information provided.

4. After you submit your application, you will receive a WES reference number. Your WES reference number is an important part of the application process because you will include it on all documents sent to WES. You can always find it at the top of the page when you log in to your account. You can also look for it by clicking on Account Menu and then Order History.

5. Specify the educational institutions you attended, and provide details about your academic credentials.

6. Pay the required evaluation fee using the available payment methods. The fee can vary depending on the type of evaluation and additional services you choose.

7. Upload digital copies of the required documents. Ensure that the documents are clear, legible, and meet WES' document requirements. This may include transcripts, diplomas, and other educational records.

8. After submitting your application, you can log in to your WES account to monitor the status of your evaluation. WES will provide updates on the progress of your application.

9. Once the evaluation process is complete, WES will send you an evaluation report. This report can be sent directly to institutions or employers if you provide their information during the application process.

Essential Documentation for a WES Evaluation

The essential documents for a WES evaluation vary by profession and school. To find out exactly what you will need to submit, check the WES page for the required documents of your course of study and the institution you attended. On the page, you will have to give information about your certification and the school you attended. The system will let you know what you need to submit and the process for doing so. Documents that are usually requested include:

Your transcripts, on your University’s official letterhead.
Your degree certificate.
Copy of your international passport.

Note that the name you sign up with should be the same as the name in your international passport. If there is a mismatch, attach an affidavit signed by a notary public.

Also, WES does not provide language translations for your foreign documents. They require precise, certified translations if your academic documents are not issued in English. To get accurate word-for-word document translation services, employing Translayte is a good way to go.

How to Translate Documents for WES Evaluation

1. Visit the Translayte website.

2. Click on “Order Certified Translation”.

3. Choose “Certified Translation”, the language, turnover time and upload the document you want to translate.

4. Choose between the Standard, Professional and Specialist document translation services, based on your needs and budget.

5. Choose the certification options and any other specifications you would prefer for your document.

6. Place your order and wait for your translation.

7. Your translation will be delivered to you either by email/by post at the stipulated time.

How to translate your academic documents for WES

How Long Will it Take to Obtain my WES Evaluation?

Once World Education Services receives your documents and confirms that you have submitted all the required information and made payment, the evaluation process will begin. They will send you a confirmation email which will include an estimated date of completion.

The credential evaluation process takes up to seven (7) business days for the standard Document-by-Document or Course-by-Course evaluation reports. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) files can take up to thirty (30) business days to complete.

The evaluation process can take longer if your documents need further verification where a verification request will be sent to your former institution. Once your institution has confirmed your verification, your WES account will be updated and your credential evaluation will continue.

Note that the moment you start your WES application, you have 180 days to complete the application, make payment, and upload your required documents. After 180 days, your application will become inactive.

What Does a WES Report Contain?

Course-by-Course Evaluation

A Basic Course-by-Course WES Report contains:

The credential name
The entry requirements
The program length
The equivalency in terms of U.S. education
A list of all courses completed at the post-secondary level
A U.S. semester credit and grade equivalent for each course
A U.S. grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale
A designation of the level (upper or lower) of each undergraduate course

Document-by-Document Evaluation

A basic document-by-document WES Report contains:

The credential name
The entry requirements
The program length
The equivalency in terms of U.S. education

CPA Supplemental Report

The CPA Supplemental WES Report contains an analysis of your business and accounting courses as required by state boards of accounting.

How Much do WES Credential Evaluations Cost?

The cost of a World Education Services evaluation can vary based on several factors, such as the type of evaluation needed, the country from which the credentials are being evaluated, and the delivery time. The fees range from around $160 to $205 for standard delivery, and additional fees are applicable for rush services or additional copies.

To find out the exact cost of your evaluation, visit the WES evaluation and fees page and select your specific situation.

The World Education Services stands as an important partner in achieving and ensuring academic excellence, worldwide. By providing accurately translated documents for WES evaluation, you will help them ensure that your academic achievements are accurately interpreted and universally recognized. Investing in a reliable translation service not only opens doors to international opportunities but also paves the way for a seamless educational transition.

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