What to Do If You Don't Meet Your TOEFL iBT® Test Score Goal? Follow This Study Plan

The highest TOEFL iBT® score you can earn is 120. However, A desired TOEFL score goal ranges between 100-120. A good score makes a candidate eligible for top universities abroad. But, What to do if you don’t meet the TOEFL iBT test score? Consider taking a retest and following a study plan. 

This blog will provide a study plan and retake tips to improve your TOEFL test score goal.  

TOEFL Study Plan 

Here is a brief study plan that you can use to meet your TOEFL score goal. 

Week 1: Starting Point and Assessment 

• Recognize the test format: Understand the structure and types of questions in each section  

• Analyze where your current level is: Take a test and assess your current level. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. 

• Focus on Basic Vocabulary and Grammar: Focus on improving your vocabulary and grammar. 

• Resources: Use official TOEFL resources and study guidelines to build a solid foundation. 

Week 2: Concentrate on Reading and Writing

• Reading Practice: Practice with multiple reading exercises, focusing on all kinds of questions such as inference questions, factual information questions, and many more. 

• Writing Practice: Indulge in writing questions on common TOEFL questions, carefully focusing on structure and coherence.  

• Mock Test: Practice a mock test, evaluate your progress, and identify areas for improvement. 

For candidates aiming to study in Europe, check out our guide on the Best Universities in Europe Accepting TOEFL Scores for Masters to plan your applications better.

Week 3: Listening and Speaking Skills 

• Note-Taking: Build a habit of taking notes while listening to lectures and podcasts. Focus on identifying main ideas and supporting details. 

• Improve Comprehension Skills: Focus on improving your comprehension skills by indulging in listening exercises. 

• Speaking Practice: Record responses to speaking prompts and review them for clarity and fluency. 

• Mock Test: Take another full-length practice test and evaluate improvement in listening and speaking. 

Week 4: Final Practice and Evaluation

• Full-Length Mock Test: Dedicate your week 4 to taking the full-length practice test along with a timer and get a real test day experience. 

• Revision: Go through all the notes, vocabulary list, and practice test. 

• Final Preparation: As a part of final preparation, make sure you have a strategy for your test day, that includes time management and stress-reduction strategies. 

TOEFL Retake Tips 

Here are some tips if you are planning to take a re-test: 

• Review your score report: Review your score report carefully and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in all sections i.e. reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. 

• Follow a study plan: Develop a study plan and give more time to the weakest area. 

• Use high-quality study materials: Use high-quality study materials such as TOEFL preparation books, online courses, and practice tests. 

• Improve your English Skills: To improve your English skills, read an English newspaper, or books to build your vocabulary. 

• Inculcate Listening to Podcasts: Listen to podcasts, watch films, and indulge in conversations with native speakers to enhance your listening and speaking skills. 

• Practice Regularly: Practice regularly, review your answers, and seek feedback from your teachers and native speakers.  

If you’re applying to UK universities, make sure to familiarize yourself with specific requirements. For example, learn about the Minimum TOEFL Requirements for PhD in the UK or explore the Minimum TOEFL Score for UK Student Visa to ensure your eligibility.

This was our guide on what to do to meet your TOEFL score goal. By following this structured study plan and considering the retake tips, you can achieve your target score goal on your next attempt. 

Also Read:

• Advanced English Vocabulary for TOEFL iBT Preparation 
• Minimum TOEFL iBT Scores Required for Ivy League Universities 
• Types of Tasks in TOEFL iBT Writing Section