Credential Evaluation for Transcripts
Learn about what credential evaluation is for, submitting your transcripts at the time of admissions, and if you can avoid this process.
WES Credential Evaluation: Do You Actually Need It?
Once you’ve wrapped your head around the whole TOEFL/IELTS bit, the next thing that might pop up (especially if you’re applying to universities in the US or Canada) is this thing called WES credential evaluation.
If you’re hearing about this for the first time, here’s the simple explanation:
Some universities ask you to get your transcripts verified by an external agency like WES (World Education Services) or an equivalent. The idea is that these agencies will check your degree, convert your marks into a standard GPA format (usually on a 4.0 scale), and confirm that your academic records are legit.
So, Should You Even Do This?
Here’s my personal take:
✅ Yes — if the university clearly asks for it and doesn’t give you any alternative.
❌ No — if the university says optional but recommended (save yourself $200+).
❌ No — if the university hasn’t mentioned WES or any credential evaluation at all.
Always check the admissions page carefully. If it’s unclear, drop them an email and confirm.
But Why WES (or Equivalent) in the First Place?
Universities say that credential evaluations:
Help them verify your degree and transcripts properly.
Make it easier to compare academic records by converting everything into a standard 4.0 GPA scale.
Solve the problem of inconsistent grading systems across countries.
From their side, it makes sense. But from ours… well, it’s just another expensive process unless absolutely required.
If You Do Need to Get It Done, Here’s How to Go About It:
Start early — at least two months before your deadline. This process takes time (and chasing your university registrar will probably take even longer).
Pick the right agency. WES is the most common, but some universities also accept other evaluators. Always check who they approve.
Choose the evaluation type — most universities ask for a course-by-course evaluation (this includes a breakdown of every grade you’ve received after high school).
Once you create your WES account, they’ll generate a transcript issuance form. You’ll need to fill this out along with your university’s registrar.
Check if your university can send transcripts electronically to WES. If yes, that’s the easiest option — no courier hassle.
If not:
Make sure your registrar knows exactly what documents are needed (transcripts, degree certificates, etc.).
Check that these documents have the official seal and signature. Ask for a photo of the documents before they seal the envelope, just to be safe.
Follow WES’s mailing guidelines exactly — they’re very particular about this.
Ask your registrar to share a photo of the sealed envelope before dispatch, so you can catch any issues early.
Courier Stuff (Yes, This Matters Too):
If your university doesn’t handle the courier:
You can book it yourself. Pick a reliable service — FedEx, UPS, DHL — don’t risk cheaper alternatives here.
I went with UPS. The process was pretty simple, and I paid about ₹4000 for the courier. Some companies offer student discounts, so keep an eye out.
Once dispatched, you can track the parcel through the courier website.
WES will also keep updating your account with the status of your evaluation.
What’s My Point?
Just like with the language tests, don’t jump into doing WES unless you have to.
It’s expensive. It’s time-consuming. And for a lot of programmes, it’s not even needed.
But if your university clearly asks for it, plan ahead and follow the process properly. This isn’t something you want to leave for the last minute.