TOEFL is one of the most popular tests of English language proficiency for study abroad aspirants. Its scores are widely accepted and recognized by more than 11,000 colleges & universities in over 150 countries.
An outstanding TOEFL score indicates that you have acquired good command over the English language. TOEFL results are also used to demonstrate English-language proficiency while applying for a Visa. Thus, it becomes important to understand how TOEFL scores are evaluated, what is a good TOEFL score and how you send them to your desired college or university. This article covers all the relevant information about the TOEFL exam results and other information.
Suggested: 114/120 In TOEFL with a 4 day preparation
How is the TOEFL Exam Scored?
The TOEFL Exam tests your core English language communication skills. To test these skill areas, the exam is structured into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Each of these skill sections are scored on a TOEFL score range of 0-30. Which adds up to a TOEFL total score of 0-120. That means, the maximum TOEFL score you can get is 120.
The TOEFL iBT is scored using a combination of automated AI Scoring and Certified Human Raters. But the Reading and Listening sections are scored only by computer. Its scoring methodology is designed for high level accuracy, ensuring an accurate picture of your English language abilities.
As per the ETS, proficiency level corresponding to TOEFL score ranges for each section can be best understood through the following table:
|
Section |
Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
|
Reading |
Advanced (24-30) High-Intermediate (18-23) Low-Intermediate (4-17) Below Low-Intermediate (0-3) |
|
Listening |
Advanced (22-30) High-Intermediate (17-21) Low-Intermediate (9-16) Below Low-Intermediate (0-8) |
|
Speaking |
Advanced (25-30) High-Intermediate (20-24) Low-Intermediate (16-19) Basic (10-15) Below Basic (0-9) |
|
Writing |
Advanced (24-30) High-Intermediate (17-23) Low-Intermediate (13-16) Basic (7-12) Below Basic (0-6) |
What is a Good TOEFL Score?
TOEFL score is one of the factors that would help decide your acceptance into a college or university abroad. But there is no defined standard for a bad or good TOEFL score.
International universities define their acceptable TOEFL score and percentile as part of their admission criteria. Thus, your target TOEFL score should depend upon the university and discipline you want to apply to.
The image below explains the competency level of TOEFL score ranges, to get accepted by good foreign universities.
It is observed that a good TOEFL total score generally ranges in between 100 - 110. And in terms of percentile rankings, a 90th percentile is considered to be competent. Achieving your result in between this score range, you can successfully apply to the top universities abroad.
However, you should at least score 80 points to be eligible to apply to good universities abroad. So, aim for a higher score range and make your TOEFL preparation top-notch to achieve the same.
How Will You Receive Your TOEFL Scores?
You will receive your TOEFL Scores through an email approximately 6 days after your test date. Also, the result will be available in your ETS account as well.
A PDF of the TOEFL Test Taker Score Report can be downloaded and printed from the ETS account within 8 days after the test. If you opted to receive a hard copy, then the TOEFL score report will be mailed within 11 days after the test.
TOEFL Test Taker Score Report
For you to understand how a TOEFL Score Report looks like, a sample TOEFL Score Report from the ETS is shared below. It includes scaled scores for all 4 sections in addition to MyBest Scores.
This is the reverse side of the TOEFL Score Report.
How long is the TOEFL Score Validity?
Your TOEFL scores are valid for a period of 2 years from the test date. That means, if you took the TOEFL Exam on May 1st, 2021 then your scores will be valid until May 1st, 2023.
So, if you’re planning to use your past results, then send only valid TOEFL results to the universities.
TOEFL iBT Scores Percentile Rank
Your TOEFL percentile rank basically denotes how well you performed in the exam compared to the other test takers. For instance, if your percentile rank is 90th, that means you scored higher than 90% of the other candidates.
One must always aim for higher than 50th percentile, to get their TOEFL results accepted by more universities.
