TOEFL Score for Medical Colleges in USA

As an international student who is planning to apply to medical schools in the United States, they are required to prove their proficiency in English through the TOEFL exam score. Since English is the language of instruction at most of the medical schools in the United States, a good score in the TOEFL is critical for admission and academic success. 

This blog will dive into the requirements of the TOEFL test scores for entering medical colleges in the USA, its importance along with the list of top medical colleges in the US, and also suggests a few tips on how to meet or exceed these requirements.

Why are TOEFL Scores Important for Medical Schools in the USA?

TOEFL scores are required by medical colleges in the USA for the admission of international students. The reason for it is to prove that such applicants would at least have the minimum level of proficiency in the English language to communicate and comprehend medical concepts in English. Therefore, a good TOEFL score shows the following abilities of a prospective student.

1. Understand medical lectures and readings: The classes taught in medical schools are complex in nature and require a good understanding of oral and written English so that they can follow lectures, read medical texts, and understand case studies. 

2. Interact with patients: Communication is the most important part of the healthcare environment among patients, faculty members, and other students. With high TOEFL scores, a student would be able to articulate and write clearly while understanding better in terms of academic and clinical contexts. 

3. Write well on tests and papers: Medical schools have many written tests and assignments. Therefore, the student's command of English must be good enough for the student to attempt tests and assignments clearly and correctly. 

4. Adjust to the American medical culture: The everyday process of working in health care in the USA requires both verbal and written communication. This is the reason as to why the proficiency in English empowers an international trainee to cope with that condition.

Minimum TOEFL Score Requirements for U.S. Medical Colleges

Medical schools in the USA might bring variety in their TOEFL expectations as compared to undergraduate programmes which usually have specific TOEFL score requirements. As many medical schools in the USA require specific scores, you must be aware of the requirements before preparing and sitting for the TOEFL exam. 

The table below provides a general idea of TOEFL score expectation for medical schools in the USA.

How to Improve Your TOEFL Score for Medical School Admissions

If you want to apply at a reputable medical school in the USA, you should meet the TOEFL score requirements. The following strategies can be used to set a goal of improving your TOEFL score. 

• Set a clear study timetable and then practice consistently while concentrating on performing well in all sections of the TOEFL test such as Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. 
• Read medical journals, articles, and textbooks in English to improve your academic vocabulary. 
• Listening to medical podcasts or watching medical lectures in English can also help to improve one's listening skills. 
• Speak English often to someone who knows the language well and get constructive feedback to work on the areas of improvement. 
• Also, you could use online resources to critique your writing while focusing on clarity and organisation skills in your writing.
• You can also take a TOEFL prep course where you can learn to familiarise yourself with the test and improve your test-taking strategy.

Common Mistakes To Avoid in The TOEFL Score

When preparing for the TOEFL exam, one aspect that can really make a difference on your score is avoiding mistakes that are very common which are listed below. 

• Poor Time Management: Time limits are placed for every section. One of the most common mistakes is spending most of your time on one particular question or passage, leaving only a little time for the completion of the rest of the section. Practicing time management skills while practicing will save time during the exam day. 
• Ignoring the Instructions: Instructions must be read and followed carefully for each section of the test. The misunderstanding of those points and answering a question in the wrong form could affect your scores. You should always be clear about what is being asked before attempting to answer. 
• Understand the Context: You should check your answers as appropriate based on the context the word has been used. It is particularly in the reading and listening sections where slight misinterpretations can cause incorrect answers. 
• Hesitation While Speaking: Speaking can make you anxious but when you practice speaking in English, you can notice a difference in your fluency. Speaking too fast and speaking without structure may affect your chances in scoring high for which you need to speak clearly and have a logical progression in your answer. 
• Not Preparing for Writing Section: It is usually that applicants do not practice writing essays. Your ideas should be organised coherently with correct grammatical expressions and supporting examples for each point made.