TOEFL Score: Validity, Score Report, Score Level, and Percentile Rank
Content Curator | Updated On - Apr 2, 2024
TOEFL Score is accepted by more than 12,500 institutions in over 160 countries worldwide like US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The total TOEFL points range from 0-120 scale. Candidates taking the exam at a test center or home can access their TOEFL scores after 4–8 days. The iBT paper edition TOEFL marks are available 11–13 days after the exam.
TOEFL score is valid for 2 years after the exam date. Candidates can verify their TOEFL scores using OSVS by giving the appointment number and date of birth. TOEFL total score is calculated by achieving marks in four different sections; reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Each section is marked on a TOEFL score range of 0-30. Scores are credited based on the candidate's proficiency level in each of the sections.
The TOEFL score reports now feature a more modern, visually intuitive design. You can download a PDF copy of your score report from your ETS account. TOEFL syllabus scored by a centralized scoring network and not at test center. The Reading and Listening sections are scored by computer. The Speaking and Writing sections are scored by a combination of AI scoring and multiple highly trained human raters.
TOEFL Total Score
The TOEFL score ranges from 0-120, and is divided into 4 sections; writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Every section’s TOEFL score scale is in the range of 0-30. A score of 100 and above is a good TOEFL score for universities worldwide. Top Universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Princeton's TOEFL score requirements range from 90-110.
| Sections | Total Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Speaking | 0-30 |
| TOEFL Writing | 0-30 |
| TOEFL Reading | 0-30 |
| TOEFL Listening | 0-30 |
TOEFL Score Validity
TOEFL score validity lasts for a period of 2 years, after the TOEFL exam date. Candidates must send their TOEFL results within the valid date to ensure acceptance by desired universities. For example, if a student takes the exam on June 3rd, 2023, then the TOEFL full marks validity lasts until June 3rd, 2025.
TOEFL Score Report
TOEFL score report proves the candidate's English language abilities. Aspirants can check their TOEFL results by simply logging in with their TOEFL registration ID on the official ETS website. TOEFL marks for test center and home edition are available within 4–8 days, and paper edition within 11–13 business days after the exam. Candidates can download the TOEFL scores through their ETS account. Once the results are available, they have to wait 2 days to download their PDF score reports.
TOEFL Score Level
Candidates will receive four scaled section scores and a total TOEFL score. The four sections are TOEFL writing, reading, listening, and speaking. Each exam section has 4-5 proficiency levels. The levels in TOEFL describe the candidate's ability for that skill. A TOEFL grades that ranges between 24-30 is considered as an advanced level proficiency. TOEFL overall score is evaluated with the help of automated AI scoring and certifies human raters. TOEFL reading and listening sections are scored by a computer.
| Section | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Reading Score | Advanced (24-30) High-Intermediate (18-23) Low-Intermediate (4-17) Below Low-Intermediate (0-3) |
| TOEFL Writing Score | Advanced (24-30) High-Intermediate (17-23) Low-Intermediate (13-16) Basic (7-12) Below Basic (0-6) |
| TOEFL Listening Score | Advanced (22-30) High-Intermediate (17-21) Low-Intermediate (9-16) Below Low-Intermediate (0-8) |
| TOEFL Speaking Score | Advanced (25-30) High-Intermediate (20-24) Low-Intermediate (16-19) Basic (10-15) Below Basic (0-9) |
TOEFL Scores Percentile Rank
Percentile rank in TOEFL score describes the English language capabilities of a student. Candidates must achieve a TOEFL overall score percentile of 70 or above to apply for top universities worldwide. Candidates need to understand the TOEFL exam pattern to achieve a better percentile. The total marks of TOEFL is 120, students must have a better understanding of converting scores to percentile rank.
| TOEFL Total Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 120 | 100 |
| 116 | 99 |
| 112 | 96 |
| 108 | 92 |
| 104 | 86 |
| 100 | 78 |
| 96 | 70 |
| 92 | 61 |
| 88 | 53 |
| 84 | 45 |
| 80 | 38 |
| 76 | 31 |
| 72 | 25 |
| 68 | 20 |
| 64 | 16 |
| 60 | 13 |
| 56 | 10 |
| 52 | 8 |
| 48 | 6 |
| 44 | 4 |
| 40 | 3 |
| 36 | 2 |
| 0-32 | 1 |
Sending TOEFL Scores
The best score for TOEFL ranges between 100-110. Your TOEFL exam fee includes up to four free score report sending options. Candidates have to select their desired institution before the exam date to send their scores. To send a TOEFL score online, first students need to do TOEFL ETS login to access their account. After that, they need to pay the fees through a credit/debit card or using e-check or PayPal. A candidate’s TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years after the test date. During this time period, to order additional score reports, ETS TOEFL charges a fee of INR 1,950. Students can send the additional score to the institution/agency in 1 of 3 ways:
Via ETS Account
- Log in and select Additional Score Reports.
- Complete the payment through a credit/debit card, an e-check, or PayPal.
- After 3-5 working days of payment approval, TOEFL Score reports are sent.
By Fax
- Fill TOEFL iBT Request for Additional Score Report Form (PDF).
