I scored 88 out of 120 on the TOEFL Home Edition, but only received 15 in speaking. Should I retake it or try the Duolingo test instead?

Question

Priya Singhania · Accepted Answer

The minimum required TOEFL score for admission to most universities in the United States is 80, so your overall score of 88 meets the minimum requirement. However, some universities may have a higher minimum score requirement or require a minimum score in each section, including the speaking section. You should check the specific requirements of the universities you are interested in applying to.
A score of 15 in the speaking section is lower than the average score of most universities, which ranges from 23-25. However, some universities may accept a lower score in the speaking section, especially if you have a strong overall score or if you have other evidence of English proficiency, such as a high score on the Duolingo English Test.
Ultimately, it is up to the universities to decide whether or not to accept your TOEFL score. If you are concerned about your speaking score, you may want to consider retaking the TOEFL or taking the Duolingo English Test to demonstrate your English proficiency.
It is important to note that each university and program may have its own requirements for minimum scores in each section of the TOEFL. Some programs may require a minimum score of 20 or higher in the speaking section, while others may be more flexible.
Additionally, you may consider other English language proficiency tests such as the IELTS or Duolingo English Test as an alternative option.

Abhishek Kumar · Answer

Your TOEFL score is a good beginning. But let's talk about the speaking part &ndash; it's important. At my university in Australia, they really care about how you do in speaking.
But yes, different universities have different rules. Some are welcoming with it if your other scores are strong. I know people in the Netherlands and Germany with similar scores who got in. However, if you're thinking about top-notch places like Harvard or Oxford, they might want a higher speaking score.
You can think about taking TOEFL again or trying Duolingo.

Abhiyudaya Chauhan · Answer

I suggest you think about your university options based on your TOEFL score. Yours is at the edge. Each university has specific scores they want for each TOEFL section.
Having a speaking score of 15 might be below what some top programs, like Stanford or MIT, look for. But don't worry! Many good universities accept overall scores if they meet their minimum requirements. For example, universities in places like Spain or Italy might be more flexible.
You could either pick universities that match your current score or think about retaking the test. Maybe try the Duolingo English Test, it's more convenient for some. Remember, finding the right fit is super important for both you and the university.
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XAVIAR X · Answer

Deciding whether to retake the TOEFL or try the Duolingo English Test depends on your goals and the requirements of the institutions you're applying to. Here are some points to consider:
TOEFL vs. Duolingo English Test
1. Acceptance by Institutions:

TOEFL: Widely accepted by universities and colleges worldwide.
Duolingo English Test: Increasingly accepted, but not as universally recognized as the TOEFL. Check if your target institutions accept it.

2. Test Format and Experience:

TOEFL: Traditional and standardized, with sections on reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Duolingo: Shorter and more flexible, can be taken from home with a different format that some find less stressful.

3. Your Performance:

You scored 88 out of 120 on the TOEFL, which is a decent score, but your speaking score of 15 is relatively low. This might be a concern if the programs you&rsquo;re applying to have minimum requirements for each section.
If you feel that the TOEFL speaking section was particularly challenging or you can improve with more practice, retaking the TOEFL might help boost your score.

4. Considerations for Retaking TOEFL:

Improvement: If you believe you can significantly improve your speaking score with additional practice or coaching, retaking the TOEFL could be beneficial.
Familiarity: You are already familiar with the TOEFL format, so preparing for it again might be more straightforward.

5. Considerations for Duolingo English Test:

Ease and Convenience: The Duolingo test is shorter and can be taken on-demand, which can be more convenient.
Acceptance: Ensure that your target institutions accept the Duolingo English Test before choosing this option.

6. Recommendation:

Check Requirements: Verify the specific English test requirements of the institutions you are applying to.
Self-Evaluation: Consider whether you can improve your TOEFL speaking score with more preparation.
Convenience: Weigh the convenience and format of the Duolingo test against your familiarity with the TOEFL.

If your institutions accept Duolingo and you prefer a different test experience, it might be worth trying. Otherwise, consider retaking the TOEFL if you think you can improve your score.