How to Prepare for the TOEFL Test

If you're a non-English speaking student who wants to attend a university that requires English or uses English as their primary language, you'll want to take the TOEFL test.  Because over 6,000 colleges and universities around the world accept scores from this test for admission, a good TOEFL score is necessary.  Once you pass the test, you'll be able to use your scores for two years – so it's a good idea to take it now, even if you aren't sure where you want to go to school. 

Getting a good score on the test is important, but how do you prepare to take this test?  There are several different options available, depending on your needs and study skills.  TOEFL test preparation materials are available online and offline.  Choosing the right prep materials comes down to several different factors – including your personal study style, your budget and the amount of time left before the exam.

First, it's best to identify how you learn and retain information.  If you are someone who learns best from direct contact with a teacher, consider signing up for an offline classroom-based prep course.  These courses will give you structured lessons to follow and allow for helpful interactions between you and the teacher.  If you're a more self-directed student, you may be able to design and follow your own study program using exam review books and online prep resources.

It's also important to consider how much money you have to spend on TOEFL preparation.  Hiring a private tutor can be very helpful, but it can also be very expensive!  The same goes for offline classes – you may find that some of these programs have hefty price tags to cover the space rental, any materials provided and a stipend for the teacher.  But don't worry if you don't have this kind of money – you can find free review products at your local library or online.  Also, check with your local government or community organizations – they may offer scholarships or waivers for testing fees.

Finally, how you choose to prepare for the TOEFL will depend on how much time remains before the exam.  Obviously, it's best to have several weeks or months in which to set up and carry out a good test prep program.  When you have more time to prepare, you can use practice tests to identify your weak spots and then spend time addressing each of these areas.  If you don't have this much time to prepare, you'll want to organize a general study plan that gives you exposure to each section of the test – even if you aren't able to go in depth into any of them.

Since so many universities and colleges require scores from the TOEFL test for admissions, adequately preparing for the test is crucial.  Whether you decide to prepare online, with a classroom-based prep course, or with a printed study guide, the importance of passing the TOEFL course can't be stressed enough.  Your future is depending on it!