- Fax the completed form to +1-610-290-8972, along with your appointment number and credit/debit card information.
- Score reports are mailed within 10 business days of receiving your request.
By Mail
- Please fill out the TOEFL iBT Additional Score Report Request Form (PDF).
- Send the filled form with money.
Address:
ETS-TOEFL iBT
P.O Box 6153
Princeton, NJ 08541-6153, USA
TOEFL Scores for Top Universities
TOEFL score is accepted by most of the top universities worldwide. Most institutions have a specific TOEFL cut-off requirement depending on the study programs. TOEFL for Canadiam universities minimum cut-off score starts from 80. The minimum TOEFL cut-off for top US universities ranges from 90-100. Candidates need to ensure 100+ TOEFL total marks to easily get admission to the top universities.
| University Name | TOEFL iBT Score Cut-off |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 90+ |
| Stanford University | 100+ |
| Harvard University | 104+ |
| University of Pennsylvania | 100+ |
| Yale University | 100+ |
| University of Chicago | 90+ |
| University of Toronto | 100+ |
| University of Ottawa | 100+ |
| McMaster University | 92+ |
| University of Cambridge | 100+ |
| University of Oxford | 100+ |
| Monash University | 79+ |
A good TOEFL score describes the candidate's English language abilities. With a TOEFL score of 110 student’s can easily get admission to top universities around the world. Candidates must have a better idea about the TOEFL score percentile and the section-wise scores before applying.
FAQs
Ques - How much score required for TOEFL?
Ans - TOEFL total score ranges between 0-120. Most of the universities require a TOEFL score of 100, with at least 25 in each section.
Ques - What is the TOEFL scale score?
Ans - TOEFL scale score is the sectional score of the exam that ranges between 0-30. TOEFL’s overall result is divided into four sections; reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Ques - What is a good TOEFL score?
Ans - A good TOEFL score generally ranges between 100-110. Most of the top universities worldwide require a good TOEFL score for the admission process.
Ques - How long is TOEFL valid?
Ans - TOEFL score is valid for two years. Candidates have to send their results to the universities within this 2-year time period.
Ques - Is 70 a bad TOEFL score?
Ans - There are few universities that accept a TOEFL score of 70. Most of the universities worldwide require a score of 100+ in TOEFL.
Ques - How much do Indians score in TOEFL?
Ans - According to most of the students, the average Indian score in TOEFL ranges between 90-120. With a score of 90+, candidates can easily get admission to some of the best universities worldwide.
Ques - How can I track my TOEFL score report?
Ans - To track the TOEFL score report, candidates have to log in to their official ETS account. The TOEFL score is valid for 2 years, and candidates can download their score report PDF copy from the website.
Ques - Is TOEFL score report free?
Ans - TOEFL score report is free for up to four free score-sending options. Candidates have to choose their desired universities to send score reports before the exam date.
Ques - Do you know your TOEFL scores immediately?
Ans - TOEFL unofficial score report for reading and listening sections is available immediately after taking the test. The official score report usually took 4–13 days.
Ques - What percentile is 115 TOEFL score?
Ans - A TOEFL score of 115 is considered as 99 percentiles. Students must know the calculation of TOEFL scores to percentile ranks for easy application.
Ques: How many TOEFL score reports can I send?
Ans: You can send 4 free TOEFL score reports while you are registratering for taking the test. However, if you want send scores to additional universities, it will be applicable based on additional fees.
Ques: Can I retake the TOEFL to improve the scores?
Ans: Yes, you can retake it as many times as you wish. However, please note that every time you take TOEFl, you need to pay the registration fees. hence, it is expensive to take TOEFL multiple times.
Ques: How are TOEFL scores calculated?
Ans: The TOEFL scores are calculated based on four different sections Reading, listening, writing and speaking. Each section is scored on a scale of 0-30. This score are then averaged to a total score (0-120).
Ques: Are all sections in TOEFL weighted equally?
Ans: Yes, each section contributes 25% to the overall score in the TOEFL exam. The scores are added and then the final score is provided.
Ques: Can I see how I performed on each question?
Ans: No, you will not be able to see the performance on each question. The marks for individual question scores are not available on the TOEFL score card. You will get total scores and section wise scores.
Ques: Is there a minimum passing score?
Ans: No, there is no minimum passing score for TOEFL. However, different colleges and universities have different score requirements. You must check the official website before applying to the university.
Ques: How do I send my TOEFL scores to institutions?
Ans: To send the TOEFL score to universities, you can choose institutions electronically during registration. You can also send later through your online score report. You will be allowed to select 4 universities during registration.
Ques: How long does it take for scores to be sent?
Ans: The scores are usually sent within 24-48 hours after your official score report is released. It will be sent to the universities that you have selected during registration.
Ques: Can I send the TOEFL scores after the deadline?
Ans: No, sending TOEFL scores after deadline will be of no use. Some institutions may accept late scores, but check their policy directly from their official website. However, it is better to send the scores before the deadline is over.
Ques: Can I improve my TOEFL score?
Ans: Yes, you can improve your TOEFL scores by practice and dedication. Your scores will improve with proper preparation and practice resources. You can get them online from third party websites.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.