TOEFL IBT is one of the most taken English language exams in the world. It is held and managed by the ETS. Here, we are discussing TOEFL scores, their validity, and what are good TOEFL scores. If you want to know more about the TOEFL exam and how to prepare for it, here are some useful links:
TOEFL Exam | TOEFL Eligibility |
TOEFL Preparation | TOEFL Exam Pattern |
This is tested in order to offer a complete and exact picture of the candidate’s proficiency to understand and communicate the English language. Most colleges or universities use TOEFL scores as only one factor in the admission process of a candidate. To get admission in a college or program within a college often a minimum TOEFL score is mandatory.
The iBT test consists of four sections – Reading (30 points), Listening (30 points), Speaking (30 points) and Writing (30 points) – adding up to a total of 120 points. So the candidate can achieve a maximum TOEFL score is 120 points. The table below can give you more clarity of the TOEFL scores :
Section |
Score Range |
Average Scores |
High Scores |
Low Scores |
Reading |
0–30 |
15-21 |
22-30 |
0-14 |
Listening |
0–30 |
15-21 |
22-30 |
0-14 |
Speaking |
0–30 |
18-25 |
26-30 |
0-9 |
Writing |
0–30 |
17-23 |
24-30 |
1-16 |
Total Score |
0–120 |
0-30 | 0-30 | 0-30 |
TOEFL test score is set as a proper standard for the candidates by the institutions. A candidate who applies should score range from 61 to 110 to apply at university. Candidate can get their results after 2 weeks from the test date. By logging in to their TOEFL iBT account on the TOEFL test Registration website, they can see their scores. Printed score reports will be sent to you by mail approximately within 13 days after your test has been conducted. Your official reports will be sent to four institutes of your choice once they are declared, by ETS(Educational Testing Service).
When you get your result on TOEFL scores, a document called “performance feedback” will be attached. This document will give you a brief summary on a general level of each section/skill of the TOEFL. There will be separate comments on your performance for TOEFL Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
SECTION |
LEVEL |
SCORE RANGE |
TOEFL Reading or Listening
|
High |
22-30 |
Intermediate |
15-21 |
|
Low |
0-14 |
|
TOEFL Speaking
|
Good |
26-30 |
Fair |
18-25 |
|
Limited |
10-17 |
|
Weak |
0-9 |
|
TOEFL Writing
|
Good |
24-30 |
Fair |
17-23 |
|
Limited |
1-16 |
The validity of TOEFL scores is only for 2 years, during this period it can be sent to any institutes of your choice during that time., You won't be able to access them online or send them to schools once it gets expired. The TOEFL score validity period is fairly short to ensure schools have accurate and current information about your English skills.
With the MyBest Score facility, one can present their best scores achieved in each module from all the exams they have taken in 2 years. Therefore, one can attempt the retake of TOEFL if they are not happy with the scores and provide the best scores to the institutions they want to apply to.
The answer to the above question depends heavily on where you choose to study. The universities having high status and are competitive often require a 100 or higher score on the TOEFL. While other colleges and universities' requirements ask for TOEFL scores in the range of 60-80. Some colleges and universities don't demand any TOEFL scores for any of the programs offered by them. It is extremely important for students to do good research while choosing abroad for colleges or universities for education. They have to find not only the university's minimum TOEFL score but their suggested scores as well and whether or not they require a specific score for each section of the TOEFL. Sometimes they have to connect with the university in order to get their TOEFL score requirements and other relatable information. Requirements of TOEFL scores are often different, depending on what type of program or degree you want to pursue in that particular college or university.
To get a high score you should try to avoid these mistakes: Common mistakes made by TOEFL test takers
1.) Make yourself a chart:
Start by making a chart of the TOEFL score requirement by different universities of your choice. List all the universities and note down their TOEFL score requirements accordingly.
2.) Find your college or university TOEFL score information online :
You have to make good research through online resources out there to help you easily find information for required TOEFL scores, recommended TOEFL scores, the specific score for each section of the TOEFL
3.) Ascertain your TOEFL score goal :
Out of your list of colleges or universities, select the one that has the highest required TOEFL score. And here your goal is set by picking the highest TOEFL score requirement.
You can achieve your targeted score only when you will prepare well. For you, we have made a list of best preparation books here: TOEFL Preparation Books and other Materials
Register here to get newsletters for the latest study abroad news & free counselling assistance.