Understanding Credential Rejection and How to Move Forward
For international students and professionals, getting your credentials evaluated is a critical step in ensuring that your education is recognized by institutions and employers in the U.S. and beyond. But what happens if the institution you applied to or the employer you’re hoping to work for doesn’t accept your credentials?
We know that receiving a rejection can be frustrating, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your journey is over. The key is understanding why your credentials weren’t accepted and taking the right steps to move forward. Often, credential-related rejections happen when an applicant hasn’t had their academic records evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation agency like ECE®. A credential evaluation provides a clear, standardized understanding of the U.S. equivalency of your education, helping institutions and employers assess your qualifications fairly.
If your credentials weren’t accepted, don’t panic—here’s what you can do next.
Understand the Rejection Reasons
Before taking any action, it’s important to determine why your credentials weren’t accepted. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Your academic program doesn’t meet degree equivalency requirements. Some institutions and employers require that foreign degrees be equivalent to a U.S. degree. If your program doesn’t meet this equivalency, you may be denied admission or employment.
- Your GPA doesn’t meet the institution’s requirements. Many schools have minimum GPA requirements for admission. If your evaluated GPA is below the threshold, your application may be declined.
- Your credential evaluation report is outdated. Some institutions and employers require recent evaluations. If your report is several years old, you may need an updated evaluation.
- Your previous credential evaluation wasn’t from a recognized agency. If the evaluation you submitted came from a provider that isn’t widely accepted, it may not meet the requirements of your intended institution or employer. Many organizations specifically require evaluations from credentialing agencies that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES®), which ECE® has been a charter member of since 1987.
Understanding why your credentials were rejected can help you determine your next steps and improve your chances of success in the future.
Reach Out to a Credential Evaluation Agency
Consulting a credential evaluation agency can help you understand the purpose of your report and ensure you meet all necessary criteria. Credential evaluations provide an official assessment of your academic records, establishing their U.S. or Canadian equivalency and helping institutions and employers accurately assess your qualifications.
Here’s how they can help:
- Clarify the type of evaluation you need and recommend the right report for your application.
- Ensure that all required documents are properly submitted to complete the evaluation process.
- Provide institutions with additional details about our evaluation process if they have questions about your report.
Choosing a trusted and reputable evaluation agency is essential. ECE® evaluations are widely recognized by institutions and employers, giving your application the credibility it needs. If an institution rejects a report from ECE®, they can contact us for further clarification regarding our evaluation process and the validity of the report.
Proactive Measures for Future Applications
To prevent credential-related issues in future applications, consider taking these proactive steps:
- Keep evaluation reports updated. Some institutions or employers may require recent evaluations, so ensuring that your credential evaluation is current can help avoid issues with outdated assessments.
- Maintain clear communication with your credential evaluation agency. If questions arise about your report, or if additional documentation is requested, staying in touch with your evaluator can help resolve potential concerns before they become obstacles.
By taking these steps early, you can avoid unnecessary delays and improve your chances of a successful application.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Facing a credential-related rejection can be discouraging, but there are steps you can take to move forward. By understanding the reason for the rejection, consulting a trusted credential evaluation agency like ECE®, and taking proactive measures, you can improve your chances of having your qualifications recognized.
Take the next step with ECE®. Let’s get your credentials evaluated and ensure your education is valued wherever you go.