Proving your English skills isn’t just a formality, it is a must for students planning to study in the USA. And that’s exactly where the TOEFL, the widely preferred English proficiency test, steps in. Most top US universities accept TOEFL for admission, and many students find it gives them a real edge during the admissions process.
If you’re an Indian student planning to study in the US, then you need to prove your English language proficiency. It shows that you can understand and speak English easily. The English language proficiency is not just what universities abroad want, it is also required for your student visa.
TOEFL iBT is one of the most popular English proficiency tests available. The TOEFL exam is accepted worldwide and has a strong track record of student success.
Honestly, for many students, this TOEFL test is a big step toward getting into the university they have always wanted and starting life in a new country.
- Why TOEFL Stands Out for US-Bound Students
- How TOEFL Helps with Your Visa Application
- What TOEFL Score Should You Aim For?
- TOEFL vs IELTS vs PTE: Which is Better?
- What to Expect on TOEFL Test Day?
- TOEFL Exam for Student Visa
- Why Do So Many Indian Students Choose TOEFL?
Why TOEFL Stands Out for US-Bound Students
When we talk with students planning their US education, TOEFL is often recommended because American universities universally recognize it. Every single US university accepts TOEFL scores—from the prestigious Ivy Leagues to excellent state schools.
What's really encouraging is that most Indian students who take TOEFL end up at either their first or second-choice universities. That kind of track record speaks volumes!
How TOEFL Helps with Your Visa Application
Getting a US F-1 student visa can feel pretty stressful, right? One big thing visa officers look for is whether you’ll be able to handle classes that are completely in English. That’s where a good TOEFL score really helps—it shows them you're ready for the real deal.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
And here's something that might ease your mind: around 85% of Indian students who take the TOEFL end up getting their visas. That’s a pretty good sign. The TOEFL test checks all the stuff you’ll actually need in college—like reading textbooks, listening to lectures, joining class discussions, and writing essays. It’s not just about grammar rules—it’s about how you’ll actually use English at university.
What TOEFL Score Should You Aim For?
Most US universities look for TOEFL scores between 80 and 100. More competitive programs might ask for 100+. Don't worry if you score a bit lower though—many schools will still consider you, perhaps with some extra English support classes during your first semester.
TOEFL vs IELTS vs PTE: Which is Better?
While you might have heard of IELTS and PTE, TOEFL has the edge when it comes to US admissions. Its AI-powered scoring also helps eliminate human biases that can sometimes affect speaking and writing evaluations.
What to Expect on TOEFL Test Day?
The TOEFL test simulates real university scenarios:
- The TOEFL reading sections use actual academic passages
- Listening portions of TOEFL include lectures and campus conversations
- TOEFL Speaking tasks ask you to express your ideas clearly
- Writing sections of TOEFL exam test your ability to construct logical arguments
If you're feeling nervous about preparation, the TOEFL TestReady platform offers personalized practice that targets areas where you need the most improvement.
TOEFL Exam for Student Visa
A good TOEFL score isn't just about getting in—it can actually help during your visa interview by showing you're ready to communicate effectively on campus. It might even strengthen your applications for scholarships or teaching assistantships, which can make your visa case even stronger.
Why Do So Many Indian Students Choose TOEFL?
When we talk to Indian students about why they chose the TOEFL for their US college plans, a few things come up again and again. First off, most universities in the US accept TOEFL, so it's a safe choice. A lot of students also feel it improves their chances of getting accepted—and getting their student visa.
They like that the test actually focuses on things they’ll use in real college life, like reading tough texts, writing essays, and understanding lectures. Plus, they say the scoring feels fair, and the TOEFL from home option to take it from home makes things way more convenient. Some even mention that it helps with post-study work options too, which is a big deal for many.
If the US is your destination, TOEFL isn't just another exam-it's a valuable investment in your educational journey that can open doors to both academic and professional opportunities in America.
The University of Rhode Island can be considered a good institution that offers the ideal environment for students to learn & grow.
The institute secures a rank of #152 as part of the latest rankings of National Universities given by a major ranking platform. The institute also secures a US-wide rank of #147 for its undergraduate courses specialising in Business Studies as given by the same source.
Another major ranking platform ranks it #801 as part of its Global Universities Rankings 2025.
The average GMAT cutoff for MBA in USA ranges anywhere between 545 to 755. The applicants can aim for B-schools in USA accordingly.
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The cost of the TOEFL iBT exam in India is INR 17,999.72. This includes the fees of TOEFL registration and reporting of scores to up to four institutions or agencies.