An Overview of TOEFL for Indian Students to Study in the USA

What is the TOEFL exam? The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is a standardized test that assesses the language proficiency of non-native speakers wishing to pursue higher education in an English-speaking environment. For Indian students wanting to study in the United States, having this certification is key when applying to universities in order to demonstrate their proficiency and bolster their application. 

Many graduate programs used by Indian students require a score of at least 80 on the TOEFL iBT, the most popular version of TOEFL worldwide, for admission. Those looking for help can find support through various online courses and tutoring services specialized in this test. Anyone wanting opportunities abroad should take into account what becoming TOEFL certified entails and what resources are available to pull from when preparing for the exam.

What is a Good TOEFL Score Out of 120

What is a good TOEFL score? A good TOEFL score can vary depending on the requirements of the university or program you are applying to. However, a score of 100 or above is generally considered a good TOEFL score, and a score of 110 or above is considered excellent. Some universities may have higher TOEFL score requirements, so it’s important to check with the specific school you are applying to.

TOEFL Format 2023

ETS currently offers three different versions of the TOEFL exam: TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test), the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and the ETS TOEFL Test on Paper. 

• The TOEFL iBT is the most commonly taken exam and is administered at a designated TOEFL test center. 
• The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is a version of the exam that allows you to take the test from the convenience of your own home, with an online proctor monitoring your progress. It is identical to the in-person version of the exam.
• The ETS TOEFL Test on Paper is a variation of the TOEFL iBT exam that is split into two separate sessions. The Reading, Listening, and Writing sections are completed at an official test center, while the Speaking section is taken on your computer at home and overseen online by a proctor. It is otherwise identical to the iBT version of the exam.
• As of now, the ETS TOEFL Test on Paper is only available in Colombia, India, Mexico, and the United States, but there are plans to offer it in other countries in the future.

Here are some examples of good TOEFL scores out of 120 for different universities in the USA:

• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): A score of 100 or higher is considered a good TOEFL score for UCLA.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT considers a TOEFL score of 100 or higher to be a good score.
• Stanford University: Stanford considers a TOEFL score of 100 or higher to be a good score.
• University of Michigan: A TOEFL score of 90 or higher is considered a good score for the University of Michigan.
• Yale University: Yale considers a TOEFL score of 100 or higher to be a good score.
• Columbia University: Columbia considers a TOEFL score of 100 or higher to be a good score.
• University of Chicago: A TOEFL score of 100 or higher is considered a good score for the University of Chicago.
• Duke University: Duke considers a TOEFL score of 100 or higher to be a good score.
• University of Pennsylvania: The University of Pennsylvania considers a TOEFL score of 100 or higher to be a good score.
• University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): UC Berkeley considers a TOEFL score of 90 or higher to be a good score.

Accessing TOEFL Scores

It’s simple to access your TOEFL scores – just wait about a week after your exam date and you’ll receive an email notification that your scores are ready. Simply log in to your TOEFL account on the website and click the ‘view scores’ button to see your results.

Easy steps to find your scores:

Step 1: Go to TOEFL website

Step 2: Click Member Login

Step 3: Enter TOEFL login credentials

Step 4: View your results

TOEFL Score Validity

TOEFL scores are generally valid for two years after the test date. This means that if you take the TOEFL and want to apply to a university or program that requires the TOEFL, your scores will be considered valid for two years from the date you took the exam. After two years, your scores will no longer be considered valid and you will need to retake the TOEFL in order to apply to a program or university that requires the TOEFL.

Retaking TOEFL

There are a few reasons why you might need to retake the TOEFL exam in the USA:

1. Your TOEFL scores are no longer valid: As mentioned earlier, TOEFL scores are generally valid for two years after the test date. If you took the TOEFL more than two years ago and your scores are no longer considered valid, you will need to retake the exam.
2. You want to improve your TOEFL score: If you took the TOEFL but did not score as high as you had hoped, you may decide to retake the exam in order to try to improve your score. This could be especially important if you are applying to a university or program that has a high TOEFL score requirement.
3. You need to meet a specific TOEFL score requirement: Some universities or programs may have a specific TOEFL score requirement that you need to meet in order to be considered for admission. If you did not meet this requirement on your first attempt, you may need to retake the exam in order to be eligible for admission.

To retake the TOEFL exam, you will need to register for the exam and pay the applicable fee. You can register for the TOEFL through the official TOEFL website or an authorized registration center. It’s a good idea to check with your chosen school to confirm their TOEFL score requirements and to make sure you are registered for the correct version of the exam.

The TOEFL exam is an important tool for Indian students who want to study in an English-speaking country like the USA. By showing that you have good English proficiency, you can increase your chances of gaining admission into any university abroad. Not only will taking the exam to give you a better understanding of the listening, writing, reading, and speaking requirements needed for higher education abroad but it will also help boost your confidence by validating your language proficiency. 

Preparing for the TOEFL exam is one of the best ways to equip yourself for higher studies in English-speaking countries and also prove that you are ready to take on the challenge of studying in a new environment.