Unlock Your Potential by Learning What is a Good TOEFL Score

The TOEFL exam, like an interesting puzzle, holds the key to a world of exciting international career and academic opportunities. However, figuring out what is a good TOEFL score can be challenging like navigating a maze and so, waiting for the results becomes exhausting.

To reduce your hassles of exam anxiety and help you with your TOEFL preparation, we will cover all the essential points that will provide you a better understanding of what is a good TOEFL score.

Let’s begin with the discussion on the minimum score requirement for TOEFL!

What is the minimum score requirement for TOEFL?

The TOEFL exam comprises four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored separately, and the total TOEFL score is the sum of these individual section scores. The maximum total score is 120 points, with each section having a maximum score of 30 points.

The minimum TOEFL score can vary significantly from one school to another. While some institutions set the bar at a modest 70 points, others raise it to as high as 110. Frequently, when an institution specifies a particular TOEFL score, it indicates that the admissions office deems that score as essential for success in their academic program. Therefore, in practical terms, what should be considered a good TOEFL score depends on the specific requirement of the university you are eyeing.

What is a good TOEFL score according to ETS?

ETS, the conducting body of TOEFL, also establishes formal benchmarks for TOEFL score proficiency. It provides guidance on setting score requirements for the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials test through a concordance table for institutions that shows the comparison of the TOEFL scores with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels. 

The table below explores the comparison between the overall TOEFL scores with CERF levels and provides you with an idea about an ideal score that you need to achieve to prove your mastery over the language.

Moreover, along with your TOEFL results, you will receive a document titled "performance feedback", which includes a synopsis of your overall score in each TOEFL section and skill. Your performance in TOEFL Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing will be described separately. 

TOEFL Score Levels for Reading and Listening

ETS's performance feedback divides the TOEFL score into three range levels: high, middle, and low for both the reading and listening sections. Let us have a look at a quick summary of the TOEFL score levels for TOEFL Reading and Listening sections in the table.

TOEFL Score Levels for Writing and Speaking

Four TOEFL Speaking performance feedback categories are provided in TOEFL performance reports: Good, Fair, Limited, and Weak. The following are brief descriptions of these four levels:

What is a good TOEFL score according to TOEFL score percentiles?

A student's proficiency with the English language is indicated by their TOEFL percentile rank. ETS calculates your percentiles by comparing your TOEFL score against that of other test-takers who are similarly educated, speak the same language, are citizens of the same nation, or are of the same gender as you. 

The TOEFL has a total score of 120, so you need to grasp how to convert scores to percentile rank to comprehend how you have performed on a national scale and the level to which it will affect your university application.

What is a good TOEFL score for top Global Universities?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all ideal TOEFL score since different universities set their own minimum requirements. 

On average, scores below 80 are often considered inadequate and may not meet the criteria for many top global universities. If you fall in the 80 to 90 range, that might suffice for several graduate schools. A score between 90 and 100 positions you as a strong candidate for most top-tier universities. Surpassing the 100-mark puts you in good stead to clear the minimum TOEFL cutoffs for prestigious institutions like the Ivy League schools.

Now, explore the required TOEFL score of some of the top universities in the four most desired countries for educational opportunities.

United States of America

A good TOEFL score for you depends on the university you choose, as different US institutions have varying requirements for the TOEFL. Generally speaking, you can gain admission to the majority of the top US universities with a TOEFL score of 100 or higher.

United Kingdom

Just like the United States, a TOEFL score of 100 or above is considered acceptable by most universities in the United Kingdom. Check out some of the top universities and the TOEFL score they require.

Australia

Given that most of Australia's top universities only require a score of 90 on the TOEFL, you might not need to get a perfect score of 100. However, some elite programmes may require a score higher than 100.

Canada

Overall, a TOEFL score of 100 is regarded as good in Canada. But most competitive courses demand a score above 105.

What will be a good TOEFL score for you?

Top-notch international universities or organisations usually have strict rules about TOEFL scores, making them a must-meet criterion for prospective students. It's not just about eligibility; some schools see the TOEFL score as the gold standard for what's considered a "good" score.

Imagine a university that says you need a TOEFL score of 90. Hitting that target is pretty impressive on its own. But here's the twist – there is no individual score or score range that comes under the description of a good TOEFL score. While some are cool with a 70, others take it up to a demanding 100.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. Your personal situation can shape what you can consider as a good TOEFL score. Picture this: You were aiming for a perfect 100 but ended up with an 80. If the university you want to get into also asks for an 80, you're in luck. No need for a retake – the university's score requirement matches what you achieved. It's a sweet reminder that you have some flexibility in these score expectations.

How to achieve a good TOEFL score?

Unlike most other exams we take to assess our English language proficiency, TOEFL is not a test you may pass or fail. Therefore, no English proficiency level is intrinsically "good" or "bad," it all relies on the type of language you use and the purpose for which it is used. Similarly, no TOEFL score range or individual score can truly be called "good" or "bad." 

However, it is crucial to prepare yourself and aim for the best score. This is way better than just preparing for the minimum TOEFL requirements. Therefore, follow the tips given below to achieve a good TOELF score.

• It is best to begin preparing for the TOEFL exam as soon as possible: There is always an added benefit to starting early because it allows you enough time to prepare and to revise your work. 
• Make a schedule that will help you finish the preparation on time: Create a schedule that takes into account your English proficiency level as well as your strengths and shortcomings. Make sure it's not very modest or overly ambitious. 
• Begin by understanding every aspect of the test format: Become acquainted with the TOEFL exam format. Recognise the format of each component (Writing, Speaking, Listening, and Reading) as well as the kinds of questions that will be asked.
• Take full-length practice tests: Simulate real test conditions by taking full-length practice tests provided by ETS. This helps you gauge your progress, identify weak areas, and refine your test-taking strategies.
• Develop your personalised time management strategies: Develop effective time management strategies. Each section has a time limit, so practice completing tasks within the allocated time. This is crucial for success on test day.
• Get professional guidance if you feel the need to: Consider enrolling in a TOEFL preparation course or hiring a tutor. Professional guidance can provide personalised feedback and targeted strategies for improvement.