When applying to advanced standing dental programs through CAAPID, you will need to submit an official course-by-course evaluation of your foreign educational credentials. One of the primary organizations used for this purpose is Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). The purpose of the ECE report is to standardize and translate your academic records into the U.S. educational system so that dental schools can accurately assess your qualifications.
What is an ECE Report?
An ECE report evaluates the educational credentials you obtained outside the United States and converts them into U.S. equivalents, including grades, course credits, and degrees. This helps U.S. dental schools understand how your foreign degree compares to a U.S. dental education.
Why Do You Need an ECE Report for CAAPID?
Most dental schools participating in CAAPID require applicants to submit an official evaluation of their foreign transcripts from an approved agency like ECE. The evaluation allows the admissions committee to:
- Verify your academic background.
- Assess whether your qualifications meet the school’s criteria for advanced standing programs.
- Compare your academic performance to U.S. educational standards.
Types of ECE Reports for CAAPID
For CAAPID, you will need a course-by-course evaluation, which includes:
- A listing of each course you took in your dental degree program.
- The equivalent U.S. semester credit hours for each course.
- The equivalent U.S. grades for each course.
- An overall GPA (grade point average) calculated based on U.S. grading standards.
How to Get an ECE Report for CAAPID
1. Create an Account
Go to the ECE website ECE and create an account to start the evaluation process.
2. Select the Appropriate Report
Choose a course-by-course evaluation specifically for CAAPID. This is the report required by dental programs for advanced standing applications.
3. Submit Your Transcripts
You will need to provide official academic transcripts from your dental school. These transcripts should be sent directly to ECE by your institution. If your school is unable to send documents directly, you may submit the original documents, but follow ECE’s guidelines for handling and returning original transcripts.
4. Pay the Evaluation Fee
The cost for an ECE course-by-course evaluation typically ranges from $160 to $200 depending on the type of service and processing time (standard or expedited). Check the ECE website for current pricing.
5. Submit Supporting Documents
Along with your transcripts, you may need to submit copies of your degree certificate or diploma, proof of identity (like a passport), and any additional documentation that ECE may request.
6. Track Your Application
After submitting your documents, you can track the status of your evaluation through your ECE account. Processing time can take 2-3 weeks, so plan ahead to avoid missing application deadlines.
Sending the ECE Report to CAAPID
Once ECE has completed your evaluation, they will send the report electronically to CAAPID. You don’t need to worry about submitting it yourself. Simply make sure that you select CAAPID as the recipient when filling out your ECE application.
Tips for a Smooth ECE Evaluation Process
- Start early: The evaluation process can take time, especially if there are delays in obtaining your transcripts or other documents.
- Verify your documents: Make sure your transcripts and degree certificates are accurate and complete before submitting them to ECE.
- Follow up with your institution: Ensure that your dental school sends the necessary documents directly to ECE in a timely manner.
- Check school-specific requirements: Some dental schools may have additional requirements beyond the CAAPID ECE report, so be sure to review the specific criteria for each program you’re applying to.
By obtaining an accurate and timely ECE evaluation, you’ll ensure that your CAAPID application reflects your academic achievements in a format that U.S. dental schools can easily assess.