Can TOEFL Score Improve Your SOP and Resume Impact?

A strong TOEFL score is more than just a university requirement—it can be a powerful addition to your academic and professional profile. For students and job seekers alike, it can demonstrate language proficiency, credibility, and dedication. But how exactly does it influence your Statement of Purpose (SOP) or resume?

Let’s explore how your TOEFL score can improve your application documents and boost your chances of success.

Why Including a TOEFL Score Matters

Here’s how a TOEFL score can enhance your academic or job application:

• Demonstrates verified language skills: It shows you're comfortable with academic English.
  
  
• Builds trust: Institutions and employers trust standardised test results over self-claims.
  
  
• Stands out in global competition: A strong score reflects communication strength, which is vital in international setups.
  
  
• Signals commitment: Preparing for and scoring well in TOEFL shows discipline and motivation.
  
  

Adding your TOEFL score is especially valuable when applying to English-speaking countries or English-medium programs.

How TOEFL Score Adds Value to Your SOP

Your Statement of Purpose is a personal essay that highlights your goals, achievements, and motivation for applying to a university or program. Here’s how a TOEFL score strengthens it:

1. Shows Academic Readiness

Universities want to know you can handle academic discussions, write clear research papers, and follow complex lectures. A high TOEFL score (especially in Writing and Reading) signals that you're prepared.

Tip: Mention your TOEFL score in a sentence like this:
"With a TOEFL iBT score of 108, including a 28 in Writing, I have developed the academic communication skills necessary for graduate-level research and collaboration."

2. Builds Confidence in Admissions Committees

If you're applying from a non-English-speaking country, your TOEFL score validates your ability to contribute meaningfully in class discussions and group projects.

3. Makes Up for Other Weaknesses

If your academic grades or work experience are slightly lower than required, a strong TOEFL score shows language won’t be a barrier to your success.

Where to Mention TOEFL in Your SOP

Here are the most natural places to include your TOEFL score:

Avoid repeating the same point—mention it once, and only if it adds value to the overall narrative.

How TOEFL Score Strengthens Your Resume

Including TOEFL on your resume or CV is especially helpful if you're applying for:

• Study abroad programs
  
  
• Research assistantships
  
  
• International internships
  
  
• Remote jobs or freelance work with global clients
  
  
• Roles in multinational companies
  
  

Here’s how it helps:

1. Adds Weight to Language Proficiency

Listing “English – Fluent” in the skills section is common. Backing it up with a TOEFL score gives it credibility.

Example:
Languages

• English (Fluent – TOEFL iBT: 104)
  
  
• Hindi (Native)
  
  
• Spanish (Basic – A2 level)
  
  

2. Highlights Communication Skills

Employers look for candidates who can understand and respond well in English. If your job involves emails, meetings, or presentations, your TOEFL Speaking and Listening scores become highly relevant.

3. Improves Chances for International and Remote Roles

For companies hiring globally, a TOEFL score is proof that you can understand diverse accents and express ideas clearly in English.

Where to Place TOEFL in Your Resume

Here’s where and how you can add it depending on the structure of your resume:

Keep it concise. Only include your TOEFL score if it's recent (within 2 years) and strong (typically above 95 for competitive roles).

When Not to Mention Your TOEFL Score

While TOEFL can add value, you should avoid listing it in the following cases:

• If the score is below 85, unless required or unless you're applying for non-competitive roles.
  
  
• If you're applying in your home country and English is not a critical requirement.
  
  
• If the score is outdated (more than 2 years old), as most institutions and employers won’t accept it.
  
  
• If you're submitting IELTS or another language test instead, to avoid redundancy.
  
  

Use your judgement: if it improves your profile, add it. If not, leave it out.

Sample Lines for Including TOEFL in SOP and Resume

Here are a few examples to use or adapt:

For SOP:

• “Achieving a TOEFL iBT score of 112 helped refine my analytical reading and academic writing abilities, key for the graduate coursework I aim to pursue.”
  
  
• “My high TOEFL Speaking score of 27 demonstrates my confidence in presenting ideas clearly in English, a skill I developed through regular practice and peer interaction.”
  
  

For Resume:

• TOEFL iBT: 106 (Writing: 29, Speaking: 26) – Completed May 2025
  
  
• Strong command of English (TOEFL iBT: 110) – Academic-level proficiency

I hope this blog on the impact of TOEFL scores on your SOP and resume helped you understand how to position it well. A strong TOEFL score isn't just a test result—it’s a valuable credential that can boost your confidence and credibility. Use it strategically to support your academic goals or career plans, especially in international settings.