How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

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Our Counselors Answered:

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?
Kathleen HarringtonOwnerNew Jersey College Consulting

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

Plan your exams accordingly. With proper preparation and remediation you score can improve significantly. There is no limit on the amount of times you can take the TOEFL test however, keep in mind that preparation and dedication are key in increasing your score. Be mindful of application deadline dates. You want all your application materials and test scores to be available when a college counselor is reviewing your application. To register and take a test close to the application deadline, may hold up the review of your application because of a missing TOEFL score.

Keep in mind that you will need to focus time and attention on your applications. If you have to take exams on top of completing applications, you may be adding stress to your college process. Fee waivers are accepted for US residents. An application for a fee-reduction can be found on the TOEFL website in addition to reduction guidelines.
Reecy ArestyCollege Admissions/Financial Aid Expert & AuthorPayless For College, Inc.

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

If you think you can continue to improve your score, go for it!

Reecy ArestyCollege Admissions/Financial Aid Expert & AuthorPayless For College, Inc.

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

If you think you can continue to improve your score, go for it! If your family is at or slightly above the poverty level – absolutely.

Claire Law

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

You may take the TOEFL as many times as you need, however, the score is not likely to change significantly unless you have acquired substantially more language proficiency. Fee waiver: some US colleges grant a fee waiver to international students though most don’t. One of the reasons is that international students must provide proof of sufficient funds before being admitted. The one exception to this may be the Ivy League Universities because they have more means to fund a meritorious student. Therefore, asking for a fee waiver will signal the university that the international student will likely not have the self-provided funds to study in the US.

Renee Boone

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

You may take the TOEFL as many times as you like, heeding the minimum number of days required between tests. Fee reduction vouchers (one-half the regular fee) are available to US high school seniors with financial need. Guidelines, procedures and eligibility are outlined at the TOEFL website.

Renee Boone

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

You may take the TOEFL as many times as you like, heeding the minimum number of days required between tests. Fee reduction vouchers (one-half the regular fee) are available to US high school seniors with financial need. Guidelines, procedures and eligibility are outlined at the TOEFL website.

Helen Cella

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

5 yes

Nicholas Umphrey

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

The TOEFL is a different exam than most college admissions exams in that your most recent score is the score that is honored. Unlike the SAT or ACT where the highest score is honored in multiple tries. Thus, take the TOEFL when you feel like you have a good command of the English language. As a rule of thumb, most tests are worth taking 2 times. Fee waivers are available to those with financial need.

Jennifer CounselorMilpitas High School

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

one test only and you can ask for a fee waiver

Carita Del ValleFounderAcademic Decisions

Just one!

Just one is sufficient

David AllenManaging DirectorGlobal College Counselors Ltd

Once or twice

I’d say a couple of times is the most to try it – once to get a feel for the type of questions and how to prepare and then again to try and improve your score. Ask for the fee waiver only if you qualify.

Shannon BradyAcademic & College CounselorBrady College Counseling

TOEFL Info

Plan to take the TOEFL test two to three months before your earliest application deadline so your scores arrive at your institutions in time. Find application deadlines by checking the institution’s website.

You can get a fee reduction, not a fee waiver.
Robin Farris

TOEFL exams and fee waivers

You may only ask for one fee waiver during your senior year when applying to colleges. You can, however, take the TOEFL as many times as you would like before the application deadline, as well as after the deadline, you can take it again and send those scores as well, especially if your scores have improved.

Don Tamminga

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

I would go to the official TOEFL cite in order to find the answers to these questions. Generally, take the exam as often as you can until you achieve the score you want. Also, fee waivers depend on family income and need so the official cite again is where I would go.

Helen H. ChoiOwnerAdmissions Mavens

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

You may take as many TOEFL exams as you wish, but try to make sure you prepare wisely as you don’t want to waste time and money taking exams for which you are ill-prepared.

