Do international students need TOEFL to study in the USA?

I'm starting my applications for US universities and trying to understand if the TOEFL is mandatory for international students. Are there specific score requirements or alternative tests accepted?

While the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is commonly required for international students applying to universities in the U.S., its necessity can vary depending on each specific institution's policy. Many colleges in the U.S. accept the TOEFL as a measure of proficiency in English, but alternative tests like the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are also often accepted.

It's crucial to check each university's policy, as some may not require an English proficiency test if, for example, you've attended an English-speaking school for a certain number of years or if you’re from a country where English is an official language.

The required score also varies by institution and sometimes by the types of programs. Higher-level programs or specific disciplines may demand a better score. Typically, score requirements for TOEFL are around 80-100 for internet-based tests, but again, it's essential to verify with each institution.

Also, consider that there may be specific cases where universities might waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement if the student can furnish evidence of English proficiency through their SAT/ACT scores, particularly in the writing and critical reading sections.

Remember, it's always best to directly check the specific requirements from the university you are interested in or reach out to their admission office for the most accurate information, to make sure you aren't missing anything. I hope you find this overview helpful, though!