Is 78 a good TOEFL score?

A 78 is a decent TOEFL score that meets requirements for many universities, placing you in the "high-intermediate" or "advanced" range depending on the scale, but it's often below the 90+ needed for highly selective programs, so it's considered acceptable for some schools but not top-tier ones, making it crucial to check your specific target university's minimum requirements.

What is considered a good TOEFL score?

Here's the quick answer: A good TOEFL score on the new 1-6 scale is 5.0 or higher—competitive for most graduate programs and top universities. On the old 0-120 scale (for tests taken before January 21, 2026), 100+ was the benchmark for a good TOEFL score.

What does a TOEFL score of 79 mean?

According to official TOEFL percentiles for all test takers, a TOEFL 79 score falls in around the 38th percentile for all students, placing it just below the "good" threshold. However, percentiles can change depending on class level.

What is a low TOEFL score?

Advanced (24–30) High-Intermediate (18–23) Low-Intermediate (4–17) Below Low-Intermediate (0–3)

Is it hard to get 79 in TOEFL?

Getting a 79 on the TOEFL isn't extremely hard if you have decent English skills and practice, as it's around the average for undergraduates, but it's below average for graduate students and often a minimum threshold for universities, requiring good foundational skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, especially with open-ended tasks. It's achievable with targeted study, focusing on test structure, time management, and consistent practice with full-length tests and specific skill-building. 

"My TOEFL score is 78, but I need 100."

What's the average TOEFL score?

The average TOEFL score provides valuable insights into how well test-takers typically perform. According to ETS, the organization that administers the TOEFL, the average score is around 82 points. This score is influenced by factors such as education level, test-taking purpose, gender, region, and native language.

What is a passing TOEFL score?

There's no universal TOEFL passing score; each university or institution sets its own minimum requirements, typically ranging from 60 to 100+ for total scores, with many competitive schools requiring around 100 and specific section minimums. A "passing" score is simply one that meets the specific thresholds for the programs you're applying to, so you must check with each school's admissions page. 

Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?

TOEFL: May be easier for those more comfortable with American English and multiple-choice questions. IELTS: May be easier for those who prefer a variety of question types and a face-to-face speaking test.

What TOEFL score do I need for college?

As a result, TOEFL score requirements vary significantly from 70 to 110. This range is based on university rankings. Top ranked universities such as Harvard, Stanford and MIT require scores of 90 to 100+ depending on the course, with strong section scores throughout.

What is IELTS 7 equal to TOEFL?

For example, an IELTS score of 5.5 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 46 to 59; an IELTS score of 6.0 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 60 to 78; an IELTS score of 6.5 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 79 to 93; an IELTS score of 7.0 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 94 to 101; and so forth.

What is the TOEFL score for nurses?

NCSBN's recommendation regarding the English proficiency-passing standard of 84 with a minimum speaking score of 26 for TOEFL iBT is consistent with the previous passing standard recommended for TOEFL, IELTS and the level of English proficiency needed to perform entry-level nursing safely and effectively.

What is A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2?

A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 are the six levels of language proficiency defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), indicating a learner's ability from beginner (A1) to mastery (C2) in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with A=Basic, B=Independent, and C=Proficient users.
 

What are common TOEFL mistakes?

“Since then” vs “after that” Subject-Verb agreement with gerunds. Using the definite article before “society” Semicolon Use. “Boring” vs “Bored”

Is B2 considered fluent?

Yes, B2 (Vantage/Upper Intermediate) is widely considered the first level of fluency, allowing for spontaneous, comfortable, and effective communication on a wide range of topics with native speakers without strain, though higher levels like C1/C2 offer even greater nuance and mastery. A B2 speaker can handle complex discussions, express opinions, and manage daily life and work situations, marking them as an independent user of the language, says The Linguist blog.
 

Is TOEFL difficult to pass?

Yes, the TOEFL is generally considered a challenging test, even for advanced English speakers, because it assesses specific academic English skills under timed conditions, focusing on structure, vocabulary, and integrated skills (like listening and writing) rather than general fluency, though its difficulty depends heavily on your current proficiency and familiarity with the test format. While the reading and listening can be manageable if you consume English media, the integrated speaking and writing tasks, plus the specific academic vocabulary, often trip people up, making preparation crucial. 

Do universities prefer TOEFL or IELTS?

While both exams are globally recognized, TOEFL is typically preferred by institutions in the United States, while IELTS is more commonly favored in other countries. TOEFL is more widely accepted and is often preferred by U.S. institutions.

Which English test is the hardest?

Cambridge Exams

The Cambridge exam suite is the most difficult English test to understand because it is actually a set of several tests for different skill levels and student profiles.

What is the lowest TOEFL score?

There are two types of TOEFL exams, the paper-based test (PBT) and the internet-based test (iBT). TOEFL PBT has a score between 310 to 677, while iBT has a scale of 80 to 120.

How to pass TOEFL easily?

Acing the TOEFL iBT ® Test: 8 Essential Tips for Success

1. TIP#1: Familiarize yourself with the TOEFL iBT ® test format. ...
2. Tip #3: Practice with the Official TOEFL iBT Free practice test. ...
3. Tip#5: Hone Your Listening Skills. ...
4. Tip#6: Enhance Speaking Fluency. ...
5. Tip#7: Improve Writing Skills. ...
6. Tip#8: Time Management.

What is a safe TOEFL score?

For the Internet-based Test (iBT), TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120 and are divided as follows: Top Universities: These institutions usually require higher scores, generally from 100 to 120. Average Universities: A good score would be in the range of 80 to 100 for students aiming for these universities.

Which country is best for TOEFL?

United States. The USA remains the number-one choice for international students, with TOEFL being the preferred test for 9 out of 10 American universities.

Is 73 a good TOEFL score?

Although a good TOEFL score depends on your target schools and programs, most competitive universities require scores between 90-110. The TOEFL average score is 87, making any score above this above-average, while scores of 100 or higher are considered excellent by top-tier institutions.

Is a TOEFL score of 80 good?

Generally, a TOEFL minimum score of 80-90 is required for undergraduate admissions, while top universities often expect 100+. A good score for graduate programs usually falls between 95 and 110, depending on the institution's requirements.