Your education is one of the greatest sources of pride in your life. Between sleepless nights, strict professors, and a little too much caffeine during finals, every mark on your transcript is proof of your dedication to a better life.
But when you’ve accomplished your educational goals outside of the U.S. and want to apply to a U.S. university for your next degree, your foreign transcripts can’t speak for themselves in the way admissions committees need them to.
That’s where transcript translation comes in and where things can get tricky if you try to translate them on your own. Let’s review some of the biggest challenges of translating academic transcripts and why you need a team like Bruscan on your side.
Academic Transcripts Aren’t Just Documents, They’re Stories
Every transcript tells a story. It outlines your academic progress, highlights your strengths, and demonstrates that you followed through on your commitments. But here’s the problem: that story was written for a different audience in a different language, shaped by a different education system.
So, when someone says, “Just get it translated,” they’re missing the point. It’s not about changing words. It’s about conveying meaning. And doing that right? It takes more than Google Translate or a friend fluent in English.
Why Translation Is So Much Harder Than It Looks
Let’s start with the obvious: words don’t always have a one-to-one match. But the real challenge runs deeper. Academic systems vary by country. Grading scales shift. Degree structures differ. And certain academic terms don’t even exist in English the way they do in another language.
For example, in some countries, a 13-point grading scale puts a “12” at the top. In others, a “10” might be average. Now imagine how that looks to someone reviewing transcripts without proper context. It’s like comparing kilometers and miles without knowing there’s a difference.
Even institutional names can trip things up. A school with major prestige in your country might sound unfamiliar, or even unimpressive, if translated too literally.
Where Do Most People Go Wrong?
It’s not that students don’t care. It’s that they don’t always know how much weight these details carry. A small misstep like a poor word choice, a formatting shift, or a mistranslated subject, can make a strong student look unqualified. Unfortunately, schools rarely request clarification. They just move on, and opportunities are missed.
We’ve seen transcripts that were technically translated, but made no sense in the American academic context. One client’s “Advanced Scientific Formation” course was translated as “Scientific Setup,” which, to the admissions team, sounded like a lab orientation rather than a graduate-level seminar.
That student missed out on their first-choice program and came to our translators after the rejection letter.
Translation Isn’t Just Language; It’s Academic Fluency
Translating academic transcripts demands more than fluency in two languages. It takes experience.
For an accurate translation that U.S. academia will accept, you need more than just Google Translate. An effective translation must include:
- Familiarity with grading systems
- An understanding of how different institutions structure degrees
- The ability to bridge all that knowledge into something an admissions team can immediately understand
That’s where our team at Bruscan makes a difference. We don’t treat transcripts like puzzles. We treat them like blueprints of your academic path that need to be precise, clear, and fully contextualized.
What Makes Translation Even Harder Today?
Automation and competition are at the top of the list for what makes translating educational documents even harder today.
Many schools now use software to pre-screen transcripts. If the formatting is incorrect or the GPA conversion doesn’t align with their models, your application may be flagged or even discarded before a human ever reviews it.
Add to that an increase in international applications and a rise in transcript fraud, and institutions are stricter than ever about who they’ll accept translations from. A rushed or unofficial translation just doesn’t hold water.
Why Students Choose Bruscan Educational Information Services
In short, we know how much is at stake when translating educational documents.
We’ve helped students from dozens of countries translate transcripts that not only looked good, but also made sense. Our team doesn’t just translate words. We bring the meaning behind your education to life.
We account for cultural context, academic benchmarks, and institutional credibility. And we do it in a way that’s clear, consistent, and accepted by universities, employers, and licensing bodies across the U.S.
Every student deserves to have their work understood. It’s why we take our job seriously and why we’re here when it matters most.
FAQ
Why can’t I translate my transcript myself?
Even if you speak perfect English, most universities require certified translations. Personal translations are often rejected outright.
What happens if the translation is wrong?
Errors, especially in grades or course names, can lead to rejections or missed credit opportunities. A slight mistake can have a big cost.
Do I still need a credential evaluation after translating my transcript?
Yes. Translation makes your transcript readable. Evaluation makes it relevant. Most institutions require both.
Can AI tools like Google Translate do the job?
Not accurately. These tools miss academic context, formal structure, and cultural nuance. All of which are key elements of a strong translation.
How does Bruscan make the process easier?
We take care of both the linguistic and academic aspects. You send us your transcripts, we handle the rest.
Skip The Challenges and Go Straight to Success With Bruscan Educational Information Services
If you’re ready to bring your academic achievement to the states, you need to get your academic transcript translation done the right way. At Bruscan Educational Information Services, our experienced translators help you avoid errors and submit transcripts U.S. universities understand.
Let’s make your accomplishments understood! Contact us today to learn more about our services.
