How well does your community college handle foreign credential evaluation?
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Take this quiz to find out how your college appeals to prospective students with foreign academic credentials.
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Question 1 of 3
1. Question
Does your website include a link that explains how foreign-educated applicants can go about getting their foreign high school diploma or college education formally evaluated?
Correct
That’s great!
You are following best practice if you are telling prospective students that your college values their foreign education by putting this information in a prominent place on your website. They know what ‘next steps’ they need to take to gain recognition of their foreign education as the foundation for their application for further study.Incorrect
What changes to your website could make this information more accessible?
If your college has a policy about assessing foreign degrees and diplomas, put it on your website where prospective students can find it. They should know what ‘next steps’ they need to take to gain recognition of their foreign education as the foundation for their application for further study. -
Question 2 of 3
2. Question
Take the time to navigate your college website as if you were an immigrant with education from abroad.
Can immigrant students easily find the information relevant to them on your website? Does the general admissions process mention foreign credential evaluation?
Correct
Congratulations!
Your college is following good practice when it makes it easy for immigrant students to know how to gain recognition of their foreign education at the time of admission.But double check where this information is posted: Often important information about foreign credential evaluation is posted only at the International Student Office or on the website under the tab “International Students.” The International Student Office is not a logical place for immigrants to look for information!
Here is Westchester Community College’s (hyperlink to best practice) solution: a website tab under “Admissions” leads international students and immigrant students to a list of six professional organizations whose evaluation services the college accepts.
Incorrect
What changes could you make to your website and other materials so that immigrant students can easily find the information they need to gain recognition for foreign education at the time of admission?
Maybe such information is hiding in the wrong place: Often important information about foreign credential evaluation is posted only at the International Student Office or on the website under the tab “International Students.” The International Student Office is not a logical place for immigrants to look for information!
Here is an example of best practice: At Westchester Community College (hyperlink to best practice), a website tab under “Admissions” leads international students and immigrant students to a list of six professional organizations whose evaluation services the college accepts.
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Question 3 of 3
3. Question
Does your college have a clear and transparent process for evaluating foreign credentials as part of the admissions process? Are students given clear directions for how to submit documents, receive transfer credit or other accommodations for college credits earned abroad?
Correct
Excellent!
A transparent process and clearly-written information about the credential evaluation process your college uses is critical for immigrants who are applying for post-secondary studies with previous education abroad. They should be encouraged to gain credit for previous education, whether that is a high school diploma, some college credits or a completed certificate or degree.If your college recommends students use a credential evaluation service(s), make sure the preferred options are clear on your general admissions page (not just your international students page).
Incorrect
Read on to better understand this topic and help your students!
Immigrants often have completed some college or entire degrees in their home country and they need to understand how to gain recognition for this achievement.
Colleges set their own requirements and process for evaluating and recognizing foreign credentials for entry or transfer credit purposes.
- Some colleges do their own evaluation of foreign transcripts.
- Others use a “third party” credential evaluation service that has the expertise to suggest how a foreign education compares to a U.S. education in a subject area.
- If the latter, most colleges list preferred provider(s) on their website.
- If there is no recommendation, the applicant is free to choose a provider.
Here are ways to help your students:
- Know how your college handles foreign credentials and transfer credit.
- Be prepared to direct students to the right page of the college website.
- Make sure the process is clear on your general admissions page – not only in the section written for international students.
Immigrants need to know:
- If the college does its own evaluations, what is required of the student?
- If the college does not do its own evaluations, does it recommend a particular credential evaluation service? Are these listed?
- When is the right time to start this process?
- If no guidance is provided by the college, students should review the advice at Global Talent Bridge (hyperlink to Credential Evaluation section) or visit NACES (hyperlink to NACES home page).
- Self-advocacy is important in this process – their education has value!
