For those wishing to study abroad, one of their main concerns is passing an English proficiency exam. Among them is TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), which has become widely accepted by thousands of educational institutions. After taking the test, TOEFL results are available within 6-7 business days, and TOEFL scores are valid for two years from their date.

TOEFL test preparation is a must for those who want exemplary scores. Getting familiarised with the four sections- reading, listening, speaking and writing - can help you get your desired scores. Universities worldwide use the TOEFL exam to determine whether candidates are ready to study abroad.

Read ahead for a comprehensive overview of TOEFL scores and TOEFL preparation for Indonesian students.

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How are TOEFL Scores Calculated?

TOEFL scores are evaluated based on four sections, each section with a score range of 0-30. These raw scores are converted into scaled scores to determine an overall assessment of abilities in these areas.

How to Opt for a Review of the TOEFL Score Report?

A test-taker can request a review of TOEFL's speaking or writing section within 30 days of taking it. However, an extra fee of $80 must be paid for each reviewed section. If both sections require reviewing, a total payment of $160 has to be made.

Be aware of the following information before applying for a review:

• Individuals are limited to one review when requesting a TOEFL Score Report Review. 
• The newly tabulated results will be accepted as final after the review. 
• If you have already submitted your TOEFL scores to the institution, then they cannot be reassessed in any way.

Read More:

TOEFL Preparation

TOEFL Scores and Results

TOEFL Accepting Countries

TOEFL Score Validity

For two years, scores earned on TOEFL are still valid. This duration is calculated from when you took your exam rather than when the results were published. It usually takes around 6-7 business days to access the TOEFL score, and PDF scores will arrive within eight business days.

TOEFL Score Range (TOEFL Score Table)

TOEFL Best Score: The best TOEFL score range is 110-120

Average TOEFL score: The average score for TOEFL is 90.

TOEFL Minimum Score: A TOEFL minimum score of 100 is needed for university admission.

TOEFL Max Score: An individual's TOEFL max score is 120.

TOEFL Score Percentile

The table below highlights which percentile will be equal to your total scaled score.

TOEFL Score Report

Regarding TOEFL scoring, understanding the reporting process is essential. During the registration phase of the exam, test takers are asked to provide up to 4 institutions that can use these scores for your admission. This service comes at no additional cost and is included in the fee paid for taking the test.

Those wishing to send their TOEFL scores to more than four designated institutions must pay extra fees to the ETS. Additionally, those who have already allocated a recipient for their scores are not permitted further to review the speaking and/or writing scores.

Read More:

TOEFL Exam Fee and TOEFL Exam Date (Nepal)

TOEFL Exam Fee and TOEFL Exam Date (Philippines)

How to send TOEFL scores to universities?

For two years following the TOEFL test, an individual may request additional reports of their results to be sent to institutions and agencies. There is a fee of $20 applied per institution or agency to do so.

Through Your ETS Account

• To request additional score reports, you must first sign into your account. Once there, select the “Send Additional Score Reports” option. 
• Payment for such requests can be made with a debit/credit card, PayPal or e-check. 
• Your requested score reports will be delivered within 3-5 business days of submitting your request.

By Fax

• Complete all the fields on the TOEFL iBT® Request for Additional Score Report fields. 
• Send the PDF form to +1-610-290-8972 via fax, including your debit/credit card information and appointment number.
• If you do not want to incur additional charges on your debit/credit card, ensure that you clearly mark “DUPLICATE” in large font on the form if you use the same fax more than once. 
• On making your request, your score reports will arrive within ten working days.

By Mail

• Be sure to complete all the sections of the TOEFL iBT Additional Score Report Request Form (PDF). 
• After doing so, mail it with your payment to the address provided below:

TOEFL iBT Score

A high TOEFL iBT score is a great way to demonstrate to the university admission officers that you are an ideal candidate for their institution. It provides a range of advantages, such as:

• Rather than going to a test centre, receive an objective and impartial score evaluation through a centralised scoring network. 
• This assessment will measure your communication skills in a real-time classroom environment.
• Enrolling in a university often requires demonstrating proficiency in English. More than 11,500 institutions accept TOEFL scores across 160 countries for those seeking to study abroad.

TOEFL vs IELTS Score

When comparing TOEFL vs IELTS scores, it is important to note how each evaluates writing and speaking sections. For instance, TOEFL scores are based on your writing style, vocabulary range and grammar. While IELTS scoring considers more specific criteria such as grammar, coherence, logic, and fluency. This means that even an essay with a clear progression of ideas but substandard grammar can still successfully gain good points on a TOEFL exam.

Impressive grammar and vocabulary are insufficient to guarantee a high score when taking the IELTS or TOEFL exam. The scores achieved in these exams are evaluated using a 1-9 scale for IELTS and a maximum of 120 points for the TOEFL exam. Stating your opinions well can result in good scores.

Score Comparison Table for TOEFL vs IELTS Score

Cancelling TOEFL Scores 

After taking the TOEFL test, your next step is to decide whether to report or cancel your scores. 

Selecting to report them means they will become an integral part of your academic portfolio and will be sent to you and any score recipients you have designated. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reverse this decision after you choose to send the results.

When it comes to TOEFL scores, you can cancel them, but no refund will be issued.

When cancelling your scores, all your sections must be removed from the record. 

How to interpret your TOEFL scores?

The scores are evaluated by attempting all four sections: reading, listening, writing and speaking. Based on the performance of each question answered, scores for four sections and a total score will be awarded.

• Reading (0-30) 
• Listening (0-30) 
• Speaking (0-30) 
• Writing (0-30) 
• Total Score (0-120)

The four test sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing) each have their own scaled score ranging from 0-30. Each measure is represented within its scale to assess the results accurately.

