What is the fee of registering for the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

Applicants who choose to take the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition must pay an amount of INR 16,900 for registering, which is the same for TOEFL iBT.

How many times is the TOEFL iBT Home Edition conducted in a month?

The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is offered once or twice every month.

As the TOEFL iBT exam is conducted in two sessions, do I have to book two dates or one?

You need to schedule two appointments when you register: one at your neighbourhood testing facility and the other at your house.

In some places, why is the duration of the first session of TOEFL iBT Paper Edition written as three and half hours? What is the actual duration?

The test duration at a centre is three hours. An additional thirty minutes is allocated for test administration tasks, such as admitting examinees, allowing them to input identifying information, and managing test materials.

Are there any special requirements for the Speaking section of the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

As the Speaking section is conducted from home, please ensure that you have the required setup for both the equipment and environment before registering. You will get the details from the official website.

TOEFL Score for Graduate Admissions in the USA

Home Blog TOEFL iBT

Jemima Sultana

4 min read

Updated On January 02, 2025

"The TOEFL score plays a crucial role in graduate admissions in the USA, as it assesses your English proficiency for academic success. This blog will guide you through the minimum TOEFL score requirements for top universities in the USA."

Key Highlights

Understanding the TOEFL Test Format
TOEFL Score for Graduate Admissions in the USA
Graduate Scholarships in Universities in the USA
How to Send TOEFL Scores to Universities in the USA
Tips to Achieve Minimum TOEFL Score for Graduate Admissions in the USA

Planning to pursue graduate studies in the USA? Your TOEFL score plays a key role in securing admission to your dream university. TOEFL evaluates your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English in academic settings. Meeting the required score not only boosts your application but also demonstrates your readiness for the coursework. This blog explores the required TOEFL score for graduate admissions in the USA and effective tips to enhance your chances of admission.

Understanding the TOEFL Test Format

To ace the TOEFL exam, understanding its format and structure is crucial. The TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) is designed to evaluate your English proficiency across four essential skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section has specific tasks and time allocations to test your ability to comprehend, communicate, and analyze academic content effectively.

Total Score: The maximum score is 120, with each section contributing 30 points.
Test Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours.

Section	Estimated Time	Number of Tasks	Details
Reading	35 minutes	20 questions	Analyze academic passages and respond to comprehension-based questions
Listening	36 minutes	28 questions	Understand short lectures or classroom discussions and answer related questions
Speaking	16 minutes	4 tasks	Present your views on a familiar topic and analyze academic material to provide a spoken response
Writing	29 minutes	2 tasks	Interpret written and audio content to craft a response and express your opinion in a structured discussion

Also Read: What is a Good TOEFL Score?

TOEFL Score for Graduate Admissions in the USA

The TOEFL score for graduate admissions in the USA varies by university and program. Here is the list of minimum TOEFL scores for graduate admissions in the USA.

University	Score
Boston University (Graduate School of Arts and Sciences)	100
Boston University (College of Engineering)	90
Carnegie Mellon University (Electrical and Computer Engineering)	86
Duke University	90
Emory University (Computer Science)	85
Emory University (Rollins School of Public Health)	80
Harvard University	80
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	90
New York University (Graduate School of Arts and Sciences)	100
New York University (Tandon School of Engineering)	90
Northeastern University (School of Engineering)	79
Stanford University (School of Engineering)	89
Stanford University (All master’s and PhD programs)	100
University of California - Los Angeles	87
University of California - San Diego	85
University of Pennsylvania	100 (recommended)

Quick Read: TOEFL iBT® Exam Fees in India

Graduate Scholarships in Universities in the USA

Graduate scholarships in universities in the USA provide excellent financial support to international students pursuing advanced degrees. Here are some of the scholarships available for international students.

Scholarship	Institution	Eligibility	Benefit
Fulbright Scholarships	Various U.S. universities	International students for Master's/PhD studies	Full tuition and living stipend
AAUW International Fellowship	Various U.S. universities	International women pursuing Master's degrees	Up to $50,000
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship	Various U.S. universities	International women pursuing graduate degrees	Covers tuition and additional financial assistance
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarship	Various U.S. universities	High-achieving international students	Up to $50,000 per year

How to Send TOEFL Scores to Universities in the USA

Sending your TOEFL scores to universities in the USA is a straightforward process that ensures your test scores reach your desired institutions securely. Follow the below-mentioned steps to send your scores successfully.

1. Log in to Your ETS Account: Access your ETS account using your credentials. Navigate to the TOEFL section, where you'll find the option to send your scores to institutions.

2. Select Your Universities: Use the institution search tool to find the universities you wish to send your scores to. Be precise while selecting the correct institutions and their designated codes.

3. Choose Score Recipients Before or After the Test: You can select up to four universities for free when registering for the test. For additional institutions or after the test, an extra fee will apply.

4. Pay the Score Reporting Fee: For scores sent beyond the free limit or at a later date, pay the specified fee via your ETS account. Ensure all details are accurate to avoid details.

5. Confirm and Track Your Request: Review the recipient details and confirm your order. Check your ETS account to monitor the status of your score reports.

Also Read: List of Universities in USA Accepting TOEFL iBT® Scores Between 90 -100

Tips to Achieve Minimum TOEFL Score for Graduate Admissions in the USA

Securing the minimum TOEFL score for graduate admissions in the USA requires a focused strategy and consistent effort. Here are a few effective strategies to help you prepare for the test.

1. Understand the Exam Format: Familiarize yourself with the TOEFL structure, including the number of sections, question types, and time allocation. Knowing what to expect can help you manage time and boost confidence during the test.

2. Develop a Study Schedule: Create a study plan tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. Dedicate specific hours every day to work on each section of TOEFL for balanced preparation.

3. Practice Active Listening and Reading: Engage in active listening by watching English podcasts or lectures and taking notes. Similarly, read diverse materials like academic articles and newspapers to enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills. Try to identify the main idea and supporting details to boost your test performance.

4. Enhance Speaking and Writing Skills: Practice speaking on a variety of topics and focus on delivering structured responses. For writing, work on essays that emphasize clarity, coherence, and proper grammar.

5. Take Mock Tests: Take TOEFL practice tests to simulate test conditions and track your performance with the test results. This way you can work on your weak areas and build confidence for the actual test.

Suggested Reading: Essential Grammar Rules and Tips for TOEFL iBT® Exam

Securing a strong TOEFL score is a vital step in your journey to graduate admissions in the USA. It reflects your readiness to succeed in an English-speaking environment and enhances your overall application. By understanding the test format, setting a target score, and following a strategic preparation plan, you can confidently achieve the required TOEFL score for graduate admissions in the USA.

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