College of DuPage: Translation Requirements for Documents in Another Language

Worth knowing about COD

COD requirements in detail

Admission: a translation next to every original

COD keeps the F-1 file simple: one upload of the credentials showing completion of higher secondary school, plus official transcripts from any college or university, and if they are not in English an official English translation must accompany the original document (admission requirements).

It asks for no evaluation at this stage. Translate the secondary diploma or leaving certificate and the transcripts, and upload each translation together with its original.

COD warns that educational systems differ and invites you to contact the international admissions office if you are unsure which document it needs; ask before you translate a certificate that may not be the one it wants.

Credit: which evaluation to order, and from whom

For credit, foreign transcripts go to an evaluation company, and the Records page repeats that a translation will be necessary if the transcript is not in English (transcript evaluation).

COD lists ECE (with a discount and a free digital copy sent to COD), WES and The Evaluation Company, also discounted (company listing).

Each sets its own translation rule: WES wants a professional translator (WES); ECE accepts a complete, word-for-word translation, even your own (ECE); The Evaluation Company accepts an outside translator only if certified by ATA (TEC), which eVerbary can arrange on request through a free quote.

College transcripts need a course-by-course report.

For high school a general one usually does, but COD advises a course-by-course report if, for example, you took chemistry in high school and want it to count for a chemistry course at COD (International transcript evaluation company listing).

If you studied in a country where English is the official language, ask evaluation@cod.edu whether you need an evaluation at all (Office of Student Records: transcript evaluation).

Documents applicants usually translate

• Secondary school diploma or leaving certificate
• Secondary school transcripts or mark sheets, if you order a course-by-course report
• University transcripts and degree certificates
• Bank statement, for the I-20 file

What an eVerbary translation includes

• A complete English translation of every page, stamps, seals and handwritten notes included, laid out like the original so each line can be matched.
• Grades exactly as recorded, with the grading scale the document prints. We never convert marks to a US GPA.
• A signed certificate of translation accuracy on letterhead, with our contact details, delivered as a PDF you can upload.
• $24.95 per page of up to 250 words, certification included; 24 hours for one to three pages as standard. Regular clients who need it can get delivery in as little as 30 minutes, on request.

Uploading the translation to COD

• F-1 applicants upload the original credentials and their translations in the International I-20 application; faxed or emailed copies are not accepted (International students: admissions requirements).

• For credit, the translation goes to the evaluation company with your records, and the company sends its report to COD or gives it to you in a sealed envelope for the Office of Student Records (International transcript evaluation company listing).

How to order

1. Scan or photograph every page of the document, front and back, including any stamps on the reverse.
2. Upload it, choose the language and "certified", and see the price before paying.
3. Receive the PDF, usually within 24 hours for one to three pages, and upload it with the copy of the original wherever the institution asks for it.

Frequently asked questions