TOEFL - Test Of English As A Foreign Language
Since you are required to submit proof of your proficiency in English, certification or tests from only standardised bodies is globally accepted as an admission criterion for Master’s in US. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an exam apart from IELTS which can be submitted as evidence of your knowledge in English during your MS application in US. It is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the same organisation which conducts the GRE Exam.
TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language
Since you are required to submit proof of your proficiency in English, certification or tests from only standardised bodies is globally accepted as an admission criterion for Master’s in US. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an exam apart from IELTS which can be submitted as evidence of your knowledge in English during your MS application in US. It is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the same organisation which conducts the GRE Exam.
Before You Start
- Check the University course requirements to see if taking TOEFL is mandatory.
- Check the minimum required score to be qualified for an admission (e.g. 90 for Computer Based Test).
- Even though you have completed your Bachelor’s in English, it is compulsory to provide evidence of language proficiency while applying; this document also comes in handy during the visa process.
- The exam is given as an internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) or a paper-based test (TOEFL PBT). Usually, iBT exams are conducted all over the world. In India, the iBT Tests are commonly held. PBT Exams are offered in only a few places worldwide.
Required Documents
- Indian Passport
- Credit/Debit card for online payment
- Names of 4 Universities/Colleges where you want your Scores to be sent to
Step by step guide on TOEFL for MS in US
- Visit this official link for the ETS TOEFL Website and click on Register for the Test al link for the ETS TOEFL Website and click on Register for the Test Or you can directly go to the TOEFL Registration Page
- Go to ‘Register Online’ and set the Language Preference to English.
- Create a New Account if you are applying for the first time.
- Fill in your exact information under Profile Information. Most of the fields are self-explanatory.
- You can opt for theTOEFL Search Service while filling in the information. This service matches prospective students with participating educational institutions, and you may be sent more details about the courses of study provided at these schools.
- Set a Username and Password which you can remember easily, and answer the Security Question.
- Go through the Acknowledgement shown, and click on the checkbox for agreeing to the Terms and Conditions shown.
- Thoroughly review all the information one last time and verify if it is correct. Your entered Name, DOB and Gender cannot be changed once the account has been created.
- You shall be sent a confirmation email to the registered email id. Verify this email for completion of your account registration.
- Sign in with your new Username and Password.
- You will see the My TOEFL Home page. Your ETS ID is present at the top right corner.
- Under ‘My Tests’, click on ‘Register/Find Test Centres, Dates’.
- Enter the location of your preference, and choose the 2 months during which you can attempt the TOEFL Exam.
- Click on ‘Find Test Centres and Dates’.
- Click on ‘Find Test Centres and Dates’.
- You shall now be redirected to a page showing all the available test dates (marked in green colour).
- Select a Test Date. You will be shown the respective Test Centres where you can give the exam.
- Choose the closest and most convenient Test Centre to you. You can also view the Test Times at these locations.
- Click on ‘Register’ for the appropriate location and timing.
- You shall be redirected to another page, showing you guidelines on what needs to be followed. Go through all the instructions provided as they are essential pointers to be kept in mind for the exam.
- Agree to the terms and conditions shown and click on ‘Next.’
- Once again, you will be shown another form where you will now need to fill in all essential details pertaining to your identification and background research.
- Review if the information is entered accurately, and submit the information.
- You shall be directed to the payment page, where you have to pay $180 for the exam (and extra late-registration fee if you are running late). This can be done using a credit/debit card.
- That is it! You are all set to write your TOEFL Exam!
After You Register
- An e-mail confirming the payment receipt will be sent to you. It will also contain access details to your ETS Account.
- Open your ETS Account, either using the TOEFL App or using the online portal, and check ‘Upcoming Tests’ to check if your registration has been successfully completed.
- Note if any different test centres are mentioned, or any change in test timings and building.
| TASK | QUESTIONS | DURATION |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 2 to 4 Sections / 5 to 6 Questions per audio | 41 to 57 minutes |
| Reading | 3 or 4 Sections / 10 Questions per passage | 54 to 72 minutes |
| Writing | 2 Sections | 50 minutes |
| Speaking | 4 parts | 17minutes |
On Test Day
- Arrive at least 30mins before your TOEFL test. If you arrive late, you may not be allowed to take the test, and your test fee will not be refunded.
- Bring a valid ID that exactly matches your information as entered during Registration. We recommend you to carry your Passport as the Identification Proof, which has your correct full name, signature and your photograph.
- Bring a valid ID that exactly matches your information as entered during Registration. We recommend you to carry your Passport as the Identification Proof, which has your correct full name, signature and your photograph.
- ETS might also verify your identification by a Biometric voice and photo identification, fingerprints, video recording or signature comparison.
- The Test Centre Staff will instruct you on the preliminary steps for the test.
- You will be required to place all your personal items on a separate location as advised by the staff.
- There might also be extra inspection where you will be asked to empty your pockets, raise your pants a bit to check the ankle region or even asked to pull up your sleeves. This is just to ensure you are not carrying any material which can be used against you for cheating.
- There will be a break of 10 minutes between the test.
Test Results
- The TOEFL iBT scores you on 4 different skills:
- The Reading Section, where you will be marked between 0–30,
- The Listening Section, where you will be marked between 0–30,
- The Speaking Section, where you will be scored between 0–30, and
- The Writing Section, where you will be scored between 0–30
- The Total Scoring is done on a total of 120.
- The TOEFL Exam Scores will be posted on the website approximately 6 working days after your test date.
- ETS TOEFL scores are valid for a period of 2 years after the exam date.
- You can send your test reports directly to about 4 institutions or agencies (which need to be informed before you take the test). You can also request for additional test score reports for extra institutions/agencies for a fee of $20 each.
Trivia
- It typically requires about 8 to 12 weeks to prepare for TOEFL, depending on your current level of English proficiency.
- It takes 6 calendar days for the exam scores to be displayed on the website.
- If you are unsure about TOEFL being a mandatory requirement for the admissions, check the university website, and write to the admissions department of the university asking for clarification.
- Be calm and composed; keep your anxiety in check on the exam day(s).
- Take as many practice tests as possible and keep practising to improve your scores.
- Your TOEFL exam scores are valid for 2 years.
- You can take TOEFL exam as many times as you like and you can send your highest score to the universities. Even if you take the test over and over again, your score may not improve unless you put in efforts on your weak areas.
- The test takes 1 day, with the entire process taking about 3 hours.
Resources
Resources that can aid you in getting the desired results are freely available online. Dedicated self-study will get you through the exam with a good score.
Websites
YouTube Channels
Smartphone Apps
Websites
YouTube Channels
Smartphone Apps
