There are some common mistakes that applicants make when they are getting a credential evaluation from World Education Services (WES). These mistakes usually result in a delay in the evaluation process or even cause additional payment.
In most cases, delays can be avoided by;
(i) carefully following instructions.
(ii) reviewing your Required Documents, and
(iii) visiting the Help Center to seek clarifications in case you are unsure of what to do next.
(iv) reading as much as possible blog posts that clarify some essential issues that may lead to delay.
In this blog post, you will get to know some of the most common issues that applicants encounter. Our aim is for you to avoid these errors and complete the three-step process as efficiently as possible so your evaluation reports can come out quickly. At lead and mentor, we research and supply you with useful information that makes your journey abroad easy, straightforward, and seamless.
Here are five ways to avoid delays when applying for a credential evaluation from WES:
1. Preview Your Required Documents
Do you know what documents you need to send to WES? They are different for every applicant and based on your country of education, level of study, awarding institution, and other details. You can use the free tool on the WES website to preview your Required Documents.
Not reading through the required documents before sending them for the evaluation could mean you send the wrong materials, and as a result, delay the completion of your report.
Once you submit your application, you will be able to log in to My Account and see your exact Required Documents list anytime.
Additionally, this list includes important details about how to request and send your documents. For example, you will be able to see if your institution has a digital partnership with WES or find links to our Academic Records Request form if that is something that your university uses.
2. Start the Credential Evaluation Process ASAP
One of the worst things you can do is wait until the last minute to apply for a credential evaluation. Although WES offers one of the fastest and most competitive processing rates for evaluation reports in the U.S. and Canada, we can only begin working on your report once we receive all of your required documents and your payment in full.
This means that if your university doesn’t send your documents right away, there could be delays. (One way to expedite this process is to research your Required Documents and begin requesting them right away; however, please note that you cannot have your documents sent to WES until you have completed your application and received your WES reference number, since it must be written on all documents submitted to WES. You can read more about this below.) Or if there are mail service delays, WES will need to wait for those to be resolved before they can begin processing your report. (You can help this issue by tracking your mail or encouraging your university to send your documents digitally instead.)
Although these instances are rare, it’s best to mitigate them by starting as early as possible.
3. Choose the Correct Evaluation Type
WES offers several types of credential evaluations. It is important that you know which one is the most relevant to your circumstances so that the report you request matches your academic or professional goals.
Selecting the wrong evaluation type could mean that you have to start the credential evaluation process over, and that might include submitting new documents.
If more than one evaluation type seems like it might apply to you, you can always contact WES. Another option is to reach out to your recipient (for example, your hiring manager or admissions office) and learn which type of credential evaluation they accept.
4. Keep Your WES Reference Number
Once you complete your application, you will be given a WES Reference Number. This number is unique to you and is associated with your file. Therefore, you will need to have this number on hand as you submit all of your required documents. It also needs to be on the outside of your sealed envelopes. If WES receives documents without a reference number, they cannot be associated with your file. This can cause delays.
You will also need to provide your WES reference number if you need to reach out with a question. This allows WES service agents to quickly look up your application and provide you with specific answers about your status and documents.
Your WES reference number is key throughout the entire process of getting your credential evaluation. When you need to look it up, you will always be able to find it when you log in to My Account. However, you should keep it stored somewhere offline (e.g save to your notepad) so you can access it anytime you need to.
5. Use Free Tools Before Applying
In addition to the Required Documents preview tool (mentioned above), WES offers two free tools for potential applicants: iGPA Calculator and a Degree Equivalency Tool. Both of these give potential applicants a more clear picture of the results they can expect to see from a credential evaluation with WES. This can help you set expectations before you go through the entire application process.
If you get the results that you were expecting, then you should make it official and order your credential evaluation report. However, if the result is not what you expected, then you might want to collect more information or re-assess the type of job or academic program that you were planning to enter in the U.S. or Canada.
Just keep in mind that these tools are merely estimates and preview tools; the only way to learn of your verified, accurate equivalency is to order your credential evaluation from WES.
Conclusion
A credential evaluation is an essential asset when it comes to living, working, or studying in the United States or Canada. Applying for an official equivalency report will open doors and create opportunities for newcomers and their families.
However, it is important to be attentive to detail during this process and do as much up-front research as you can to avoid delays in your WES evaluation process.