If you are a college bound non-native English speaker and a high school senior, you may be eligible for a fee waiver if you meet certain other financial requirements. Please check out the ETS site here for more information: http://www.ets.org/s/toefl/pdf/toefl_fee_reduction_service_guidelines.pdf
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How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

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Laura O’Brien GatzionisFounderEducational Advisory Services

TOEFL

Ideally you should take it one time and try to score above a 100 for the most competitive schools. There is no limit to the number of times you can take it but you will pay the fee for each sitting.

Seniors attending high school in the United States who are non-native speakers might be eligible for a one-time reduced fee depending on their demonstrated need. This does not count for foreign exchange students. Go to the TOEFL site for details.
Tyler BurtonPresident Burton College Tours

It depends

Students may sit for the TOFEL as many times as they wish to increase their score. A score is considered valid for two years from the test date. I recommend that students compare their TOEFL scores to that of the admissions requirements of schools that they are considering as good fit schools. If a student has a TOEFL score that is a good match with the schools that they are applying to then they should stop taking the exam. International students who attend a high school in the US and who are required to take the TOFEL to apply to an American college or university may apply for a fee waiver. The eligibility of a TOFEL fee waiver is determined by economic need and not by merit.

Nina BerlerFounderunCommon Apps

TOEFL

TOEFL is a test of English proficiency administered by the Educational Testing Service. It is given online as the TOEFL iBT, but there is also a version called the TOEFL PBT. Prospective test takers need to check with their location to see which version is available.

You may test an unlimited amount of times without penalty, and there is no passing or failing score. Students should look into what score their target colleges are looking for in order to make a sound decision about retaking the test. Regarding fees, there is a fee reduction service, but that is intended for students residing in the United States who plan to take the test. These students receive vouchers, but they must be seniors in high school and can only use the voucher one time.
Kristina DooleyIndependent Educational ConsultantEstrela Consulting

TOEFL Exams and Fee Reduction Waivers

The number of times a nonnative English speaking student should take the TOEFL depends on the individual student. Many students take the exam just once or twice…similar to the number of times a student would sit for an ACT or SAT.

Since the exam measures your level of English comprehension, it is important to remember that if you take the exam more than once, you should have had a substantial amount of time to improve your skills between exams. Also, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) recommends you take the TOEFL at least 2-3 months before any college application deadlines so that your score reports are ready in time. As for a fee waiver, ETS does offer a “Fee Reduction Service” to high school seniors studying in the U.S. who meet certain criteria for financial need. More information can be found on the ETS website: http://www.ets.org/s/toefl/pdf/toefl_fee_reduction_service_guidelines.pdf.
Connie Boger

TOEFL

I would assume you can take the TOEFL as many times as you wish to pay for it (like the SAT and ACT). I would have to research this. I am also uncertain about the fee waiver.

Dr. Stabile

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

There is not a limit on the number of times you can take the TOEFL. The Fee waver designed for high school students in the United States with financial need who are applying to colleges and universities where TOEFL scores are recommended or required.

Jennifer HawleySchool CounselorHill Regional Career HS

TOEFL

I am not as familiar with TOEFL as I would like to be. I have only had ONE student in my nine years as a counselor take the exam. I know that there are not many opportunities for fee waivers. This student was in DCF care and they paid fro the test but the fee waiver options are not there for students, and certainly not as accessible as college board SAT or application waivers. Researching toefl is something I plan to do in the near future. I believe just like the SAT taking the test once or twice would sufffice.

Susan KarasekGuidance CounselorEstrella Foothills High School

How many times should I take the TOEFL exam and can I get a fee waiver?

The TOEFL test is offered 30-40 times per year and is not limited to how many times a student may take the exam. Best practice is to check with the schools you plan to attend for score requirements. Keep in mind the exam costs vary depending on your location but may range between US $160.00-$250.00. US High School seniors may request one free fee waiver who meet the criteria, however, US High School juniors and foreign exchange students are not eligible for this benefit.

