A strong command of the English language is essential for students aspiring to pursue higher education in English-speaking countries like the United States. TOEFL is one of the most widely recognized and accepted methods of proving your proficiency in the English language. A Lot of TOEFL Accepting Universities in the USA consider TOEFL scores as a key component of the application process. TOEFL scores provide a standardized measurement of a student’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write in English.
TOEFL scores help universities assess the ability of students to succeed in an academic environment where English is the primary medium of instruction. These scores are often necessary for international students aspiring to study abroad. Let’s explore the importance of the TOEFL score required for the USA, and tips for achieving the best possible TOEFL score in this article.
Importance of TOEFL Scores for Admission to U.S. Institutions
TOEFL scores are key components of the admission process to U.S. universities. TOEFL tests the candidate's ability to fit in an English-speaking academic setting. Since the medium of instruction at most U.S. universities is English, students are required to demonstrate proficiency to ensure they can engage in classroom discussions, understand lectures, complete assignments, and perform well on exams. Here are some key pointers explaining why TOEFL accepting universities in the USA value TOEFL scores.
1. Test of English Proficiency: TOEFL assesses the candidate’s fluency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English to be able to perform better in their academics.
2. Importance in Admissions: Most of the universities require a minimum TOEFL score for providing admission. These requirements may vary based on the institution and chosen course.
3. Academic Preparedness: A high TOEFL score shows that an applicant has the language skills needed to understand lectures, engage in discussions, write essays, and complete coursework in English.
4. Eligibility: High TOEFL scores significantly increase the chances of admission to your dream university and keep you ahead of the competitors.
5. Financial Aid: TOEFL scores can also impact eligibility for scholarships, grants, and financial aid, with some universities offering greater financial assistance to applicants with outstanding scores.
TOEFL Score Scale for Different Academic Levels
The TOEFL exam is conducted for 120 marks distributed across 4 sections namely Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is allotted 30 marks and students are awarded marks based on their performance in each section.
| Skill |
Proficiency Level |
Performance Description |
| Reading |
Advanced (24-30) |
- Comprehend academic and advanced vocabulary, including less common word meanings.
|
| High-Intermediate (18-23) |
- Understand common academic vocabulary but may struggle with rare words or unfamiliar meanings.
|
| Low-Intermediate (4-17) |
- Easily recognize main ideas in clear or example-driven passages, but struggle with more complex ones.
|
| Below Low-Intermediate (0-3) |
- Test takers with a Reading score below 4 still lack proficiency at the Low-Intermediate level.
|
| Listening |
Advanced (22-30) |
- Speak clearly with appropriate intonation, making speech easy to understand, with minor lapses that don't hinder meaning.
|
| High-Intermediate (17-21) |
- Produce speech with some complex structures and varied vocabulary, though occasional errors may affect clarity.
|
| Low-Intermediate (9-16) |
- Understand key details when clear, but struggle with unmarked or spread-out information.
|
| Below Low-Intermediate (0-8) |
- Test takers with a Listening score below 9 have not reached Low-Intermediate proficiency.
|
| Speaking |
Advanced (25-30) |
- Speak clearly with proper intonation, making speech easy to understand, with minor lapses that don’t affect meaning.
|
| High-Intermediate (20-24) |
- Produce speech with some complex structures and varied vocabulary, though occasional errors may hinder clarity.
|
| Low-Intermediate (16-19) |
- Convey main points and relevant information, but summaries and explanations may be incomplete, inaccurate, or lack coherence.
|
| Basic (10-15) |
- Produce short utterances with simple connections, using limited grammar and vocabulary, and may pause frequently while searching for words.
|
| Basic (10-15) |
- Produce short utterances with simple connections, using limited grammar and vocabulary, and may pause frequently while searching for words.
|
| Writing |
Advanced (24–30) |
- Present an opinion on a controversial issue, supporting it with relevant details and using a variety of vocabulary and grammar.
|
| High-Intermediate (17–23) |
- Clearly express an opinion, though some ideas may be underdeveloped and cohesion may occasionally disrupt the flow of thoughts.
|
| Low-Intermediate (13–16) |
- Summarize relevant information from multiple sources, but may omit or misrepresent key ideas, particularly those with complex vocabulary or concepts.
|
| Basic (7–12) |
- Convey some ideas, but grammatical errors, unclear expressions, and poor sentence structure may make the writing hard to understand.
|
| Below Basic (0–6) |
- Test takers with writing scores below 9 have not reached Low-Intermediate proficiency.
|
What TOEFL Scores Do Top US Universities Expect?
