How TOEFL Scores Impact Scholarship Decisions: Insider Tips

Planning to study abroad from India? Your TOEFL score can do more than just secure university admission; it can boost your chances of getting scholarships and even support your student visa approval. Learn how to make your score work harder for you.

If you are from India and thinking about studying abroad, you should know that it’s not only about getting a degree; it is about stepping into a whole new journey. New cultures, new people, and a lot of personal growth. But before you get too involved with the thrill of it all, there's something that you truly need to determine: how will you be paying for all this? Most students tend to forget one significant detail when applying for scholarships, and that is the applicability of their TOEFL score.

A lot of students think TOEFL is just a test one has to take to get into university. But honestly, it’s way more important than that. Your TOEFL score isn’t just about passing a test; it’s a sign that you’re ready to handle an academic program in English, and scholarship committees care about that a lot.

Why TOEFL Scores Matter for Scholarships

There are over 13,000 universities around the world that accept TOEFL scores, which means that when those scholarship panels start reviewing applications, hundreds or even thousands of them, your TOEFL score gives them a quick way to gauge your English level.  You’ve to follow lectures, write essays, engage in discussions, and turn in assignments - and that requires solid English skills. 

Aim Higher Than the Minimum

Here's a tip to remember: although meeting the minimum TOEFL score requirement is sufficient to be eligible for most scholarships, scoring higher can still increase your chances. For example, if the minimum score is 90, you can definitely get a scholarship with that score. 

But scoring higher, say 100 or higher, can make your application much better. It displays your dedication to your studies and shows you are prepared to excel on a higher level, which makes you a stronger candidate.

TOEFL Scores and Student Visa Approval

Your TOEFL score isn’t just about scholarships. It can actually help with visa approvals, too. As per a recent ETS survey, 85% of TOEFL test takers from India who submitted their TOEFL scores received the student visa, showcasing the value that the TOEFL test delivers not only in getting admission in foreign universities but also in securing the student visa. Immigration officers want to be sure you are ready to thrive in an English-speaking environment, and a solid TOEFL score can give them that confidence.

Top Tips to Make the Most of Your TOEFL Score for Scholarships

Below are a few tips to keep in mind if you want to make the most of your TOEFL score for scholarships:

1. Don’t Settle for the Minimum

If a score of 90 is required by the university for a scholarship, don’t just aim for that. Try to achieve a 100 or higher. A small difference in score can actually make a huge impact on your application.

2. Mention Your Score in Your Application

Make sure to mention your TOEFL score clearly in your personal statement or wherever it is relevant in your application. If you have put in the effort to improve your score, talk about that, too. It shows you are dedicated and willing to put in the effort; these are some of the qualities that scholarship committees like. 

3. Don’t Ignore Any Section

The TOEFL test consists of reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Don’t just focus on one or two skills. Scholarship committees will look at all your scores, and balancing your strengths across all sections can only help.

4. Use the Best Preparation Tools

The best part about TOEFL Test is that there are a lot of prep materials provided by ETS itself, the conducting body of the test. If preparing for the test, one should consider using official preparation material that provides feedback on areas for improvement. 

A full-length practice test will help you get used to the format and timing of the test, which will be very helpful on the test day. It is a great way to figure out the sections that need more practice. These prep tools cover every section of the test and give you a sense of what kinds of questions to expect. 

There are quizzes, 40-minute samplers, and an 8-week test prep planner, E-book, Masterclass, Preply Tutor, etc. on the official ETS website. It mixes free and paid tools, but the free part alone is worth using. You can practice daily and get personalized tips from the tools.

5. Give Yourself Time

Take the TOEFL early enough so that you have time to retake it, if required, before admission or scholarship deadlines.

In the end, your TOEFL score isn’t just a number. It’s a way for scholarship committees, universities, and even visa officers to see that you are ready for the challenges of studying in a new country. 

It could help you land that scholarship, and it will definitely make your visa process smoother. So, please make sure to treat your TOEFL preparation as a crucial part of your journey. It will surely help you get closer to your main goal.