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'There is no age limit for TOEFL test takers'

Last updated on: November 14, 2011 09:44 IST

In an online chat with readers on November 10, Teresa Sanchez-Lazer, Executive Director of the TOEFL Program and ETS Spokesperson addressed reader queries related to cracking the TOEFL exam.

For those who missed the live chat, here's the unedited transcript.

teresa answers, at 2011-11-10 15:53:05Hi! This is Teresa Sanchez-Lazer. I am the Executive Director of the TOEFL Program based in Princeton, NJ, USA. Thank you for taking time to speak with me today. I would be happy to answer your questions regarding the TOEFL test. We'll get started in just a minute.

gaurik asked, hello mam...could u pls tell me which countries accept TOEFL scores besides US and UK?

teresa answers, Thank you for your question. Institutions in more than 130 countries accept the TOEFL test including Australia, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and the US. A complete listing of the institutions/countries is available on the TOEFL Destination Directory available at https://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/pdf/univ0708.pdf.

vikasb asked, how can i apply for TOEFL scholarship? who are eligible? what is the scholarship amount covered? when is the last date for application?

teresa answers, Today, we are excited to announce the 2012 TOEFL Scholarship Program in India! We will be awarding 10 scholarships valued at US$70,000, an increase of US$10,000, in award funding from 2011. More information about the scholarship program is available at https://www.ets.org/toefl/scholarships/overview/india/. To answer your question, the deadline for the application is April 13, 2012. Good luck!

wolverine asked, hi i want to appear for TOEFL. for the same want to know how i can improve my listening skills? can you suggest some activities?

teresa answers, This is a great question! On the TOEFL Go Anywhere website (www.TOEFLGoAnywhere.org) we have numerous resources for students to help prepare for the TOEFL test. In particular, we have a section that provides helpful suggestions for the listening section. The link is available at https://www.toeflgoanywhere.org/meet-study-group-tips-test-takers-you. Some other suggestions would be to listen to sources available on the Intranet such as BBC news, NPR, and American TV. Listen with a friend and take turns summarizing the main points.

kim asked, Anyone who sits for TOEFL exam becomes eligibile for the scholarship?

teresa answers, Thank you for question.We are very pleased to offer the scholarship program for the third consecutive year in India. Detailed information regarding the scholarship program is available at https://www.ets.org/toefl/scholarships/overview/india/.
To answer your question, I have listed the requirements below. I hope you find them useful. Eligibility TOEFL® scholarships will be awarded to students in India who meet the following requirements: You must currently be living in India. You must begin undergraduate or graduate study in 2012 at a college/university listed in the TOEFL Destinations Directory (PDF). You must hold a grade point average (GPA) of 80 or higher on a 100-point scale or 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. You must have a valid TOEFL score. You must return a completed application form which includes a written essay, your TOEFL test scores, and official transcript in a sealed envelope. Scholarship award funds for students who will be studying abroad are applied to their tuition fees only after the student has registered with the institution and arrived on campus.

rosily asked, how r u mam,rosily here just wanted to know if the last question in reading section has more weightage than the other questions

teresa answers, Thank you for your question. In the reading section, there are some questions that count for up to two points. If your answer is partially correct, you may receive partial credit. I believe this is the question type you were referring too. You may also find our TOEFL iBT Tips helpful. It is available at https://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/pdf/TOEFL_Tips.pdf. Did I answer your question?

Ajju asked, I would like to know what scores are considered competitive while awarding TOEFL scholarships?

teresa answers, We are pleased you are interested in the TOEFL Scholarship Program. There is no minimum TOEFL score needed to apply for the scholarship program. Applications are reviewed on the criteria that I shared previously. Good luck!

darshantoefl asked, what is the minimum score one needs to have to be eligible for the TOEFL scholarship? do u check overall score or section wise scores?

teresa answers, There is no minimum TOEFL score needed to apply for the scholarship program. To be eligible to apply for the scholarship program, you need to: live in India, and must begin undergraduate or graduate study in 2012 at a college/university listed in the TOEFL Destinations Directory (PDF). You must hold a grade point average (GPA) of 80 or higher on a 100-point scale or 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.You must have a valid TOEFL score. You must return a completed application form which includes a written essay, your TOEFL test scores, and official transcript in a sealed envelope. Please remember that the deadline for a completed application is April 13, 2012.

darshantoefl asked, what is the minimum score one needs to have to be eligible for the TOEFL scholarship? do u check overall score or section wise scores?

teresa answers, The scholarship program recognizes overall academic excellence.. This goes beyond simply looking at a TOEFL score. In the case of similar academic profiles, we would be looking for well-balanced scores.

