TOEFL Preparation for US University Applications: Format, Score Requirements, and Study Strategy
If you’re an international student navigating the US college application process and English is not your first language, you will almost certainly need to demonstrate English proficiency. For most students, that means the TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test).
The test changed significantly in July 2023. If you’re working from older prep materials or guides written before that update, some of what you read may no longer reflect the actual exam.
The TOEFL is also undergoing a further scoring change from January 2026, moving from the traditional 0–120 scale to a new 1–6 band scale aligned with CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) language levels. If you are preparing for the TOEFL now, be aware that Educational Testing Service (ETS) will report scores on both the new 1–6 scale and the legacy 0–120 equivalent during a transition period running through 2028.
This article covers the current format, what scores different universities typically require, how to prepare effectively, and how the TOEFL compares to the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for students deciding between US and UK university pathways.
Key Terms You Should Know For Seamless Reading
- Integrated Tasks: Test sections that require you to combine multiple skills—such as reading a passage and listening to a lecture—to formulate your response.
- ETS (Educational Testing Service): The non-profit organization that develops, administers, and scores the TOEFL exam. They are the official authority for all test registration, score reporting, and authorized prep materials.
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test): The standard, computer-based format of the exam used for university admissions.
- CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages): An international standard for describing language ability, ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient), which now serves as the basis for the new 1–6 TOEFL scoring scale.
The updated TOEFL iBT format (2023)
In July 2023, ETS shortened the TOEFL iBT from approximately 3 hours to approximately 2 hours. This was one of the most significant changes to the test in years.
The current TOEFL iBT has four sections:
Reading: Approximately 35 minutes, 20 questions. Two academic reading passages. Questions test comprehension, vocabulary in context, inference, and the ability to identify the author’s purpose and rhetorical structure.
Listening: Approximately 36 minutes with 28 questions. You listen to academic lectures and conversations, then answer comprehension questions. You can take notes during the listening passages.
Speaking: 16 minutes. Four tasks. Task 1 is independent (you share your own opinion). Tasks 2 through 4 are integrated (you read or listen to material, then respond to a question based on what you’ve read or heard).
Writing: Approximately 29 minutes. Two tasks. Task 1 is integrated: you read a passage, listen to a lecture related to it, and write a response. The 2023 update introduced Task 2, an Academic Discussion task: you read a prompt and two student responses, then contribute your own viewpoint to the discussion in at least 100 words.
The total test time is approximately 2 hours. You take this computer-based test at an authorized test center or via the TOEFL Home Edition.
Scores are now available within 72 hours of your test date.
How TOEFL scoring works
From January 2026, ETS has moved to a new 1–6 band scoring scale. ETS scores each of the four sections is scored on a scale of 1 to 6, and the overall score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band. This is designed to align TOEFL scores with CEFR language proficiency levels and make cross-test comparison (for example, with IELTS) more straightforward.
During a transition period through 2028, score reports will show both the new 1–6 scale and a comparable score on the legacy 0–120 scale. This means universities that previously set score requirements on the 0–120 scale can still evaluate applicants during the transition period.
When checking university requirements, confirm which scale the institution is using and whether it has updated its minimum score thresholds to the new 1–6 system.
ETS provides score ranges to help contextualize performance at different band levels. Check the ETS website for the current band descriptors and CEFR equivalences.
What scores US universities typically require
There is no universal TOEFL requirement across US universities. Requirements differ significantly based on the selectivity and focus of the institution.
Universities are in the process of updating their published requirements to reflect the new 1–6 scoring scale. During the transition period, many institutions continue to reference the legacy 0–120 scale. Always confirm directly with the admissions office or the university’s official admissions page which scale and score they are currently using.
General guidance (requirements vary by institution and year):
Many US universities have a minimum TOEFL requirement in the range of 80 to 90 on the legacy 0–120 scale for general admission. Some less selective universities accept scores below 80. This reflects a baseline for academic English, not a competitive score.
Selective universities: Many universities with acceptance rates below 30% suggest or require scores of 100 or above on the legacy scale. MIT, for example, publishes guidance recommending a minimum of 90 for most programs, though competitive applicants typically score higher. Many Ivy League institutions and schools of similar selectivity see admitted international students with scores of 100 to 110 or above on the legacy scale. These figures reflect typical applicant pools and not official cutoffs.
As universities complete the transition to the new 1–6 scale, they will publish updated score thresholds on their individual admissions pages.
Graduate programs: TOEFL requirements at the graduate level are often program-specific and sometimes higher than undergraduate requirements, particularly in writing-intensive fields.
These are general ranges, not fixed requirements. Verify current requirements directly on each university’s admissions website or contact the admissions office if the information is unclear.
Who is exempt from the TOEFL requirement
Most US universities waive the English proficiency requirement if a student has completed two or more years of full-time study at a school where the primary language of instruction is English. Specific policies vary by institution.
Other common exemption conditions include:
- Being a citizen of a country where English is the primary language
- Having graduated from an accredited institution where English is the only medium of instruction
- Having received a specific score on the SAT Reading and Writing section (at some universities)
Do not assume exemption applies to you. Confirm your status directly with the university’s admissions office before deciding to skip the test.
TOEFL Home Edition
ETS offers a TOEFL Home Edition that allows students to take the test at home under online proctoring. The content and scoring are identical to the test center version. Most US universities accept Home Edition scores, though you should confirm this for any school you are applying to.
The Home Edition requires a compatible computer, a stable internet connection, and a private space where you will not be interrupted. The test environment requirements are detailed on the ETS website.
