The TOEFL exam is written more than once a year. Wondering what TOEFL is? It is an acronym that refers to the “Test of English As A Foreign Language, an exam for study abroad with scholarship, among several other doors of opportunities it opens. It is conducted by schools abroad to verify that a foreign student understands English. So, you can assume that it is mostly used in countries like the USA, Australia, Canada, etc., although more than 150 countries accept a TOEFL certificate. The TOEFL exam is unique. It typically has four sections; reading, listening, writing, and speaking. To be allowed to study abroad, you must ace this 116-minute test. Sounds frightening, but don’t worry, we’ve got you!

Types of TOEFL

There are two types of TOEFL tests. The first one is the iBT test, while the other is called the TOEFL Essentials. Like many people, you probably didn’t know of this, and that’s because the “Essentials” was opened only in 2021. (Both are essential, actually). However, there are a few differences.

TOEFL iBT

This one is the one we all know; needed by students who want to study abroad, or do some professional work. Here, you’ll be required to perform reading, writing, listening, and speaking aptitudes, and ace them before you can travel. The overall test duration is approximately 120 minutes. If you don’t pass this test before travelling, best to consider that trip a vacation, rather than an educational venture. That’s how important it is! This test is more important for undergrad, postgraduate, and PhD students who need a more advanced level of English Language understanding and skill.

TOEFL Essentials

This test also contains the writing, reading, listening, and speaking tests, albeit more simplistic. There’s something a bit different about this. The focus is less on English fluency, and more on the ability to communicate. Basically, this means that despite the aptitude tests, the candidate is also required to submit a 5-minute video. Don’t worry, this video is not added to your general score. The supervisors just want to be sure you at least know a basic level of English since you can’t commit to a more tasking and complete test. 

Best Scores for TOEFL: What Zone Are You Safe In?

At TPSeal, we’ll always admonish you to aim high, because we aim high ourselves. While a score anywhere from 90 should get you into many of the top schools, we’ll say go for 100. That’s the safest zone to be in for your 2025 study abroad plans. Why? Firstly, you can do it(!) Then, universities like Yale, UCLA, Harvard, and Princeton start accepting from a 100 score. There are also good schools that accept an 80 score like the University of Florida, University of Virginia, etc.

How to Ace Your TOEFL Exam 

Best believe we won’t tell you to aim high without giving you tips to do so in your exam to win a scholarship; in this case, the TOEFL exam. Below are some hacks you can apply to your study and exam process. Aside: if you apply them, you probably will start sounding like a good old British bloke.

Start Early

Starting early and getting a good head start, as a matter of fact, will increase your chances of acing the test to study abroad. In other words, don’t wait until the eleventh hour to start reading. Start now!

Practice

You will be tested on writing, reading, speaking, and listening. You know what all these have in common? Practice makes perfect! When you train your cognitive abilities to recognize, think, and write in English, it becomes easier to ace the test. You can also train your ear muscles to identify and understand English—I don’t know, but I’m sure there’s some clever little science behind that. Pick up a book, watch videos, and attempt prep tests to get ready.

Read Carefully

The difference between an 80-grade and a 100-grade TOEFL candidate who seeks to study abroad in 2025 may be a fine line as little as reading and understanding the questions. You don’t have to read too slowly since you’re being timed. But, read slowly enough to understand the question, comprehension, or speech.

Parting Words

Going abroad to study should never have to be an issue, especially with our 97% success rate at doing these things. We are skilled in arranging your travel, school selection, and tests, to an extent where any shortfall is an extremely rare occurrence. TPSeal will practically walk with you, through the whole process. So, what are you waiting for? Hit us up to begin your study abroad 2025 venture.