A TOEFL Score ranging between 90 and 105 signifies that you are proficient in the English language and can be a good fit for an English-speaking country. TOEFL accepting universities in USA consider a score above 100 to be a great score to get you into a top university.
Although TOEFL scores can greatly enhance your application, it’s also important to strengthen other aspects of your profile, including your academic record, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
Here are some Top TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA and their minimum score requirement.
Top 5 USA Universities TOEFL Score Requirements
| University Name |
Minimum TOEFL Score |
| Harvard University |
100-105 |
| California Institute of Technology |
100 |
| Duke University |
90 |
| Princeton University |
100 |
| Stanford University |
100 |
Top 5 USA Universities Accepting Medium TOEFL Score
| University Name |
Minimum TOEFL Score |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
90 |
| Northwestern University |
95 |
| University of California, Berkeley |
90 |
| Emory University |
95 |
| University of Pennsylvania |
100 |
Top 5 USA Universities Accepting Low TOEFL Score
| University Name |
Minimum TOEFL Score |
| Lehigh University |
75 |
| University of Florida |
80 |
| University of Virginia |
90 |
| University of Michigan – Ann Arbor |
84 |
| Georgetown University |
80 |
Expert Tips to Achieve TOEFL Score Required for USA
Practice is the key to becoming proficient in exams. Practicing LSRW skills months before the exam can help you confidently perform in the exam. Dedicate time to each section and focus on the areas of improvement. Here are some Study Tips for TOEFL to help your score better in the exam.
- Understand the Structure: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, the types of questions asked in the exam, and the time allotted for each section. Start practicing 2 - 3 months before the exam date.
- Focus on all areas: It is advised not to neglect any section among the four as each section carries the same marks. Give importance to every section and practice mocks.
- Take Practice Tests: Taking full-length practice tests will help you understand the pacing of the exam, identify areas that need improvement, and build your confidence.
- Work on Time Management: During the exam, you'll need to manage your time wisely. Practice answering questions under timed conditions to improve your speed and efficiency.
- Improve Your English Fluency: Watch English-language news, movies, and educational videos, and engage in conversations with native speakers. This can help you improve both your listening and speaking skills.
Conclusion
TOEFL accepting universities in USA consider TOEFL scores as a key factor for their admissions. A high TOEFL score can significantly increase your chances of admission and also helps in availing funding for your study abroad dream. Understanding the TOEFL score scale, the score requirements for different academic levels, and the differences across universities is essential for any student aiming to study in the U.S. With proper preparation, dedication, and focus, you can achieve the required TOEFL score and successfully pursue your academic goals in the United States.
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Explore ProgramFrequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Minimum TOEFL Score required for US Universities?
Although different universities expect different TOEFL scores from candidates based on the program, TOEFL accepting universities in USA generally consider a score between 90 - 105 as a minimum requirement.
2. How hard is it to get 90 in TOEFL?
As TOEFL requirements for US universities generally range between 90 - 105, Getting a score above 90 is achievable, provided the candidate puts in a consistent effort a few months before the exam and focuses on the areas of improvement.
3. Can I get Admission without TOEFL?
Yes, students can get admission without TOEFL by appearing for other tests such as IELTS and GRE.
4. Which Section of TOEFL do Students find hard to crack?
While difficulty varies for each person, the Speaking section is often considered one of the toughest parts of the TOEFL, along with the Writing section as It demands more than just language proficiency.
5. Is TOEFL accepted across the Globe?
Yes. TOEFL is accepted in 160 countries across the globe. The United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are some popular TOEFL accepting universities.
