TOEFL Information and Test Dates

The purpose of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is to measure the examinee's ability to read and understand North American English. The test includes four sections: listening comprehension, structure and written expression, reading comprehension, and an essay.

More than 2,300 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada require their applicants who are not native speakers of English to take the TOEFL. In addition, many other institutions, government agencies, and scholarship programs use TOEFL scores. In some countries the TOEFL is used to assess a person's knowledge of English for job purposes within that country. Students must contact the institutions or programs that interest them to find out if they require the TOEFL.

With regard to scoring, a score of 600 or more is considered excellent and a score of 400 or less is weak. The highest possible score anyone can get is 677. Some universities require a score of 550 or higher for entrance. Other schools may allow you in with a score of 450 or 500. In some schools students are required to take classes in English if their score is below a certain point. Students must contact the institutions or programs that interest them to find out if they require a particular score.

As of Fall, 1998, the TOEFL test is administered in the United States and most other locations solely as a computer adaptive test.

To find out more information about the the TOEFL, call (609) 951-1100. The testing schedule and registration deadlines are provided below.

You can learn more about registering for the TOEFL at the TOEFL website.