What International Students Need to Know About English Proficiency Requirements
With many schools opting for test-optional admissions, it’s easy to assume that standardized testing no longer matters. While that may be increasingly true for exams like the SAT, ACT, or SSAT, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) remains a critical requirement for most international applicants to U.S. boarding schools and colleges. Why? Because a strong command of the English language is fundamental to academic success—and schools need a consistent, reliable way to measure it.
For international students applying to competitive U.S. boarding schools, the TOEFL score often plays a pivotal role in the admissions process. In fact, some schools use the TOEFL as a screening tool—requiring applicants to meet a minimum score even before granting an interview. In these cases, the TOEFL is not just another component of the application; it’s the key to having your application considered in the first place.
Colleges and universities typically rely on TOEFL scores for a different reason: consistency across a wide range of educational systems. Since admissions officers may not be familiar with grading scales or English instruction quality in every country, a standardized test like the TOEFL offers a common benchmark. Unlike boarding schools, universities don’t usually have the capacity to interview every applicant, so your TOEFL score may be the primary way to demonstrate your readiness for college-level English.
Which TOEFL Test Should You Take?
The right TOEFL version depends on your age and academic level:
- TOEFL iBT: The most widely accepted version for undergraduate university admissions and also welcomed by most senior boarding schools.
- TOEFL Junior: Designed for younger students (Grades 5–8), this test uses more age-appropriate content and structure, making it a better fit for middle school or elementary applicants.
- Duolingo English Test: Gaining popularity for its cost-effectiveness and convenience, this test is accepted by some high schools and many colleges—but it’s always best to check whether your target schools recognize it.
What TOEFL Score Should You Aim For?
It’s important to understand that once you meet the required TOEFL threshold, higher scores don’t necessarily boost your chances. For example, if your target university typically admits students with a TOEFL score of 105, scoring a 110 or 115 won’t give you a major advantage. That’s because most U.S. institutions follow a holistic admissions process: once the English requirement is met, your essays, activities, interview, and overall profile take center stage.
So yes, take the TOEFL if required. But don’t over-invest your time and energy trying to inch your score higher if you’ve already hit the benchmark. That time is better spent improving other parts of your application that show who you are beyond test scores.
TOEFL Waivers: Not All Schools Are the Same
Some families assume the TOEFL isn’t necessary if their child has studied in English for several years, but that’s not always the case. TOEFL waiver policies vary widely across schools.
- Some institutions will waive the TOEFL if the student has studied in an English-medium school for two or more years.
- Others are more cautious, requiring five or more years of English-language education and even official documentation confirming the curriculum is fully English-based.
- In many cases, if the student holds a passport from a non-English-speaking country or is currently enrolled outside the U.S., the TOEFL is automatically required, regardless of the school’s language of instruction.
Even students in countries like Singapore, where English is the official language and main medium of instruction, are sometimes asked to submit TOEFL scores—mainly due to unfamiliarity among U.S. admissions officers with the local system.
The takeaway? Don’t assume you qualify for a waiver, always check with the school directly!
Challenges of TOEFL for Younger Students—and What’s Changing
The traditional TOEFL iBT was originally designed for college-aged students, which made it especially difficult for younger test-takers. Common problems included:
- Academic reading passages that required background knowledge beyond a middle school curriculum
- A test length exceeding two hours, which can tax younger students’ stamina
- Listening and speaking tasks designed for mature learners with advanced vocabulary and critical thinking skills
Even native English speakers sometimes struggle with TOEFL if they lack experience with academic texts.
Recognizing these challenges, ETS—the organization behind TOEFL—has launched updates to make the test more accessible for a wider range of students:
- Starting January 2026, TOEFL iBT will include multistage adaptive testing in Reading and Listening, meaning shorter sections tailored in real-time to the student’s skill level.
- The overall test time is being reduced, and scores will be released within approximately 72 hours.
- New tasks like email writing and virtual speaking simulations make the test more reflective of real-world academic communication.
- Scores will be presented on both the traditional 0–120 scale and a 1–6 CEFR-aligned scale, helping students and families better understand how their performance aligns with international language benchmarks.
What This Means for You
For international applicants, the TOEFL remains a critical part of the application process—even in a test-optional world. While it’s not always a make-or-break factor, it often serves as a gatekeeper that can determine whether your application moves forward at all.
The best approach? Take the TOEFL, meet the benchmark for your target schools, and then shift your focus to crafting a compelling, well-rounded application. And if you’re applying at a younger age, know that improvements to the TOEFL are coming to make the experience smoother and more relevant to your level.
For further guidance navigating the TOEFL, contact Sesameed anytime for a free consultation!