What is a Good TOEFL Score?

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language and is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The TOEFL exam tests the expertise of non-English speakers in the English language. TOEFL scores come handy if you plan to go to an English-speaking country for study, work, or immigration purposes. It tests the reading, listening, speaking, and writing abilities of the examinees. Other than students who want to go abroad for their studies, candidates applying for scholarships, people wanting to track their progress while learning the language, and those applying for visas, professional certifications, and immigration purposes also take the TOEFL.

Why are Good TOEFL Scores Important?

Universities in the United States, France, Germany, Canada, and those belonging to the Russell Group in the UK accept TOEFL scores for admitting students to their programs.

It is important to aim for a good TOEFL score if you want to study at any of the top universities in the mentioned countries. Though TOEFL scores are not the only factor that determines if your application will be accepted, obtaining a score that clears the university TOEFL score cut-off is compulsory to be eligible for admission. And these cut-offs are usually high, especially for top universities. Therefore, it is important for students to aim for a high TOEFL score if they dream of studying in high-ranking universities.

What is a Good TOEFL Score?

Different universities have their own minimum TOEFL score requirements, ranging from 70 to 110 points. Also, you must meet section-wise criteria set by different universities. Let us understand various TOEFL scores with the help of the table below:

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TOEFL Scoring Fundamentals

Before we talk about good TOEFL scores, let us first understand what are the basics of TOEFL scoring and what can be considered as TOEFL good score. Let us understand from the following table:

Good TOEFL Score Range:

Let us see the TOEFL scores that can be considered as good. We will understand the TOEFL score range from the table below:

Read more about: How to Calculate SGPA: Calculations Simplified

What are Good TOEFL Scores for Top Universities?

The table below lists the minimum TOEFL criteria for the top-ranking universities across the world for you to get a better idea about the range of scores expected at different universities. Let us understand from the table below:

Minimum TOEFL Scores for Top Universities:

A Good TOEFL Score According to ETS

As we know, four main categories are used for scoring:

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  Reading
• 
  Listening
• 
  Speaking
• 
  Writing

According to ETS.org, who are the maker of TOEFL, has released the following score range which is considered good. What TOEFL score is good can be understood by the following table:

TOEFL vs Other Language Tests

Now, that we understand what can be considered score TOEFL minimum and TOEFL good score, let us compare TOEFL with other language tests and understand why TOEFL is preferable over IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo:

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  TOEFL vs. IELTS: TOEFL is all on a computer, including the speaking part, so you talk into a mic. IELTS has a real person for the speaking part, which some people find more comfortable. TOEFL feels more academic, while IELTS is more balanced with everyday English.

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  TOEFL vs. PTE: PTE is also on a computer, but it’s shorter and gives results faster. The questions are more to the point, while TOEFL makes you deal with longer academic tasks like essays and lectures.

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  TOEFL vs. Duolingo: Duolingo is the cheapest and quickest option, and you can take it from your own room. But, not every university accepts it yet, especially the top ones. TOEFL is still the more trusted option for big schools.

How to Get a Good TOEFL Score? 

Now that we know what the TOEFL scores for the top universities are, and what can be considered as TOEFL good score, and what can be considered as TOEFL minimum score. Let us have a look at the ways through which you can give your TOEFL preparations that extra boost to achieve the scores mentioned above:

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  You should get started with your preparations as early as possible. Starting early always has an added advantage as it not only gives you enough time to prepare but also leaves you with an adequate amount of time to revise as well. 
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  Prepare a proper timetable to help you complete the syllabus on time. Make your timetable as per your strengths and weaknesses and existing level of aptitude in English. Make sure that it is neither too ambitious nor too modest. 
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  Regular revision and practice make you more competent. Moreover, practice as many mock tests as you can. ETS provides you with a lot of practice materials for free. You can also access the overall and sectional practice questions provided by ETS. The ‘TOEFL Go!’ official app helps you prepare for the exam from wherever you want. It makes all the resources supplied by ETS available to you anytime, anywhere. 
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  Focus on gaining clarity is important as well as the basic concepts. After you have learned the basic concepts, practice as many questions as you want to strengthen your hold over the concepts and also to come across your doubts and weak areas and get them addressed quickly. Consult seniors or mentors to clear any doubt that arises. 
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  The last and most important point to keep in mind is time management. For better scores, make effective time management strategies as per your preparation, strengths, and weaknesses, and try to stick to this strategy to maintain clarity and consistency. 
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  For syllabus, study tips, preparation resources, and sample questions do give our preparation guides a read:
• 
  GyanDhan’s Overall TOEFL Preparation Guide 

What are TOEFL MyBest Scores? 

As per the new grading process effective from August 2019 onwards, students who take the TOEFL will receive MyBest Scores, which is to say, their final report will contain the best individual section scores from all the tests they have previously taken in the last two years.

Common Pitfalls in TOEFL Preparation

Preparing for the TOEFL can be stressful, and a lot of people make the same mistakes that cost them points. But do not worry as it is easy to avoid mistakes if you follow the points below:

Conclusion

A good TOEFL score does not mean a very high score. It is the minimum TOEFL criteria set by the university that the applicants need to fulfil to be considered for admission. Therefore, your application does not only hinge on your TOEFL score; there are academic and extracurricular aspects and other requisites too which need to be taken care of. Once you have set your target score, start honing your skills with regular practice and pay attention to your grades, extracurriculars, etc. alongside.

If you need any assistance with TOEFL preparation, do contact GyanDhan. We are affiliated with the top TOEFL prep institutes, and we will be glad to connect you with our partners for free of cost.

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