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Monday 18 February 2013

Studying in the U.S.

Your Educational Qualifications
The most important element in your application package is your educational qualifications, including degrees, diplomas, certificates and the corresponding statement of marks or examination results. The requirements of American institutions are very specific in this regard: final degree and diploma certificates alone are not sufficient, as detailed records of the subjects studied and annual examination results are essential and must be submitted. Take great care in gathering those documents, and do not overlook anything because it will only delay your application. If your documents are not in English, you must have them translated and submit both the translation and the original language documents.
How are foreign qualifications reviewed?
Some universities employ specialists in foreign educational systems and credentials to review documents submitted by international students. Others will instruct applicants to have their credentials evaluated by an independent organization that specializes in foreign credential evaluation, and will provide them with a list of organizations whose evaluations they accept. You can find the right evaluation services by asking the university for instructions. If they offer no special information and you are on your own, you should select a service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which has strict professional standards. The evaluation is a written report that contains both a description and an interpretation of foreign education qualifications in US terms. There are two types of evaluation: the basic document-by-document evaluation and the comprehensive course-by-course evaluation. The document-by-document report describes each credential and gives it a US equivalent. A course-by-course report also includes a list of all post-secondary coursework converted in equivalent US semester credits and grades. There is no set fee for this service, as each evaluation has different rates depending on the type of evaluation that is sought. Most fees are in the $150 – $250 range.
What else can an evaluation report do for you?
If you obtain an independent evaluation of your educational qualifications early on, it will give you some idea of what your educational background is worth in the US, and what programs you are qualified for and should apply to and which ones not. That information can be very helpful when you make preparations for study in the United States, especially in using your time and energy most effectively, and in finding the college or university that is just right for you.

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