TOEFL

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is another important hurdle encountered by candidates to MBA programs.

The TOEFL iBT  ( internet based based) test measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. It evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks. During the test, you are asked to perform tasks that combine more than one skill, such as:

• Read, listen and then speak in response to a question
• Listen and then speak in response to a question
• Read, listen and then write in response to a question

Your scores are based on your performance on the questions in the test. You must answer at least one question each in the Reading and Listening sections, write at least one essay, and complete at least one Speaking task to receive an official score. For the Internet-based test, you will receive four scaled section scores and a total score:

• Reading Section (Score of: 0 – 30)
• Listening Section (Score of: 0 – 30)
• Speaking Section (Score of: 0 – 30)
• Writing Section (Score of: 0 – 30)
• Total Score (0 – 120)

http://www.ets.org/toefl for more information and registration 

Do you have your TOEFL score?

If you have taken the TOEFL before you begin your collaboration with Ivy MBA Consulting, we shall consider this score together with your other parameters when deciding on your top-choice MBA programs. Feel free to send us your score when you contact us for your Free Consultation.

How important is the TOEFL?

We are frequently asked about the importance of the TOEFL grade for admission to an MBA program. The leading schools will be looking for combined scores of over 100 in the iBT ( 250 on the paper based) ; those applicants on the “cusp” may want to address any concerns in an additional essay or in the letters of recommendation. Although most of our clients speak English fluently, the testing circumstances may require more attention and preparation in order to meet that threshold.

If English was the medium of instruction for either your undergraduate or graduate degrees, most programs will waive the TOEFL requirement. Your transcript will be used as “proof” of language of instruction. Please note that if you would like to waive your requirement because you use English every day in the work place, you will want to check with your specific school requirements, as they will vary from program to program. Do not assume that just because you are “comfortable” in English that your schools will consider your application without the appropriate testing.

How many times can you take the TOEFL?

You can take the exam as many times as you wish and the scores are valid for 2 years. Remember that they MUST be valid at the time of application, so plan accordingly!  Just like the GMAT, frequent testing and retesting is not always a good thing; you will want to be very strategic about when you take your second or third administrations. You may want to wait a few months to allow your English to improve through practice and usage ( and studying!) Test costs will vary from location to location from $150- $225.

Does it make a difference if my TOEFL score has improved?

Schools will be interested in how your scores have changed over a period of time. It may be that the first test administration made you nervous but that subsequent test dates proved to be closer to your testing abilities. Keep in mind though the ‘law of diminishing returns’ which means that you are expending energy to test and retest when you could be working on your essays or doing something outside of work! You do not want to seem as if you are a candidate who tests and retests and ignores the other parts of your profile.

We generally recommend taking the test at least twice (this may help to take some of the pressure off as you regulate to “testing conditions”). A subsequent test date may alleviate any concerns that you have that you only have “one opportunity” to make your mark.

When should I take the TOEFL?

When you feel ready for it!

The TOEFL should be taken at least once for practice, and again when you feel that you have had concentrated time to prepare in advance. Most schools will accept test administrations up until their deadlines ONLY,  and the score must be valid on that date ( it is valid for 2 years only) but you should be in touch with admissions offices if you feel you would like to submit additional testing after the deadline. Each school will have a different policy

The TOEFL certainly requires advanced preparation and planning. It is a difficult test to walk in and take, even if you are a fluent English speaker. is a time consuming process, and we generally recommend that you try to complete your testing BEFORE you begin to prepare your applications. This way you will be able to focus completely on each step of the application cycle without distraction.

If you would like more information about our TOEFL specialists, please contact us.