“Global education should empower, not confuse. At Atlas Credential Evaluations, we turn transcripts into opportunity.”
For international students applying to U.S. colleges and universities, submitting academic records isn’t just a formality, it’s a critical step that can make or break an application. But what exactly are admissions officers looking for when they review foreign transcripts?
At Atlas Credential Evaluations , we help bridge the gap between global education systems and U.S. academic standards. Here’s what institutions prioritize and how students can prepare.
📋 1. Clear Academic Equivalency
U.S. institutions want to understand how a foreign credential compares to their own standards. That means:
- Level of education (e.g., secondary vs. postsecondary)
- Years of study and progression
- Grading scale conversion to U.S. GPA equivalents
- Recognition of the issuing institution (accredited, government-recognized, etc.)
Source: NACES member guidelines emphasize the importance of determining “comparability in level, content, and academic performance”.
🧾 2. Official Documentation and Translation
Admissions offices require:
- Official transcripts issued by the institution
- Certified translations if documents are not in English
- Course-by-course breakdowns for graduate or transfer applicants
Many students mistakenly submit incomplete or unofficial records, delaying their application. Atlas helps ensure all documents meet institutional standards.
Source: AACRAO’s International Guide notes that “incomplete or improperly translated records are among the top reasons for delayed admissions decisions”.
🧠 3. Academic Rigor and Curriculum Match
Institutions assess whether the applicant’s coursework aligns with U.S. expectations. They look for:
- Subject relevance to the intended major
- Academic rigor (e.g., advanced math for engineering applicants)
- Consistency across years of study
Atlas‘s evaluations focus on accurate credential equivalency and grading scale conversion, giving admissions teams the clarity they need to assess international academic records.
📈 4. GPA Conversion and Class Rank (When Available)
While GPA conversion is standard, some institutions also consider:
- Class rank or percentile
- Relative performance within the applicant’s cohort
- National exam scores (e.g., A-levels, Gaokao, Bac)
Atlas provides accurate GPA conversions based on international grading scales, helping U.S. institutions fairly assess academic performance from foreign transcripts.
🧭 5. Evaluation from a Trusted Provider
Most U.S. institutions require or recommend credential evaluations from a recognized agency. Atlas Credential Evaluations is proud to offer:
- Course-by-course and document-by-document evaluations for academic admissions, employment, and professional licensing
- Fast turnaround times, with rush service options available for urgent deadlines
- Culturally informed analysis from experienced evaluators who understand global education systems
- U.S. equivalency reports for high school diplomas, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees
- Clear pricing and transparent process, with no hidden fees and personalized guidance throughout
- Translation services for academic transcripts, diplomas, and official documents, available in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, French, Bengali, Portuguese, Urdu and more
Whether you’re applying to a community college, graduate program, or professional school, a trusted evaluation can make all the difference.
Source: American Translators Association (ATA), National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE).
🔗 Ready to submit your credentials with confidence?
Visit Atlas Credential Evaluations to learn how we help international students, professionals and institutions translate academic achievement into opportunity.