What is a Good TOEFL Score?

The TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a standardized test that measures English proficiency among non-native speakers. It's administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is widely recognized by universities and institutions around the world, including the USA and English-speaking countries.

A good TOEFL score is typically considered to be within the range of 90-110 out of the total 120. However, what's considered "good" can vary depending on the requirements of the specific institution you're applying to. For instance, Ivy League schools like Harvard may have higher TOEFL score requirements than other institutions.

In this article, we'll explore traditional TOEFL scoring. We'll discuss the minimum TOEFL score requirements for different institutions, including top universities and Ivy League schools. Plus, we'll answer some FAQs, like whether you can retake the TOEFL exam and how to interpret your score report and overall score.

Let's get started!

TOEFL score ranges by test section

The TOEFL iBT, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is divided into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. A total score of 0-120 is determined by adding the scores from each section, which vary from 0-30. Each skill has four or five degrees of competency, so depending on where your score falls in that range, you may determine how proficient you are in that skill.

The TOEFL iBT, or internet-based test, is the most common version of the test, but there's also a paper-based version (PBT) for locations where the internet-based test is not available. 

The TOEFL iBT test is not the only version of the test, as there is also a new TOEFL Essentials™ test that was introduced in 2023. The TOEFL Essentials™ test is a shorter and more flexible test that measures the four skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking, as well as academic English and general English proficiency. The TOEFL Essentials™ test has a different score scale from the TOEFL iBT test, ranging from 1 to 12 for each section and for the overall score.

The TOEFL iBT scores are what we'll be focusing on in this article, as they're the most commonly used.

Reading

The Reading section of the TOEFL exam tests your ability to understand academic texts in English. The score ranges for this section are as follows: 

• Advanced (24-30)
• High-Intermediate (18-23)
• Low-Intermediate (4-17)
• Below Low-Intermediate (0-3)

A score in the Advanced range indicates a strong ability to understand and interpret complex academic texts in English.

Listening

The TOEFL Listening section assesses your ability to understand spoken English in an academic context. The score ranges for this section are: 

• Advanced (22-30)
• High-Intermediate (17-21)
• Low-Intermediate (9-16)
• Below Low-Intermediate (0-8)

Scoring in the Advanced range shows that you can understand complex conversations and lectures in English.

Speaking

The TOEFL Speaking section measures your ability to speak English in an academic setting. The score ranges for this section are: 

• Advanced (25-30)
• High-Intermediate (20-24)
• Low-Intermediate (16-19)
• Basic (10-15)
• Below Basic (0-9)

An Advanced score indicates a strong ability to participate in in-depth academic discussions in English.

Writing

The Writing section tests your ability to write in English in an academic context based on writing tasks. The score ranges for this section are: 

• Advanced (24-30)
• High-Intermediate (17-23)
• Low-Intermediate (13-16)
• Basic (7-12)
• Below Basic (0-6). 

An Advanced score shows that you can write well-structured, clear, and detailed academic essays in English.

What's the minimum TOEFL score for college admissions?

When it comes to college admissions, the TOEFL score requirements can vary widely. Different schools, programs, and even countries may have different cut-off scores. This is a reflection of the high academic standards and English proficiency levels expected at top universities.

On the other hand, some less competitive schools, or those in countries where English is not the first language, may accept scores as low as 70. High school students aiming for undergraduate programs or professionals seeking graduate school admission should be aware of these variations.

Certain programs like those in the humanities or social sciences, where a strong command over the English language is essential, may have higher TOEFL score requirements than programs in the sciences. Similarly, institutions in English-speaking countries like the USA, might have higher minimum requirements compared to non-English-speaking countries.

TOEFL requirements for on-campus opportunities

While meeting the minimum TOEFL score requirements might get you admitted, it might not be enough for certain on-campus opportunities. For instance, if you're aiming for a teaching assistantship or special on-campus work opportunities, you might need a higher TOEFL score.

The minimum TOEFL iBT score for a teaching assistantship may vary depending on the institution and the program. This is because these roles often require a higher level of English proficiency. So, it's always a good idea to aim for a score higher than the minimum requirement.

Can you retake the TOEFL exam?

Absolutely! If you're not satisfied with your score, you can retake the TOEFL exam. The Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the test, allows test takers to retake the test as many times as they want. However, you cannot take the test more than once in a 12-day period to help ensure fairness and integrity.

Additionally, TOEFL iBT test scores are valid for two years from the date of the test. After that, they are no longer reported or accepted by most institutions. However, ETS also provides MyBest® scores, which are the combination of the best scores for each section from all valid TOEFL iBT tests taken in the last two years.

Now, if you're considering a retake, it's crucial to use your score report effectively. This report provides a detailed breakdown of your test scores, including your total TOEFL score and section scores. It can help you identify areas where you can improve. For instance, if your Speaking section score is significantly lower than your other scores, then you know that's an area to focus on.

Before you rush to book another test date, take the time to review your performance. Consider taking some practice tests to hone your skills.

When it comes to TOEFL scores, it's not just about the high score. The following factors are also important:

• The average TOEFL score for all test takers
• The required TOEFL score for your target schools
• Your percentile rank, which tells you how your score compares to other test takers