TOEFL versus IELTS: You're Sure to Have a Preference!
These are two very different tests put together and administered by two very different organizations. We often hear of TOEFL here in the United States because it is the product of the ETS, based in Princeton NJ. The TOEFL is a good test for individuals who like the challenge of multiple-choice questions and essays which are scored holistically (similar to the way the SAT essay is scored). The test has a speaking and writing component, but the student does not have to face anyone live. Most importantly, the test-taker listens to an American speaking English on tape. The IELTS features British English and is administered by an organization associated with British universities. This test would be preferable to a student who has learned or heard English spoken by someone with a British accent. Rather than responding to a listening section by speaking into a microphone, the test-taker speaks with a person on many broad topics. Both tests are accepted by U.S. colleges. Consult the target college's website for more details and expected score ranges.