TOEFL: What's it for?

Hi guys, I've come across the term 'TOEFL' and I'm not quite sure what it means. Does anyone know the purpose of this test and how it's related to college admissions?

Hello! TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It's a standardized test designed to measure a non-native English speaker's proficiency in the English language. The purpose of the TOEFL is to help colleges and universities evaluate the applicant's English-language skills, to ensure that international students will be able to communicate effectively in English in an academic setting.

In the context of college admissions, the TOEFL is usually required for international students whose primary language is not English, or who did not attend an English-speaking high school. Colleges want to make sure that applicants can understand lectures, complete assignments, and participate in classroom discussions without significant language barriers. Each college or university sets its own minimum TOEFL score requirements, so it's important to check the specific requirements for each school you're interested in.

The TOEFL test consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is worth 30 points maximum, and they are then added together to give a total score out of 120. The test is usually administered online, and the scores are valid for two years from the test date.

In summary, the TOEFL is a valuable tool for colleges and universities to assess international students' English language abilities, to make sure they'll be able to successfully engage with the rigorous coursework and contribute to the campus community.

If you are an international applicant, it's essential to research the TOEFL requirements for each school on your list and prepare accordingly. If you are a domestic applicant, you can relax knowing that this is one aspect of college applications you don't need to worry about!