What is the Minimum TOEFL Score for University of Kansas?

Kansas University is one of the public research universities in the United States. Excellent academic programmes, exciting campus life, and excellence in research are the main areas for which the university is known. For an international applicant, one condition that a student will have to fulfil to be considered for admission is proving proficiency in the English language such as the TOEFL exam. The test will be used for measuring English proficiency by non-native speakers by meeting the minimum TOEFL score requirement at Kansas University. 

This blog will dive into the minimum TOEFL score requirements at the University of Kansas, its importance to process your application further, and suggests a few strategies to achieve the same.

Minimum TOEFL Score for University of Kansas

There are requirements set up by the University of Kansas for demonstrating skills in English for international students. The TOEFL score is considered sufficient to allow for a student's thriving in an all-English-instruction environment. 

Below is the table which showcases the overview of the TOEFL score requirement at the Kansas University, depending on the programmes and courses.

Exceptions for TOEFL Score at Kansas University

Even though it is necessary to acquire a minimum TOEFL score for admission at Kansas University, there are certain exceptions where individuals can apply without taking the TOEFL test. 

The following are some of the situations where one might be considered for exemptions from taking the TOEFL exam. 

• If you are a native speaker of English, you will very likely be exempted from taking the TOEFL test. 
• You will be considered if you have taken four years of college preparatory English and graduated from high school with a 2.5+ GPA in one of these qualifying English exemption regions such as United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, an English-speaking province of Canada, an English-speaking Caribbean country, an English-speaking African country, or any U.S.-accredited school. 
• You have earned a B or better in College English Composition 1 and 2 and earned 24 or more credit hours toward a degree at an institution in a qualifying region listed above. 
• If you have completed the full IB diploma program with an English HL of 5 or higher, you do not have to take the TOEFL test. 
• In case, you have earned an associate's degree with a 2.5+ GPA from the U.S.-Accredited post-secondary college, the TOEFL exam will be waived off.

What if I Receive Low TOEFL Scores?

Students whose scores fall short of the minimum TOEFL score requirement are then required to take the AEC Proficiency Test at Kansas University. Successful candidates of this online examination are qualified to enroll into full degree programmes, while those who fail will stay at the Applied English Center. New score submissions are accepted until you take the AEC test. After taking the AEC test, it will no longer be possible to change scores. Late submissions will be reviewed on a case-to-case basis. 

Students with limited access to testing can complete the Duolingo English Test online and send scores to KU through the Duolingo system for actual admission test scores. The university specified that applicants would still take the AEC test even if they submitted their scores via Duolingo.

What Strategies to Use for Kansas University's TOEFL Score Requirement?

You have several methods on how to prepare for the TOEFL test in order to meet the score requirements set by KU. The following strategies can be incorporated in order to succeed in your preparation for the TOEFL exam. 

• First, make yourself comfortable with the format of the TOEFL test so that on the day itself, you will not be anxious. The TOEFL exam's four sections consist of Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing which have different kinds of questions which you can expect in each section. Practising each section will guide you in your time management skills and also help you with the strategic plan that you can formulate to handle each task.
•  The full-length practice tests are needed and will help build stamina and familiarise the test taker with the timings for each individual section. In this way, you would know what parts you need to study more on and focus on the areas of improvement. 
• A very good vocabulary will help you score well in the Reading and Writing sections. Emphasise on academic vocabulary and practice using the new words learned along with its context. Understanding this will be helpful in targeting the specific vocabulary that is frequently tested in the exam. 
• Fluency in speaking is an aspect that can be quite challenging for test-takers. If students practice speaking English daily, it makes it easier for them to develop fluency in this section. Have a recorded version of your answering the prompt, then listen to those sample answers to check for coherence and clarity. 
• Note taking is very crucial, especially in the listening section as it will serve as the test of your ability to comprehend spoken English. It is best to practice listening to academic podcasts and lectures so that you will be able to jot down key points from them. Not only would this help you develop your listening skills but also your retention capabilities.