What Is a Good TOEFL Score

To begin with, the TOEFL contains four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section’s score is 0-30, so your total TOEFL score will be 0-120.

ETS, the organization that designs and administers the TOEFL, collects data on how well test takers do. The top 27% of test takers get a total score of 100 or above. So, if you score 100, you have done better than 73% of students who take the TOEFL. The TOEFL average score is 87, so if you beat that, you have done better than average. Finally, the bottom 24% of test takers score 76 or lower.

What Is Considered a Good TOEFL Score?

If a “good” TOEFL score just means a better-than-average score, then 87 or higher would qualify. But for many students that is not the best definition. It should instead be one that helps you achieve your goals. When it comes to TOEFL, what is considered a good score depends on the school you want to attend. Most schools have a minimum required score. Generally, a score of 100 or above is considered strong by most top universities, but even a score lower than that can be sufficient to get you into your program of choice.

So, what score is “good” by that standard? Well, it depends on which school and program you want to apply to. SDA Bocconi: School of Management in Italy, for instance, has a minimum TOEFL requirement of 88 for its Masters programs. ESCP Business School requires a score of 100 for its MBA program and 90 for its Master in Management program. The Chinese University of Hong Kong: CUHK Business School MBA has a minimum requirement of 79. And the minimum score at the University of Oxford: Saïd Business School (UK) MBA program is 110.

Check out this breakdown of minimum TOEFL scores required at different programs around the world:

TOEFL Score Breakdown: What Does Each Score Mean?

Understanding where your score falls within the overall distribution gives you a better sense of your performance. Is 98 a good TOEFL score? Is 99 a good TOEFL score? Is TOEFL 100 a good score? These are common questions among test-takers. The answer depends on your target institutions, but scores in the 98-100 range are generally considered strong and will meet the requirements of most universities worldwide. Remember that the TOEFL max score is 120, representing perfect performance across all four sections.

TOEFL Score Ranges and Their Meaning

How to Determine Your Ideal TOEFL Score

In the end, a “good” score on the TOEFL is simply the score that meets your personal goals. Here is how to find out your personal TOEFL score requirement.

First, make a list of schools that you plan to apply to. Next, write down the minimum TOEFL score for each one. Finally, find the highest minimum score on that list. That is the TOEFL score you should be aiming at. If possible, consider aiming 5-10 points above the minimum requirement to strengthen your application, as this demonstrates superior English proficiency and can give you a competitive edge over other candidates.

Check out: How Important Is English Grammar for Your GMAT and GRE Scores?

Setting Your TOEFL Score Goal

The key takeaway is that a good TOEFL score is subjective. It’s the score that allows you to meet the minimum requirements of your target schools. Aim for a score that gives you flexibility in your applications while also aligning with your personal goals. Whether it’s a TOEFL score of 98, 99, or 100, setting your sights on the highest minimum score will help you plan your preparation accordingly. Keep in mind that achieving the best TOEFL score for your situation requires understanding both the general scoring and the specific requirements of your dream program.