Is TOEFL Required for International Students?

Before joining a foreign university, an international student is typically required to undertake an English language proficiency exam as a step in their application process. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the key tools of measurement designed to evaluate the ability of an individual to understand and comfortably use English as an academic language.

TOEFL refers to a system of evaluation preordained for testing the competency of candidates from non-English speaking countries but have the desire of pursuing higher education in an English-speaking nation.

Origin of TOEFL

TOEFL started as one of the concerted efforts of as many as 30 countries and privately based organizations. As a combined endeavor, it was first introduced in the year 1962, was then developed into as an assessment technique between 1963 and 1964. The joint endeavor was created to make sure that lingual proficiency of non-English speakers was appropriately evaluated and accurate scores awarded.

How This Evaluation Works

TOEFL is well recognized for its Internet-based English language evaluation test that is destined to measures a candidate’s aptitude to assimilate and use all the four skills: Writing, Reading, Listening, and Speaking. The internet has also enabled the ease of access by test takers from all over the world. TOEFL is accepted as a mandatory application step by top most universities in UK, Australia, US, and Canada. The scores one obtains after undertaking the test plays a critical role in determining their eligibility for admissions and scholarships. Individuals with higher scores sometimes get better opportunities.

All universities and institutions that accept TOEFL establish their unique score requirement with respect to the specific English skills that a candidate must possess. It is prudent you take the test in time especially if the results form part of your application process. By undertaking TOEFL, candidates develop their level of English skills which enables them to effectively communicate and prosper in their academics.

The advantage of taking a TOEFL test is that it gives one the liberty to choose from numerous test site locations, and they are also granted the access to online practice material which helps them while preparing for the actual test day. While taking TOEFL test, you must demonstrate the language skills learned in a classroom, because the test is exclusively academic. The one feature that makes this test unique is that it evaluates candidates on more than one language skill.

In addition to the testing being fair and making sure all candidates share the same testing experience, TOEFL ensures that the scores awarded to candidates are checked by certified professionals to ensure that the scoring is accurate. Candidates that obtain higher scores in TOEFL test show that they have mastered the languages skills and possess what it takes to pursue a higher education abroad.

All the sections of the TOEFL test are computer-based and this makes it an epitome test especially for test takers who may be nervous on speaking in front of an examiner. With more than 20 million test takers, TOEFL has helped many universities in decision-making process.

Once you complete the test, it will take 10 days for your results to be available online. The results you obtain will be valid for only two years. This means that, if you are hoping to learn abroad after this period, you will have to take TOEFL test again. Apart from being a distinguished English language test, TOEFL is acknowledged by top universities for its outstanding testing techniques.

So, whichever course you wish to pursue in an English speaking country, you have to cross the bounds of TOEFL. The fact that the measuring pattern is used by many institutions as one of the standardized criteria for admission is a demonstration of how significant the test is globally.

What to Know About TOEFL before Applying For Schools

• For you to be duly qualified for TOEFL, a prior registration is mandatory
• You are required to register at least 3 to 4 months before the test
• It is paramount that you distinctly earmark a handful of institutions whose test scores you want to bank upon

If you want to give your best shot in this test, it's imperative that you make proper use of test preparation classes. There are various guides available online and are meant to help you reach out to interactive examples. Also, it makes sense to go for free online test preparation.

Enrolling at an International University can be daunting, but doesn’t have to be. ECPI University offers a friendly and welcoming environment for international students. Our programs help prepare you for the Global job market. Whether you need answers or guidance through the application process and TOEFL tests, our international admissions advisors can walk you through every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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