TOEFL Score

Understanding the system of TOEFL exam score can help you plan better and improve your results. The TOEFL exam takers will receive four scaled section scores and a total score out of 120. The score for each section- listening, reading, writing and speaking, has a range of 0-30 and the four sections are added up for a total score ranging between 0-120.

A good TOEFL score allows the candidate to be eligible to apply to most universities abroad that accept TOEFL scores. Wondering how this works? Let’s simplify it so that you can prepare effectively and achieve a target TOEFL exam score.

Understanding your TOEFL Score

The TOEFL exam provides four individual section scores, each with a range from 0-30. These section scores are added together to give a range from 0-120. Each section assesses specific English skills and categorizes proficiency into different levels, which helps you understand your ability in each of the sections.

Your total TOEFL score is an aggregate of all four sections, reflecting your overall English proficiency. The levels within each section (from Advanced to Below Low-Intermediate) help determine how well you performed in the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing tasks.

This scoring system ensures that your test results accurately represent your language skills, making it easier for universities and institutions to assess your English proficiency for admission purposes.

TOEFL iBT Enhanced Score Reporting

It offers more than just your scores—it provides valuable insights to help you improve your academic English skills. After taking the TOEFL iBT test, you’ll receive a detailed breakdown of your performance to guide your future preparation. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Proficiency Levels: Understand your skill level for each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing).
• Feedback on Question Types: Get personalized feedback on which Reading and Listening question types you excel at and where you can still improve.
• Speaking & Writing Insights: Receive in-depth analysis of your Speaking and Writing skills, including language use, grammar, mechanics, and more.
• High-Scoring Examples: Access sample high-scoring Speaking and Writing responses, along with explanations to help you practice and enhance your performance.

This enhanced score reporting helps you focus your study efforts more effectively, ensuring you can work on the areas that need improvement to achieve your academic goals.

TOEFL MyBest Scores

There is no limit to how many times you can take the TOEFL, and your performance may vary across attempts. Applications will typically need to see a recent report, but in the case of many institutions, they may accept something called the TOEFL MyBest.

Your TOEFL MyBest score is a representation of your best performance that combines your highest individual section TOEFL scores across the last two years. This is useful as it may help you reach minimum admission criteria if you’re struggling to establish a baseline score. Check if your target institutions accept MyBest scores and plan the rest of your application accordingly.

Viewing Your TOEFL Scores

After you’ve taken the test, you may be wondering, “When can I view my TOEFL Scores?”

Your TOEFL scores will be available on your ETS account (that you created when registering for the exam), typically within 4 to 8 days after your test. The specific date you can expect to receive your results will also be displayed at the end of your test. To make sure you don’t miss out, you shall also be notified via email when your scores are released.

TOEFL scores are valid for up to 2 years after your attempt so it’s a good idea to take prints immediately. PDF Score Reports may be downloaded a day after the test results are provided.

If you request your reports by mail, it may take 11 to 15 days post your test date to reach you.

TOEFL Unofficial Scores

It is important to understand what TOEFL unofficial scores are. As the Reading and Listening sections are scored automatically via the system you attempt it on, your section scores for these two parts of the test are available immediately after completion.

These are your unofficial TOEFL scores and can be a good indication of your final score.

What is a good TOEFL Score?

The specific score you should aim for in your TOEFL exam preparation varies by target institutions and even programs. Each program may have vastly different stipulations for each test section as well.
Typically, a TOEFL score above 100 can meet the criteria for most good universities and programs but section-specific requirements are up to you to discover and plan for.

Now, what is an average score? Typically, a score between 85 to 90 is considered average.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a good score for the TOEFL?

A good TOEFL score depends on the programs you are applying to. However, a score above 100 is typically accepted by most premier institutions. Remember to research and set a target score for yourself accordingly.

Can I go to the USA without TOEFL?

It is a safe assumption to make. However, several U.S. and Canadian universities may accept other English proficiency test scores like the PTE, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test.

Is the TOEFL easy for Indian students?

How difficult you find the TOEFL depends on your prior proficiency with the language. However, Indian students may find it tough to navigate the unique test format that necessitates superior time management and critical thinking.

Is TOEFL Speaking face-to-face?

Unlike other proficiency tests, the TOEFL iBT involves recording responses to questions. These are evaluated by AI models and trained examiners.

Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?

The difficulty level of these examinations is obviously subjective, based on each candidate’s operational knowledge of English. However, many test-takers may consider the IELTS to be easier, especially with regard to the Reading section.