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darshantoefl asked, what is the minimum score one needs to have to be eligible for the TOEFL scholarship? do u check overall score or section wise scores?

teresa answers, The TOEFL Program launched the TOEFL Go Anywhere website to assist students in preparing for the TOEFL test. The website, available at (www.TOEFLGoAnywhere.org) offers free sample questions, provides access to registration, and links students to the more than 8,000 institutions around the world that accept the TOEFL test. There are numerous free resources on the website to assist students. The "Welcome to the TOEFL iBT Testing Site" video, available at https://www.ets.org/s/toefl/flash/15571_toefl_prometric.html, may also be helpful in becoming more comfortable with the testing experience. The TOEFL Journey Program, available on the TOEFL Go Anywhere website, is a new online tool that helps students plan for their educational journey. It provides useful study tips through the website, as well as through text messages and email alerts. We also recently launched the TOEFL® Test Taker Resources Video: This new nine-minute video, available at https://www.ets.org/s/toefl/flash/17494/TOEFL_Resources_Web_Video.htm, shows students the many resources the TOEFL Program has to offer as they prepare for the test and studying abroad.

anchal asked, Hello ma'am Can you plz tell me which is the more scoring section among all 4 sections of toefl?

teresa answers, Each section (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) contributes equally to the total score. Did I answer your question?

firoz asked, is there any age limit for TOEFL exam. I am a working professional and wants to pursue further studies abroad to enhance my skills.

teresa answers, No. There is no age limit for TOEFL test takers. We do recommend that TOEFL iBT test takers be at least 16 years of age. The TOEFL test is used by various organizations for various purposes, such as immigration, higher education admissions and professional certification. The TOEFL Program supports life time learners.

taara asked, Hi,Is there an essay we need to write to apply for the TOEFL scholarship program?

teresa answers, Yes, an essay is required. All of the requirements to apply for the TOEFL Scholarship Program are available at https://www.ets.org/toefl/scholarships/overview/india/. Good luck!

kim asked, Is TOEFL accepted by more universities when compared to IELTS ?

teresa answers, The TOEFL Test is the most widely accepted English language assessment worldwide. It is recognized by more than 8,000 institutions around the world including Australia, the U.K., Canada, and the United States. The TOEFL test is accepted in more than 130 countries. It is the most widely recognized English language assessment. We are so pleased that the Australian government has approved the TOEFL test for student visas as well as the UKBA for several visa categories.

firoz asked, how many modules and fee for each modules?

teresa answers, The TOEFL iBT test fee covers all four sections. Unlike some other tests, we offer the convenience of taking the entire test on the same date.

Ajju asked, The TOEFL scholarship application asks to include information for the past 3 years like honors and award, extracurricular activities, list of community etc participated without pay etc etc. Can we include information which is past 3 years?

teresa answers, We recommend that you focus on your most recent experiences. Good luck in applying!

taara asked, Thank you for your answer Teresa, which books should i read in order to prepare for the TOEFL test?

teresa answers, The Official Guide to the TOEFL® Test, Third Edition is the latest edition available. This bestselling guide has 2 full-length tests, hundreds of authentic test questions and essay topics, plus valuable tips to help you prepare for success! More information regarding TOEFL Prep materials are available at https://www.toeflgoanywhere.org/content/toefl%C2%AE-test-prep-official-tools-help-you-prepare. We currently offer a Value Pack that includes discounts on the e-book version of the official TOEFL Guide. We continue to develop new resources and expect additional materials to be available throughout 2012.

firoz asked, Thanks Ms Teresa. It seems not many people know about this exams while they planning for further studies especiallly in smaller cities in India. What are you trying to do to educate the importance and necessity of this exam to the prospective candidates?

teresa answers, Thank you for this important question. On an ongoing basis, we continue to reach out to Indian students and try to meet their needs. Today's forum is one example. We will be participating in the upcoming World Grad School Tour as well as the World MBA Tour in India. Students should also sign up for our newsletters and TOEFL Journey to receive the latest information on the TOEFL Test. You can do so by visiting the TOEFL Go Anywhere Website available at www.TOEFLGoAnywhere.org. If you have other suggestions we would be happy to hear them. Again, thank you for your question.

RUCHA asked, I just read in newspapers that the TOEFL is equivalent as IELTS in Australia for student visas is that correct ?

teresa answers, Yes. We are very pleased that the Australia government has approved the TOEFL test to be used to demonstrate English proficiency for student visas. Now, Indian students can use their TOEFL test for both admissions and student visas in Australia. The TOEFL test is more convenient than ever since it can be used for admission purposes in more than 130 countries.

deshna asked, is the tofel score applicaple for singapore institutes

teresa answers, Yes. The TOEFL test is accepted in Singapore. A full listing is available at https://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/pdf/univ0708.pdf

Anand asked, how to pay online fee in INR coz it asks to pay in USD

teresa answers, Currently payment is required in US dollars. However, we are pleased to announce that in mid 2012 we will be able to accept Indian rupees. We do not have an exact date at this time, but encourage you to check our website regularly. We would also encourage you to sign up for the TOEFL newsletter as we will include this announcement. thanks for your question.

TOFEE asked, Is the tofel score applicable for UK institute???

teresa answers, Yes. The TOEFL test is accepted at numerous institutions in the UK!! A full listing of the institutions in the UK and around the world that accept the TOEFL test is available at https://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/pdf/univ0708.pdf.

firoz asked, Thanks Teresa for sharing the required information. It really clarified many doubts which i had in my mind.

teresa answers, Yes. As a non-profit we work very hard to provide good access to the TOEFL iBT test. We have numerous test locations throughout India and are opening new sites frequently. We also continue to add testing dates. For example, we recently added two new administrations taking place on Dec. 3rd and Dec. 17th. Thank you for taking time to speak with me today. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions. Best of luck to you!