TOEFL vs IELTS: how to choose
Both the TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are accepted by most US universities and most UK universities. If you’re deciding between US and UK university pathways, either test may serve both applications.
Key differences:
The TOEFL is entirely computer-based. The IELTS is primarily paper-based (though IELTS on Computer is available). Students who type quickly and are comfortable with a computer interface often find the TOEFL Writing section more manageable.
The TOEFL Speaking section requires you to speak into a computer microphone. The IELTS Speaking section involves a face-to-face conversation with a trained examiner. Students who speak more naturally in a real conversation may prefer the IELTS. Students who feel more comfortable speaking on their own without a live examiner present sometimes prefer the TOEFL.
The IELTS Academic Reading section uses longer, more complex texts than the current TOEFL Reading. The TOEFL has two passages; IELTS has three.
The TOEFL has integrated tasks in both Speaking and Writing that require you to synthesize information from reading and listening sources. The IELTS Writing section has separate tasks without this integration component.
Neither test is objectively easier. Take a practice test for each and compare your results before deciding.
Section-by-section preparation strategy
Because each part of the TOEFL evaluates academic English through a slightly different lens, your study plan should target the specific mechanics of each section:
Reading
The TOEFL Reading passages are from university-level academic texts on topics in natural sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities. You don’t need background knowledge; all the information you need is in the passage.
Focus on reading for structure. Understanding how a passage is organized, what the author’s main argument is, and how individual paragraphs support or develop that argument helps you answer question types like “Rhetorical Purpose” and “Insert Text.”
Practice reading at pace. The TOEFL Reading section allows you to navigate between questions and return to earlier questions, but you still need to manage your time across both passages.
Listening
The listening passages include academic lectures and campus-based conversations. Lectures are longer (typically 3 to 5 minutes) and require you to track the main argument and how supporting points are developed.
Practice note-taking while listening. Because the audio plays only once, accurate notes matter. Focus on main ideas, transitions, and examples the speaker uses rather than trying to transcribe everything.
Pay attention to how speakers signal important information: phrases like “the key point here is” or “in contrast” or “to give you an example” often signal content that questions will test.
Speaking
The integrated Speaking tasks require you to summarize, synthesize, or respond to academic material you have read or heard. Practice organizing your response before you start speaking.
You have 15 to 30 seconds of preparation time before each Speaking task. Use it. A brief outline, even just two or three points, improves coherence and reduces hesitation.
TOEFL Speaking is scored by ETS raters on delivery, language use, and topic development. Pronunciation does not need to be native-sounding; clarity and consistency matter more.
Writing
The Integrated Writing task requires you to explain how the listening material relates to the reading passage. Usually the listening challenges, qualifies, or adds to what the reading presents.
The Academic Discussion task added in 2023 is shorter than the old Independent Writing task it partially replaced. Aim to contribute a substantive point with support, not just agree or disagree without reasoning. Write at least 100 words, though most strong responses are longer.
When to take the TOEFL
For US applications with Early Decision or Early Action deadlines in early November, plan to take the TOEFL no later than September or early October of Grade 12. TOEFL scores are now available within 72 hours of your test date and must be sent to universities through ETS’s official reporting system.
Most students find that one or two attempts is enough. If your score misses your target on the first attempt, you can retake the test as soon as 3 days after your previous test. There is no limit on the number of times you can take the TOEFL.
For most international students, beginning serious TOEFL preparation in Grade 10 or Grade 11 and targeting a first attempt in Grade 11 gives enough time to retake if needed before application deadlines.
Common mistakes in TOEFL preparation
Using outdated practice materials. The 2023 format shortened the Reading and Listening sections that previously had more questions and replaced Task 2 in Writing with the Academic Discussion format. Materials from before July 2023 may include content that no longer appears on the test.
Not accounting for the new scoring system. From January 2026, the TOEFL uses a 1–6 band scale rather than the 0–30 per section / 0–120 total scale. Ensure your target scores and university requirements are expressed on the same scale.
Practicing without timed conditions. The TOEFL is time-pressured. Practicing sections without a timer builds familiarity but not the specific skill of performing under constraint.
Neglecting the integrated tasks. The integrated Speaking and Writing tasks require a distinct skill set that differs from general writing and speaking practice. Students often under-prepare for these compared to independent tasks.
Not reviewing official scoring criteria. ETS publishes scoring rubrics for Speaking and Writing on ETS.org. Reading them helps you understand what raters are assessing and where your responses may be losing points.
A note for parents
English proficiency testing is a required step for almost all international students applying to US universities. The TOEFL is one part of a broader admissions process that includes academic results, the application itself, essays, and recommendations.
If your child is beginning the US university application process and you want to understand what admissions counseling actually includes and how English proficiency fits into the full timeline and what else needs to be in place, True North Education can help build a clear preparation roadmap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are accepted by most US universities. Neither is universally better. Take a timed practice test for each and choose based on your results and which format feels more manageable for you.
TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the date of the test.
Requirements vary widely by institution. On the legacy 0–120 scale, many universities have minimums in the range of 80 to 90. Selective universities often expect 100 or above. From January 2026, ETS has moved to a new 1–6 scoring scale; universities are updating their published requirements accordingly. Always verify current requirements directly on each university’s admissions page.
Yes. ETS offers the TOEFL Home Edition, which uses online proctoring. The content and scoring are the same as the test center version. Confirm that the universities you are applying to accept Home Edition scores.
You can take the TOEFL as many times as you like. You can retake it as soon as 3 days after a previous attempt.
ETS’s MyBest Scores feature allows you to send a super-scored report that combines your highest section scores across test dates. However, some universities require official score reports from individual test dates. Check each university’s score reporting policies.
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