Here are some things to think about when setting total test and section test score requirements for your institution or when thinking about admitting a student whose TOEFL® scores are below the set score requirements.
Evaluate the consequences of score requirements that are too high or too low
What are the consequences of setting score requirements too high or too low?
See the Score Requirements and Classification Decisions article to help you answer this question.
Consider the English language demands of your program and available language support
How linguistically demanding is the instruction?
What English language support is available to students once they start their academic journey?
Consider all relevant information about English language proficiency
What other data points do you have that provide information on students’ language proficiency?
This is particularly important for students who have language test scores close to the minimum score requirement.
Make decisions about language proficiency based on comprehensive assessment of ability
What is the best total test score requirements for your academic context?
What are the best section test score requirements for your academic context (e.g., reading, listening, speaking, writing)?
Include other information when making decisions
What other information is available from test providers about test taker performance (e.g., percentile ranks, score mapping, score concordances)?
Review score requirements regularly
Do score requirements need to be adjusted?
How often should score requirements be reviewed?
Recommended reading: Vol. 9: Guidelines for Setting Useful Score Requirements for the TOEFL iBT® Test