What Constitutes a Good TOEFL Score?

Hey guys, I'm an international student, and most colleges I'm interested in ask for TOEFL scores. Could someone please clarify what would be considered a 'good' score on the TOEFL? How heavily do colleges weigh this?

A "good" TOEFL score can be somewhat subjective and typically depends on the admissions requirements of the colleges you're applying to. Generally speaking, most universities prefer scores of 100 and above on the internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iBT). In particular, competitive universities often like to see scores of 100-110 or above, whereas more moderately selective universities might consider scores from 80-100 to be acceptable.

That said, always check with the specific institutions you're considering, as some may have a minimum required score for admission, while others may merely have suggested or preferred scores. Often, this information is available on the college's admissions website.

In terms of how heavily colleges weigh TOEFL scores, for international students whose first language is not English, it's key to demonstrate English language proficiency. Therefore, TOEFL scores can be an important part of your application. However, colleges use a holistic review process—while demonstrating English fluency is necessary, your overall application, including your academic record, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation, will also contribute significantly to your chances of admission.

The TOEFL, at the end of the day, is primarily a measure of your ability to participate in college-level classes taught in English. So, while it's important to aim for a high score, remember that it's just one part of your application.