Joan BrittFounder/OwnerCollege Fit for U LLC

TOEFL Exam: How Many to Take and Available Fee Reduction

Each institution has its own TOEFL score requirement, and students can retake the TOEFL as many times as desired. Therefore, it is up to the student as to how many times he/she takes the test. However, the final sitting should be two-three months before the earliest application deadline to ensure that scores will be received by the institution for consideration. As for fee waivers, a fee reduction voucher is available to U.S. high school seniors with financial need. This voucher reduces the TOEFL fee by half, so an eligible student will be responsible for one-half the fee plus any applicable tax. There is a fee reduction voucher form that must be completed. Please review the following link for more details. http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/about/fees/

Jill RaySchool Counselor

TOEFL exams and fee waivers?

You should only need to take one, but it should be current (no more than two years old). Of course you can ask for a fee waiver! The College Board will decide if you are eligible.

Rick ThompsonHigh School CounselorGarland ISD

just once in a seven day period

You may take the TOEFL test once in any seven-day period. This applies even if you took the test and then cancelled your scores. If you try to take it more than once within seven days, your first score is the only score that will be reported and you will not receive a refund for the second test. College-bound nonnative speakers of English with demonstrated financial need who are in their senior year and attend high school in the United States are eligible for the fee reduction service. Financial need is primarily determined by membership in a family whose annual income falls at or below the following guidelines:

Woodrow DunnAcademic CounselorFreedom High School

How many TOEFL exams should I take?

I would refrain from taking the TOEFL more than twice and certainly not more than three times, as it will not look good with your application information.

Brad JacksonDirector of College CounselingSan Domenico School

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

You can take as many TOEFL Exams as you need. When you submit your TOEFL you only send in one score and colleges do not know how many times you took the test.

I am not sure if you are asking about Fee Waivers for the TOEFL or for College Applications. Both are possible to get. Students in the USA can get ETS fee reductions. There are no waivers I know of for students outside the US. College applications can allow for fee waivers, each college differs in how they are given but your school counselor can approve you for the waiver in most cases if you meet the criteria.
John Smith

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

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Pamela Hampton-GarlandOwnerScholar Bound

TOEFL

The TOEFL exam measures competency in the English Language. It can be taken once per calendar year and they offer a “fee reduction service” for individuals needing that service. For additional information on the fee reduction program go to ETS site and search for TOEFL “fee reduction guidelines” it is a pdf document. This service is for high school students who need the help. Remember because you can only take it once per calendar year be prepared to do well on it the first time if you are a senior, and if not it may benefit you to get exposure to the test by trying it earlier than your senior year.

Ryan JohnSchool CounselorBethlehem High School

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

You should research the individual admissions pages on the college’s websites you are interested in to see what the average TOEFL score they are looking for is. You can take the TOEFL as many times as you’d like, however, you should be taking the last TOEFL exam at least 3-4 months in advance of your earliest college admission deadline. You can apply for a fee waiver through the TOEFL website, however, the fee waiver does not cover the entire cost of the exam, only half of it. You will still be required to pay half, or roughly $88 in New York (fees vary by country and state).

Ryan JohnSchool CounselorBethlehem High School

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

You should research the individual admissions pages on the college’s websites you are interested in to see what the average TOEFL score they are looking for is. You can take the TOEFL as many times as you’d like, however, you should be taking the last TOEFL exam at least 3-4 months in advance of your earliest college admission deadline. You can apply for a fee waiver through the TOEFL website, however, the fee waiver does not cover the entire cost of the exam, only half of it. You will still be required to pay half, or roughly $88 in New York (fees vary by country and state).