Your score reports from any given TOEFL test date will include your MyBest® scores and standard test scores. This feature is unique because it uses the last two years of valid iBT tests to find the highest marks for each section. As a result, you can showcase your peak performance in every section.

How to reinstate your TOEFL scores?

If you have chosen to cancel your scores at the test centre but later reconsidered, you may be able to reinstate them. The request submission deadline is within 60 days of the exam date. This can be done by either using your ETS account by emailing the Score Reinstatement Request Form or sending it by printing, downloading, and faxing it to TOEFL services.

To reinstate a cancelled score, you must submit your payment of US$20 and make a request. Afterwards, it should take around three weeks for both scores and reports to be provided again. When finalised, they will appear in your account or be sent to any institution requiring them. 

Note: This only applies when you cancel scores as a test taker, and ETS cancellations cannot be reversed.

How to order additional TOEFL score reports?

For those wishing to send their TOEFL scores to multiple institutions, it is possible to do so for US$20 per recipient. The process requires completing an online request form, which can be done through either a mobile app or online.

Note: Be sure to check out TOEFL's website for any restrictions that might apply in your region regarding payments.

TOEFL Preparation

Getting a high mark on the TOEFL exam can be challenging. In order to succeed in the exam, it is essential to give your best effort towards all four parts of the test: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Every section poses questions that must be individually prepared to gain an impressive score.

It is essential to have a well-thought-out strategy to succeed in the TOEFL. This section of the article offers helpful advice on how to best prepare for the exam and increase your score in each section. Begin by developing an individualised plan incorporating these tips for the most favourable outcome.

TOEFL Preparation Tips

1. Learn About The Exam Pattern

The TOEFL exam can be challenging. Hence, Investing time to study from the official ETS website is key to being prepared for your test day. Familiarising yourself with the test format is essential to achieve good scores throughout all sections. The TOEFL has two versions: the iBT and the paper-based test. Following the right guidelines of TOEFL training can ensure success on both exam versions.

The Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT Test) Format:

Paper-based Test Format:

2. Do Practice Tests Often

When undertaking TOEFL exam preparation, it is natural to have a desired outcome in mind. Taking a practice test is essential to ascertain what results can be achieved. Through such tests, you can familiarise yourself with the test format and the types of questions that will appear on exam day. To gain access to official practice tests, you can use the following links:

Practice Test 1 

Practice Test 2 

Practice Test 3 

3. Have a Particular Goal in Mind

Having a goal when preparing for the TOEFL test is essential for students. Those aiming to pass can manage with moderate TOEFL preparation, while those hoping to excel should put more effort into their studies. Focusing on the desired cut-off set by their chosen university is key to achieving an above-average score.

4. Take Down All Essential Notes

Note-taking is an absolute must for TOEFL preparation. When taking the TOEFL test, you only get to hear each audio clip once. That being said, taking notes while you listen and respond is wise. This can be done in either English or your native language. Make sure to write down every bit of information that could help you better understand the material when answering questions or writing your responses. Ensure you capture all the essential details so that nothing slips by as you write or speak on the topic presented in the audio.

5. Work On Your Weaker Areas

After taking sample tests and practising, you will understand which areas need more attention. Those areas can be conquered easily by employing the proper strategies and a thorough study guide. Make a note of what question types are giving you problems. Spend an hour daily focusing on these weak points, utilising a reliable plan to accomplish them. Quickly answer any questions that you need clarification on.

TOEFL Preparation Time

The length of the TOEFL preparation process can vary significantly, depending on what kind of study plan an individual has chosen. Some test takers manage to get ready in a 2-3 month timespan with assistance provided by online TOEFL training and materials.

Advanced planning is essential to obtain excellent TOEFL results despite a tight schedule. There is no hard and fast rule regarding covering the entire syllabus within a specified time period. To maximise the test score, preparation should be done following official TOEFL guidelines, and the exam date should be selected accordingly.

TOEFL Preparation Material (TOEFL Study Material)

For those hoping to succeed in their TOEFL exam, comprehensive preparation is essential. Several components of TOEFL study material are listed below to help you prepare for all question types and TOEFL exam patterns.

Free TOEFL Online Preparation

1. TOEFL Test Planner
2. TOEFL Test Information
3. Full Length of Official TOEFL Practice Tests

Best TOEFL Test Preparation Books

Investing in a few good TOEFL preparation books is necessary to maximise your chances of success in the TOEFL exam. Some noteworthy ones are provided below, as well as some titles from renowned authors and even the official ETS guide. Take a look at these helpful TOEFL preparation books:

Official Preparation Books

1. The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test

Now available in both paperback and E-book versions, the following is included in this guide:

• Helpful tips
• Scoring benchmarks
• 4 Full-length practice tests
• A lot of sample queries for the 4 test sections

2. Official TOEFL Tests, Volumes 1 & 2

Paperback and E-book versions of the guide can be acquired, each volume containing five practice tests and previous test questions. Specifically, it consists of the following components:

• An abundance of sources is available to help students improve their writing, and speaking skills
• Interactive versions of all five tests via an online mode
• Audio files and transcripts in written format for listening sections can be accessed to support the learning process

3. The TOEFL Test Prep Planner

To ensure success on exam day, the following eight-week planner is available. It includes sample test questions, skill-building exercises and some top tips to use during preparations:

• Sample test queries
• Skill enhancement exercises
• Tips to be successful on test day
• Scoring guides for writing and speaking

Study Manuals From Renowned Authors

1. Barron’s TOEFL iBT
2. Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test
3. Princeton Review’s Cracking the TOEFL iBT