What If a Candidate Is Not Satisfied with Their WES Evaluation Report? A Comprehensive Guide to Re-evaluation, Appeal, and Next Steps
In the journey toward global education, immigration, or professional licensing, credential evaluation is a crucial step. One of the leading organizations handling academic evaluations for international applicants is a well-known authority in this field. These organizations assess foreign academic documents to determine their equivalence to local standards. However, what happens if you’re not satisfied with the evaluation you receive?
It’s not uncommon for applicants to feel that their education has not been accurately recognized. This could be due to various factors such as incomplete documentation, misinterpretation of credits or course levels, or institutional misunderstandings. If you find yourself in this situation, this guide will help you navigate the steps to address your concerns and understand your options fully.
Understanding Why Evaluations May Seem Inaccurate
Before reacting to the evaluation outcome, it’s essential to understand why discrepancies might arise:
-
Documentation Issues: Sometimes, documents sent from the university might be incomplete or unclear, leading evaluators to make conservative judgments.
-
Institution Recognition: If your university isn’t well-known internationally or lacks recognition in certain educational frameworks, evaluators may under-assess your credentials.
-
Credit Hour Conversion: Different countries have varying standards for calculating credit hours. These conversions can sometimes result in a lower U.S./Canadian equivalency.
-
Program Length and Level: A three-year bachelor’s degree, for example, might not be equated to a four-year bachelor’s in North America.
-
Field of Study and Course Content: Some institutions do not consider specific vocational or non-academic programs as equivalent to their academic counterparts.
Step-by-Step Actions You Can Take
1. Review the Evaluation Report Thoroughly
Begin by carefully reviewing your evaluation report. Check for:
-
Total number of credits awarded
-
Degree equivalency (e.g., Bachelor’s vs. Diploma)
-
Any missing subjects or errors in dates
-
Credential levels (e.g., Master’s awarded as Bachelor’s equivalent)
-
Notes about unrecognized institutions or incomplete documentation
Understanding the evaluator’s decisions is key before moving forward.
2. Gather Supporting Evidence
If you believe the evaluation is incorrect, begin collecting documents and evidence to support your claim:
-
Official university transcripts (with detailed course lists and grading systems)
-
Degree certificates
-
University brochures or course outlines (if available)
-
A credential verification letter or syllabus from your university
-
Academic calendars or official statements about program length and content
3. Contact the Evaluation Service for Clarification
Most evaluation agencies have a process for raising questions or requesting clarification. You can usually:
-
Submit a formal query explaining the part of the evaluation you disagree with
-
Request a breakdown or justification of how they reached their decision
-
Ask if additional documentation can be submitted for reconsideration
This step is essential as it opens a dialogue and might lead to a quick correction without going through the full re-evaluation process.
4. Request a Re-evaluation or Appeal
If you’re still not satisfied after clarification, you can apply for a formal re-evaluation or appeal. This usually involves:
-
Filling out a re-evaluation request form
-
Paying a non-refundable fee for the review
-
Submitting additional or corrected documentation
Points to remember:
-
Appeals are reviewed by a different evaluator or a senior review panel.
-
Turnaround time for appeals or re-evaluations may be several weeks.
-
There is no guarantee that the decision will change, but if documentation errors occurred, it’s very possible.
5. Consider Evaluation from Another Recognized Agency
If the appeal doesn’t yield a satisfactory result, and you strongly feel the report is inaccurate, you can approach another credential evaluation agency that is widely accepted by the organization or institution you are applying to.
Each agency may have slightly different evaluation methods, and while one may not recognize a three-year degree as equivalent, another might.
Before applying elsewhere, verify:
-
The second agency is accepted by your target institution or licensing body.
-
You understand their documentation requirements and evaluation philosophy.
6. Speak to Your University or College
In some cases, evaluators may have doubts about the authenticity or content of your documents. If so:
-
Request your university to issue a fresh transcript or degree copy.
-
Ask for a Medium of Instruction letter or curriculum details.
-
Inquire if the university has experience dealing with international evaluations and if they can assist in explaining your credentials.
Universities can sometimes write a formal statement explaining the nature of your program, its duration, and how it compares to global standards.
7. Work With a Credential Evaluation Support Service
Specialized services like FACTS Transcripts provide tailored support for academic document evaluation. They ensure that your transcripts, degree certificates, and other educational documents are correctly authenticated, formatted, and submitted in accordance with international evaluation standards.
By working with such a service, you can:
-
Avoid document-related rejections
-
Ensure timely and professional communication with universities
-
Get expert guidance on preparing appeal documents and re-evaluation requests
They also serve as a helpful mediator between universities and evaluating bodies to bridge the communication gap.
When Should You Seek a Re-evaluation?
Consider seeking a re-evaluation if:
-
You notice errors in program details (duration, field, credits)
-
A credential has been excluded or not recognized
-
You have since acquired additional documentation
-
Your institution confirms that they sent incorrect or incomplete information
Things to Avoid
-
Submitting forged or modified documents – Doing so will result in permanent disqualification.
-
Repeated re-evaluation requests without new evidence – This will waste time and may result in a denial.
-
Emotional appeals without data – Stick to facts, documents, and academic rationale when appealing.
Final Thoughts
Receiving an evaluation report that doesn’t reflect your academic achievements can be frustrating and even career-disrupting. However, there is a structured pathway to address such concerns, and many applicants have successfully changed their evaluation outcomes by following the correct steps.
Staying patient, proactive, and professional is key. Take time to gather all necessary information, communicate with your university, and if needed, consult an expert credential support service like FACTS Transcripts. With the right strategy and documentation, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome and move forward confidently in your academic or immigration journey.
Need Help With Document Submission or Re-Evaluation?
FACTS Transcripts offers comprehensive support for international students and professionals. From transcript procurement to evaluation-ready document preparation, FACTS ensures your academic credentials are professionally managed and submitted. If you’re stuck with an unsatisfactory evaluation, our experts can help guide your appeal and even coordinate directly with your university on your behalf.
Our Services – FACTS Transcripts
We at FACTS Transcripts assist in various services, including:
- Mark Sheet Transcripts
- E-Transcripts
- Duplicate Mark Sheets & Degree Certificates
- Medium of Instructions Certificates
- Attestations
- HRD Attestation / Apostille Services
- ECA (Educational Credentials Assessment)
Trusted by leading global verification organizations, including WES, IQAS, PEBC, NDEB, NASBA, CAPR, NZQA, ICAS, NCESS, ICES, ECE, eduPASS, ACEI, GCEUS, Comparative Education Services, NNAS, NCA, SAQA, QMAS, FORAC, Australian Pharmacy Council, and more.
FACTS Transcripts – The preferred choice for university document verification worldwide. We ensure a hassle-free process for obtaining your transcripts.