The TOEFL Difference

Are you at your best in the comfort of your own home? The TOEFL iBT brings the test to you. Are you a storyteller who shines brightest when the cameras are on? TOEFL Essentials has a video option where you can share your story. 

Where other English language tests have limitations, TOEFL thrives because of its flexibility, innovation, and commitment to each student. Students bloom under different circumstances, and TOEFL’s array of testing options allows you to take the test that highlights your gifts. 

“I’m always excited when I see a student has done the TOEFL Essentials because I’m like, ‘Oh, yay! There’s going to be a video with this.’ I get to put a name with the face. I get to hear them say in their own words in less of a scripted way than it might be in their statement of purpose… having these videos is a great way to sort of make that personal connection to them.” —Maggie Wolford, Admissions Expert, Binghamton University

Make A Personal Connection

During a recent interview, each of our esteemed admissions experts echoed the importance of making a personal connection. Applications are often dumbed down into checklists: meet the threshold for such-and-such test, graduate from a prestigious university, have a great GPA. These are all important, but they miss the most important thing — the human element. 

You are a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon with a story to tell that no one’s heard before, and that holds true for those looking at your application as well. When you put together your application, your letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose — remember that the person you’re writing to is also human. They want to relate to you, they want to sympathize with you, and they want you to succeed. 

“Tell your story. Tell us who you are, where you’re coming from. Bring your skills to the table. Once you’re here, you’re going to be able to flourish and bring those skills to life, and you will be grateful that you did. Otherwise, if you are cheating yourself by not telling us your story and telling us where you’re from, you’re not going to stand out from everyone else.” —Georgina Antillon, Admissions Expert, University of Texas at El Paso

Take Every Opportunity

TOEFL gives you an additional opportunity to make that all-so-important connection. These opportunities are few and far between, so make every one of them count. 

“Any opportunity I think that you can positively showcase yourself in front of the admissions committee is helpful.” —Jason Garner, Admissions Expert, American University

What are some ways you can create more opportunities for yourself?

• Bridge gaps in your resume (get letters of recommendation, fix your statement of purpose, etc.)
• Consider taking English-only or English as a Second Language classes
• Take the TOEFL Essentials (and make a compelling video) 
• Attend webinars, seminars, or career networking events
• Connect with recruiters, admissions officers, or faculty

 In case you missed it…

You can rewatch our informative Facebook Live session with TOEFL and admissions representatives from Binghamton University, University of Texas at El Paso, and American University to hear how you can improve your chances of admission. 

Use code COLLEGE30 on your TOEFL iBT test & COLLEGE10 for TOEFL Essentials when you register now through September 29th. For more information, including terms and conditions visit https://bit.ly/3xwZsZ2

Thanks to our friends at TOEFL for supporting this program!