You are going to college next session, but in the requirements, it says you should take the TOEFL test. You might already know what it is or not. However, not all applicants should need to take it. You might ask yourself:
What, why, how or when to take the TOEFL test?
I will help explain what exactly it is.
Contents
- What is it?
- Why do it?
- Who needs it?
- How to take it and where?
- What it looks like?
What is it?
The TOEFL is a test on the English language you need to take when applying to English-speaking universities. There are similar tests in different languages such as TEF for French universities.
TOEFL is the most popular test for English universities and is most of the time the one required by institutions. Employers could also ask you about your level in the TOEFL test since it is so well-regarded. They will evaluate your speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills and attribute you a score of 0 to 120.
They have rigid rules on how you take the tests. That’s why so many universities trust them to evaluate future students.
Why do it?
Some universities take into account the language skills in students application. You will be automatically rejected if you don’t have the minimum score needed. They will consider you don’t have the English level to follow in classes.
The most selective university will ask for nearly full proficiency in English, with a score of 110 or higher. This is usually the case for British Ivy Leagues like Oxford and Cambridge. International schools often demand a good English level such as a score of 100 or above. Those are often English-speaking universities in non-English-speaking countries such as HEC Paris or the University of Bocconi. This is still a high level of English. However, be careful since not all universities require TOEFL tests.
Who needs it?
This will be written in the program requirements.
Many universities prefer to let students evaluate their level of proficiency by themselves. In that case, you won’t need to take it. However, you need to be sure you don’t need it because otherwise, it can take a while before you can take the TOEFL test.
Even if it is required, not everyone needs to take the test. You need to take it only if you are a student from a non-English-speaking country and if you have not gone to an English-speaking school before. Always make sure by looking at your program application requirements.
Some employers might ask you for those scores, but usually, they are not required and are just recommended.
How to take it and where?
There is an official website for the test: ets. You can choose between the Essential test and the iBT test. For university requirements, you need to iBT test. You can take practice tests and book your exam date on that website. You choose to either do it at home or in a test center. There are more than two home tests per week.
You should prepare your workspace since they have a whole system to ensure you don’t cheat. You will need a computer with a working camera and microphone for the home test. You should check it out because they have plenty of rules, and since Covid, they changed them. You will need to install a program in advance.
This test isn’t free. It will cost you around 245$ canadian dollars. You will receive your scores around four days after the tests. If you are disappointed in your score, you can retake it as often as you like. However, you will have to pay each time.
What it looks like?
Make sure you practice for it before the exam. You are timed, and the stress can make you miss some of your answers. You will have four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
You will first start with the reading section, in which you will read three or four articles and respond to nine or ten questions each. You will have then between 54 and 72 minutes to answer that section. After that, you will have the listening section with two or three audio. It is recommended that you don’t take more than 35 seconds for each question. Afterward, it is the speaking section in which you will answer four questions. You will have to listen to an audio and respond to a related question for two of them. You will also need to answer a question on your general knowledge. You need to speak clearly and coherently on the subject. Finally, you will write two writing tasks of around 200 and 300 words. One of them is based on an article, and the other one, on your general knowledge.
I hope this could help you out. Practice a few times before taking the test, so that you can adapt yourself to its format. I would recommend you take the practice test on the ets website. When you feel ready, go right ahead. Good luck!