Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have a law degree?

 Yes. We only accept students who have a law degree and have been practicing law for at least two years post graduation.

In my country we can practice law while we’re in school, can that count as my two years experience?

 No. We will only consider applicants who have already graduated and have practiced law for two years after graduation.

What is WES (World Education Services) and why is it an application requirement?

If you completed your education outside of the U.S., you must have your credentials evaluated in order to have them understood and recognized by educational institutions, employers, licensing and certification boards in the U.S. A WES evaluation will provide you with the U.S. academic equivalents for your credentials and allow you to pursue further education or seek employment in the U.S.

When should I have my credentials evaluated?
You should have your credentials evaluated as early as possible so that you can make the most out of the evaluation. If you plan to continue your studies at a U.S. college or university and have not yet decided where to apply, a WES evaluation can help you make that decision by showing you how your educational credentials are viewed in the U.S.. You can use that information to apply to schools that are appropriate for your educational background. Likewise, if you are seeking employment, the evaluation will help you identify positions for which you have the requisite educational background.

What does a WES evaluation contain?
A WES evaluation compares your credentials with their U.S. educational equivalents. The evaluation is advisory and it is designed to help academic institutions, licensing boards and employers in the U.S. understand foreign credentials.

WES offers two types of evaluations:

• A Document-by-Document evaluation contains a description of your credentials, including name, year awarded, name of institution attended, and major field of study. It also provides the U.S. equivalent for each credential. Sample
• A Course-by-Course evaluation contains all of the information in a Document-by-Document evaluation and in addition, it lists all post-secondary subjects with their corresponding value expressed in terms of U.S. semester credit and grade equivalents.

Which evaluation should I choose?
Universities, colleges and professional licensing boards require the Course-by-Course evaluation because it contains the detailed information that they need. It is always a good idea to check with the university, licensing board or employer who will receive your evaluation if they have specific requirements.

What is the cost of a WES evaluation?
A Document-by-Document evaluation costs $100.00 and a WES Course-by-Course evaluation costs $160. If you require additional services, such as rush service, express delivery or a CPA Board Evaluation, extra charges apply.

How long does it take to obtain a WES evaluation?
WES can complete your evaluation in 7 business days or less, depending on the type of service that you request. However, if additional research, correspondence or verification is required, the evaluation will take longer. We recommend that you start the process as early as possible and submit all documents as required to ensure the timely completion of your evaluation report.

Can I send my own credentials to WES?
Academic credentials are valuable documents that prove your educational achievements. WES evaluations are fair and accurate, and will help you gain recognition for your credentials when you seek education or employment in the U.S. The WES evaluation also confirms that your documents are valid and authentic. To ensure the validity of credentials submitted for evaluation, WES adheres to the standards used in North America for the submission of academic records.

WES requires that the documents:

• be issued by recognized educational institutions
• be signed by, and bear the seal of, authorized officials
• adhere to the standards (language and format) of the issuing institution 

If you have any other questions regarding WES please visit their website www.wes.org

TOEFL AND IELTS  

What if my score is lower than the required score?
 The TOEFL/IELTS test is just one of the requirements we will be assessing. Considerations will be made for those with outstanding credentials and a successful interview.

How do the IELTS and TOEFL compare?

How do I register for the test?
Registration opens two months in advance of the first administration in each country. Test takers may register:

• online (credit card required)
• by phone (credit card required) - In the United States, Canada, or U.S. Territories, call 1-800-GO-TOEFL or 1-443-751-4862. Outside the U.S., Canada, or U.S. Territories, call your Regional Registration Center (PDF). If you live outside the U.S. and want to test in the U.S., call 1-443-751-4862. For TTY access, call 1-800-529-3590.
• by mail - Complete the Registration Form (PDF). (The form is also in the center of the Information and Registration Bulletin (PDF). Include payment (see Testing and Service Fees for preferred forms of payment). Mail the completed form according to the instructions on the form.

How do I order additional score reports?
You can order additional iBT score reports online, by fax, or by mail, and have them sent to institutions you did not identify when you registered to test. You need your registration number to place an order. Credit cards are required for online and fax orders.
To order by fax, print and complete the TOEFL® iBT Score Report Request Form and fax it with your complete credit card information to 1-609-771-7500. To order by mail, print and complete the TOEFL® iBT Score Report Request Form and mail it with your payment to:
ETS-TOEFL iBT
P.O. Box 6153
Princeton, NJ 08541-6153 U.S.A.

How much do the tests cost?
The TOEFL costs approximately 140 U.S. dollars. TOEFL’s Preferred Forms of Payment are:

• Credit card (required for online registration) — American Express®, Discover®, JCB®, MasterCard®, or VISA® credit cards
• Electronic check (e-check) — drawn on a U.S.-based bank
• Check in U.S. dollars or any other acceptable currency, made payable to "ETS-TOEFL iBT."
• Money order

 The IELTS fee varies by country. You can find more information by going to their website http://www.ielts.org/

Professional Questions:

Would I be eligible to pass the Bar exam and practice law in the USA if get the LLM at your school?

This program is designed for students who plan to return to their countries and dedicate at least two years of work in the public sector. It is not for anyone who wants to take the American Bar Exam.