王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

it is hard to manage for having more than three times

In China websites promote ESL and conditional admission for highly selected colleges. Is that true? So that means a student that doesn’t have english proficiency level can gain US college admissions. Misleading. Partially true that a handful of ivy selected college do that conditional admissions for international students who did not meet the min language req. however, that’s not equal to zero english or a student with a toefl of 90 for instance. Some of the schools of the conditional admission policy would require a student with toefl 95 to take additional english classes and use that as condition for college acceptance. On the other hand, students did not need the language prof req and accepted as lang prof req will face tremendous challenges. Will affect curriculum selection, design, grades, and grad school admisson competition. Question is: is it wise to go to highly selective colleges until conditional admission? My answer: depends. If the student is highly motivated, has an academic plan, possess learning skills, time management, all that is needed is more time to catch up to suceed in college. But in reality, the majority of chinese students are not prepared to take on the challenge. The reason that a lot of chinese students fail to take the challenges for example many are dealing with transition issues and learn to cope with different education system, different academic req, different campus setting all at the same time, their focus is not on taking the academic challenges as well as other important participation such as social network. It is true that not only the students but parents both fell proud simply because they are attending brand name university. Question is: students may get in the same diploma from different school but def have different experiences – definitely more importatn behind the diploma – transcript. Directly related to how they’re going to use the diploma, what they’re going to try to accomplish after college. How to use the diploma is more important than getting the diploma itself, in my opinion. For those not so selective colleges, conditional admissions is used to attract int. students with special program.s special programs are designed with different resources from college pov. Students ultimatly limited themselves in many different ways. More like a brand name product exported to china with a same brand name. same situtation applied to (more like a lexus car in china –difference is chinese lexus is different, different components and designs – not the same as lexus in america). Some colleges call conditional adm “pathway”. Whatever name is used, bottom line is students must consider what type of experience they’re expecting from a particular college under conditional admissions. People taking different classes – different experience – all behind same diploma. Pay money for just taking English classes – your transcript isn’t the same because you can’t get as many experiences. When people look for job people, they look at the transcript.

ESL is a program typically offered and provided by a third party language organization or the university itself. ESL has different levels and may count for university credits as part of undergrad total credits. It is not a standarized program – varies from school to school. Once the students have satisfyed the esl program and successfully completed the program, then the student is allowed to take undergrad classes working towards undergrad diploma/degree. Some of the esl programs are off campus. And administrated by companies like ETS. Whether conditional admission student or ESL student, as a student you have many options. Most important option is transcript. However if admisions documentation is handled by chinese agencies and you do not have those copies, you may need to submit another set of documentations to qualify for admissions. The challenge of transferring to another school is that the majority of the studnets do not have the original documentations and those doc may not be the same or real, authentic documentations that the students can produce later on for transfer. Most of the chinese students do not understand that an application is a contract between student and school that has to guarantee the authentity of doc. Otherwise it’s a fraud with consequences. The school may dismiss students, financial aid may be taken away, visa status may be in jeopardy. Ivy counselors network believe that the chinese students must consider apply direct (program we offer) to avoid the authentity of the documentation and position themselves and put themselves in the best position for transfer. A lot of students from china end up with esl conditional admissions don’t understand they don’t need to go to the college they were accepted even if they finish esl there. They’re in a position to transfer. Don’t know how to transfer – don’t know they can. A lot of ESL and conditional students actually are academically talented and willing to take up more challenges and end up at the wrong school because the majority of the esl and conditional admissions school are not highly selective – not the right schools for those students. Those students don’t know they don’t have to stay there for undergrad.
Marcia Berenter

TOEFL test

Students can take the the TOEFL test more than once but usually it is recommended to not take it more than once. Students who are on free and reduced lunch programs can qualify for fee waivers

Saroj Jagernauth

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

As many as necessary and yes .. it will be worthwhile to ask for a fee waiver.

Jonathan DunnDirectorCreative College Counseling, LLC

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

I think that an international student for whom English is not their first language should take the TOEFL around three times. In my experience, the vast majority students increase their score with each administration because their English skills improve as time passes. Students taking the TOEFL can request a fee waiver but they need to be attending high school in the United States and they must meet certain strict family income guidelines.

