When to start preparing for the IELTS and TOEFL exams is a matter of interest for most students seeking higher education abroad. A good score in either of these exams can help students get admitted to the university of their dreams and the course they want. For that reason, preparing enough and starting your preparation well in advance becomes important.
If you belong to a country where English is not the native language, you will be required to take the IELTS or TOEFL if you wish to study, shift, or apply for a PR in a country where English is spoken. The question is when should you do it? When to start preparing for the same? How long should you prepare for these exams? What is the best time to write the exam?
When Should You Start Preparing for IELTS and TOEFL Exams?
To start answering one or all of the above, let us quickly recap the important aspects of the two exams.
|
|
IELTS |
TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted by |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is conducted by British Council, IDP IELTS Australia, and Cambridge English Language Assessment. |
Test of English as a Foreign Language is conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS) |
| Accepted by/ for |
Across Europe, Australia, Canada as well as USA and Singapore. |
Across the USA and also in Europe, Australia, Canada but might vary from institute to institute |
| Test Structure |
IELTS Academic Divided into 4 sections: |
TOEFL is also broadly divided into Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking |
| Score Range |
IELTS is scored on a band range of 0 - 9 with 9 being an expert user. |
TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) is scored on a range of 0 - 120 |
| Score Validity |
Valid for 2 years |
Valid for 2 years |
| Repetitions |
Can be taken multiple numbers of times (on the days given) |
Can be repeated multiple numbers of times provided there is a gap of 3 days between two consecutive attempts |
Summarily, both the tests are similar in manner and content, and test the candidates in the same areas. As far as repeating them is concerned, they are similar too and hence would necessarily require a similar timeline. So, when should you start preparing and when should you write the exam?
The important point to note about both exams is the validity of 2 years as against the validity of a GMAT / GRE score that is for 5 years. Moreover, since a normal timeline for study abroad aspirants – from deciding to go abroad to actually going abroad, is about 18 months, this validity is of great importance. In addition, while some courses would require you to prove efficiency in the language, in some courses you might have to provide the score for visa purposes. Again, for admission processes, you would have to have the scores at least 12 months to 8 months ahead of the planned intake. For visa purposes, on the other hand, you might require it only at the time of applying for a visa, which would be about 4 months before the session begins.
You must be clear when you have to provide your IELTS score or TOEFL score. What we recommend is that you should be ready with the scores 12 months before the intended sessions. This provides the candidate with the option of applying to various session intakes across different countries where the scores are valid. Taking it too early could necessitate a re-take, and too late might cause unnecessary stress. Moreover, different universities have different timelines. In order to meet those timelines, you must be prepared with your application documents well before time.
If the course, that you are applying to, does not require you to provide an IELTS/ TOEFL score, and you only need it for visa purposes, we suggest you keep it till the time you have started with the application process. Once the letters start to arrive, you can always register and write the exam. A word of caution though…do not keep it for the last minute. You might not get a date and the delay might cause a delay in your visa application as well. Hence, either way, a 12-month window before your intended departure is suitable. We always recommend that if you are planning to study abroad, starting early is the mantra for success.
Having said all this, it is safe to say that the day you decide to go abroad for your studies is when you should ideally start preparing for these exams. Unless and until you have taken up a course which removes the necessity of a language proficiency test, these tests might be asked of you at any point. Hence, you can start preparing for these exams. Moreover, since the exams are necessarily about learning the language, preparing for them can never truly go to waste. Just brush up your language, pay more emphasis on understanding the nuances, and make it a point to communicate – both verbal and written, in the language. So, even if you are still years from your intended study abroad journey…start working on your language.
If you have doubt about which test to choose, you might want to read the following articles:
When to Start Preparing for IELTS or TOEFL FAQs
Q. How long does it take to prepare for IELTS or TOEFL?
A. The time needed to prepare for IELTS or TOEFL varies depending on several factors. Generally, most students spend 1-3 months preparing intensively. However, some may need 6 months or more, while others with advanced English skills might be ready in just a few weeks. Typically, your preparation schedule must involve:
- 2-3 hours of daily study
- Weekly practice tests
- Focused work on weaker areas
Q. What are the IELTS and TOEFL exam fees for Indian students?
A. The IELTS exam fee and the TOEFL exam fee vary slightly for Indian students. The IELTS exam fee for Indian students is ₹17,000 while the TOEFL exam fee for Indian students is ₹16,900.
The ideal duration depends on the TOEFL test taker's English proficiency and target score. Generally, dedicating 3-6 months with consistent practice sessions should yield the desired TOEFL scores. TOEFL test takers are further advised to analyze their practice test scores and identify areas needing improvement to tailor their study plan.
There is no such thing as failing or passing the TOEFL exam. The TOEFL exam is held online at a test centre near you and is also being conducted in the safety of your home via the online method. Candidates who have prepared for the TOEFL would qualify for the exam. Candidates should note that higher TOEFL scores would automatically increase their chances of securing a seat in the university and also make them a front runner for any scholarships being offered by the university. A low TOEFL score would require the student to re-take the exam to improve his/her performance.
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2 years ago
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5 years ago
Hi Gohul Please check the university requirements and your eligibility to meet the same here https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/germany/ms-in-mechanical-engineering-colleges-ds. All the best!
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5 years ago
5 years ago
If you want a TOEFL preparation strategy without coaching, use self-study resources like ETS, do listening practice with podcasts, improve reading skills with articles, try speaking practice by recording yourself, and do writing practice with essays for better TOEFL score.