The TOEFL is an internationally recognized language test that verifies your command of the English language. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) will be useful if you want to go to a university or graduate school in another country, as well as if you want to do an internship or job placement there.
The TOEFL may also be used by immigration officials in some countries to assess your English proficiency when deciding whether or not to give you a work visa or allow you to stay, for example. In short, if you wish to travel, study, or work in an English-speaking country, your TOEFL score will be your passport. That is why a strong performance on the TOEFL exam is critical.
In this article, we will lay down the basic overview of the TOEFL test, along with what makes it so important.
Reason 1. Worldwide Recognition
With over 35 million tests taken to date, the TOEFL iBT test is one of the most popular language tests in the world. It is recognised by numerous schools and colleges in more than 130 countries. Getting a high TOEFL score means demonstrating your linguistic abilities to various actors. Passing the TOEFL ensures your English level will be recognised worldwide.
The TOEFL exam will be extremely beneficial to you in the future in the following ways:
Obtain universal certification
There's a reason the TOEFL test is so widely accepted: it's recognized in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and even top universities in Europe and Asia. If you want to apply to numerous universities in different countries, the TOEFL exam is a terrific way to keep all of your options open without having to take a million different exams.
Get priority with schools in the United States and Canada
In Canada, the TOEFL exam is not just accepted, but it’s even preferred — by over 80% of graduate programs offered in the country. Universities in the USA demonstrate a similar stance, with 9 out of 9 preferring the TOEFL exam over other English certificates. You could for instance compare the TOEFL vs IELTS exams and see for yourself.
If you have your heart set on studying in Canada or the USA, preparing well for the TOEFL exam should be one of your top priorities!
In Canada, the TOEFL exam is not only accepted, but also favored by over 80% of graduate schools. Universities in the United States have taken a similar attitude, with nine out of ten students preferring the TOEFL exam to other English credentials. Compare the TOEFL and IELTS exams, for example, and decide for yourself.
If you want to study in Canada or the United States, getting a good score on the TOEFL exam should be one of your top goals!
Boost your career opportunities
If you want to work in the United States, you should absolutely take the TOEFL exam. Many companies will be delighted to see documentation of your high English proficiency - anyone can claim to speak English well, but do you have the test score to back it up?
Even if a TOEFL score is not required by the business, it will undoubtedly provide you an advantage over other applicants. If you were the CEO of a company in an English-speaking country, you would undoubtedly choose the candidate with a TOEFL score demonstrating English ability over the other.
Reason 2. The Possibility to Study Abroad
Many youngsters aspire to attend a college in another country. By doing so, you can learn about a new place, culture, and meet a lot of other foreign students. It is unquestionably a very rewarding experience, both academically and personally.
Because it assesses your skills in four areas: reading, listening, speaking, and writing, the TOEFL will be your passport to study abroad, whether for a semester, an exchange year, or the rest of your studies (but only when it comes to your English level!). It is accepted by over 9000 colleges, which means that your TOEFL result will be accepted as proof of your English skill at most universities.
Moreover, there are TOEFL test centers all around the world, so you can take it almost anywhere!
Business schools
Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business are just a few of the top business schools that accept TOEFL test scores.
High schools
International students interested in attending high school in the United States might apply to public or private high schools, boarding schools, or exchange programs. Both the student visa and the high school accept TOEFL as proof of English competency in these circumstances, which is a terrific approach to kill two birds with one stone!
Private universities
Many of the most prestigious universities, particularly in America, are private; rest assured, private universities such as Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Stanford take the TOEFL test.
Public universities
There are numerous possibilities if you prefer a public university over a private one – and yes, they accept the TOEFL score! The University of California – Berkeley, the University of California – Los Angeles, and the University of Virginia are just a few examples.
Before you begin studying for the TOEFL, you must first determine the minimum score required by the universities where you wish to study. What is the significance of this? You'll be able to figure out how many points you need to get on the TOEFL to get accepted once you know their expected score. Furthermore, this will assist you in establishing a goal and remaining focused!
Reason 3. For Working Abroad
If you plan to move to a foreign English-speaking country, the TOEFL is required for employment or a work permit.
Even though the TOEFL has a broader, more general reach than the TOEIC, a solid TOEFL score will demonstrate to recruiters and future employers that you are capable of working in an English-speaking environment. It suggests that you are more than just a CV mention. It implies that you will feel at comfortable in an English-speaking country and will not become disoriented. This is especially important if your job requires you to travel, meet, and communicate with people from all over the world.
Reason 4. Certify Your English Level
Passing the TOEFL is important for a variety of reasons, including the desire to study abroad. Obtaining a specific TOEFL score allows you to assess your English proficiency at any given time. It is worthwhile to prioritize the TOEFL over other, lesser-known exams. Indeed, a higher number of people abroad will be able to comprehend and interpret your results in order to assess your English proficiency.
Reason 5. Improve Your Resume
We'd all like to be ahead of the competition and be chosen by recruiters. Passing the TOEFL gives you the ability to attest to your language level and to concretize it by putting a precise score on your CV. It also demonstrates your level of involvement and commitment.
Recruiters will also be able to pinpoint your exact level, rather than guessing based on generic terms like'regular practice,' 'professional practice,' and so on. The TOEFL, by confirming your language ability, is an excellent complement to your CV, giving you a more reputable profile.