The following table shows the TOEFL total scale score and its corresponding percentile ranking.
|
Total Scale Score |
Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
|
120 |
100 |
|
116 |
99 |
|
112 |
96 |
|
108 |
92 |
|
104 |
86 |
|
100 |
78 |
|
96 |
70 |
|
92 |
61 |
|
88 |
53 |
|
84 |
45 |
|
80 |
38 |
|
76 |
31 |
|
72 |
25 |
|
68 |
20 |
|
64 |
16 |
|
60 |
13 |
|
56 |
10 |
|
52 |
8 |
|
48 |
6 |
|
44 |
4 |
|
40 |
3 |
|
36 |
2 |
|
32 |
1 |
|
28 |
1 |
|
24 |
- |
|
20 |
- |
|
16 |
- |
|
12 |
- |
|
8 |
- |
|
4 |
- |
|
0 |
- |
How to Send TOEFL Scores to Universities?
As a TOEFL test taker, you get up to 4 free official TOEFL score reports. These score reports can be sent to your 4 desired universities or colleges that you select during the TOEFL test registration.
You can add or delete the TOEFL score report recipients through your ETS account until 10 p.m. on the day before your test.
In case you want to send your TOEFL scores to more than 4 universities, then you will have to order additional score reports after the test. You can avail additional score reports for a fee of US $20 per institution. And this can be done in any of the following 3 ways:
Through Your ETS Account:
Login to your ETS Account and go to the “Send Additional Score Reports” option. Pay the required fee through your credit/debit card, PayPal or e-check. After your request is received, score reports will be mailed within 3-5 business days.
By Mail:
For requesting additional score reports by mail, fill and complete the TOEFL iBT Additional Score Report Request Form (PDF). Mail this form with your fee to:
ETS - TOEFL iBT
P.O. Box 6153
Princeton, NJ 08541-6153 USA
After receiving your request, Score Reports will be mailed in 10 business days.
By Fax:
To request additional score reports by Fax, fill and complete the TOEFL iBT Additional Score Report Request Form (PDF). You are then required to Fax the completed form with your appointment number and credit/debit card details to +1-610-290-8972. After receiving your request, score reports will be mailed in 10 business days.
Lastly, keep in mind that each university or college may require a specific minimum TOEFL score per section. Thus, prepare well and score accordingly. Moreover, studying and practicing thoroughly will aid you in increasing your score. As will practice tests and mock tests. So get going with your study plan and strive for an outstanding TOEFL score to attend the college of your dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions by Students on TOEFL Scores & Results (FAQs)
Q1. Is 70 a good score in TOEFL?
A score of 70 is not considered a good TOEFL score. You must aim for a TOEFL score of 80 or above to be regarded as a good score. For this, an effective study plan plays a crucial role and could make or break your TOEFL score. Thus, for a good result, make a strong preparation plan and acquire a solid command over your English language skills.
Q2. Can I send my TOEFL scores after the deadline?
Sending your TOEFL scores after the deadline could be acceptable for some colleges but not for others. It is recommended that you directly contact your university or college and ask whether they accept the TOEFL scores after the deadline.
Q3. Can I choose which TOEFL score to send?
Yes, ETS gives you the option to choose which TOEFL score to send. It is a chargeable process and costs you a specific amount. This allows you to choose one of your TOEFL scores to be sent to a particular school or university. The advantage of this option is that you can send your highest score to the school of your choice.
Q4. How can I get my TOEFL Score Report?
You get your TOEFL score report on your email 6 days after your test date. Also, then you can check your scores in your ETS Account. Further, you can download and print a PDF copy of the TOEFL score report from your ETS account 8 days after your test.
Q5. What is the TOEFL score for Harvard?
Harvard does not require TOEFL for undergraduate applicants. But if you’re applying for a graduate program, then you’re required to submit TOEFL scores with your application. The score requirements vary depending on the Department/School and program. It is recommended that you check with the official Harvard website to know the TOEFL score requirements for different programs offered.