Darla Andrews

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

No more than 3. You can apply for a fee waiver if you meet certain criteria

Amy Thompson

TOEFL exams

How many TOEFL exams you take will depend on the institution that you are applying to. You must first find out what score the institution will accept. There is no specific failing or passing score. A student can take the exam as many times as they like and it is given several times (30 plus) throughout the year. There is not a “fee waiver” for the exam but you may request a “fee reduction” as long as you are a senior in a U.S. high school and you are not a native English speaker. It is also based on financial need. There are specific guidelines for this and you can look them up on the TOEFL website.

Mitch ClarkExecutive DirectorCollege Sherpa

Planning and Preparation for the TOEFL

Like the ACT or SAT, students can take the TOEFL multiple times to improve their scores. However, since the test measures how well a student can listen, read and write English, it is recommended that enough time is allowed between tests for focused practice on those areas. Students requiring the TOEFL exam who need a fee waiver really need to plan and prepare well before taking the exam. Fee reduction vouchers are only available one time in the senior year to students in the United States who meet the requirements and plan on applying to schools that require the TOEFL. If you need the voucher, you should take several practice tests prior to your senior year to ensure your are prepared to do well on the actual exam.

Christina ReynoldsGuidance Counselor

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

How many times a student takes the TOEFL depends on the student and how prepared they are to take the exam when they take it. It is recommended to take it not more than 1-2 times. It you think you may qualify for a fee waiver you should look up the financial guidelines for receiving one.

Sarah ContomichalosManagerEducational Advisory Services, LLC

TOEFL: How Many Times & Cost

The TOEFL is expensive and they do not offer fee waivers. TOEFL offers fee reductions for non-native English speakers in a US high school http://www.ets.org/s/toefl/pdf/toefl_fee_reduction_service_guidelines.pdf.

Each college has a minimum TOEFL score requirement of at least 80 on the IBT version. Check on the individual college website for the specific policy. In view of the time and expense, although there is not limit to the amount of times a student can take TOEFL, I suggest doing preparation and taking the test no more than three times.
ravi balaIndependent8thSquare.org

TOEFL for International Students

TOEFL is designed primarily for students for whom English is neither a primary language nor the primary medium of instruction. You can technically take the TOEFL as many times as you want but you have to pay the registration fee for each attempt. Fee reduction/waiver for TOEFL is not available to International Students,

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How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

80 ibt

Annie ReznikCounselor/CEOCollege Guidance Coach

TOEFL Tips

The TOEFL examination is used to determine a student’s language proficiency. It should not be used to determine a candidate’s potential for academic success at a given institution. Therefore, you should determine the minimum score needed to demonstrate proficiency and prepare and take the TOEFL until that level is satisfied. Unlike the SAT, an above average score won’t be a plus factor for admission. If you do not meet the minimum score to satisfy proficiency requirements, don’t be discouraged. Some schools (University of Maryland for one) offer semi-intensive English instruction alongside collegiate coursework for students still needing support for proficiency.

As for a fee waiver, domestic students should seek one from their high school counselor. Students who will need an F1 visa for matriculation are unlikely to receive a fee waiver for the TOEFL.
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How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

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王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

three in total is the best way to go

it is difficult for Chinese international students to schedule and take the exams due to location and capacity issues in China, however, if the student can schedule three exams together ahead of deadline, she or he can always cancel the exams if satified with the first test results. it is not common to ask for a fee waviver outside the US so students must prepay fees as part of the policy.

Mr C CoakleyPresidentAcademic Coaching Services

How many TOEFL exams should I take before the application deadline and can I ask for a fee waiver?

There is no limit on the number of tests you can take. To my knowledge, though, fee waivers are only available on a limited basis (to US students with financial need). Consult the ETS site for more information on fee waivers.