TOEFL iBT
TOEFL iBT is an English proficiency test used by US universities to evaluate international applicants whose first language is not English.
Key Facts
- • Four sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing. Total score out of 120.
- • Test length: about 2 hours. Administered year-round at Korean test centers.
- • Most top US universities expect 100+ for competitive applicants; some require specific section minimums.
- • An English-medium education of 3+ years may waive the TOEFL at some schools — verify per-school.
- • Duolingo English Test (DET) and IELTS are accepted by most schools as alternatives.
What it tests
TOEFL iBT is four sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing — each scored 0-30 for a total of 120. It's designed to predict whether an applicant can succeed in a US university classroom where instruction, reading, and assignments are all in English.
The Speaking section is where Korean students most often lose points. It's a computer-recorded monologue in response to a prompt, not a live conversation. Strong Reading and Listening scores alone won't carry you if Speaking drags.
How US schools actually use it
Every US university with international applicants sets a minimum TOEFL score, typically in the 80-100 range. Top-tier schools (Ivy League, MIT, Stanford, top liberal arts) expect 100+, and some publish section minimums (e.g. Speaking 23+).
Two important nuances for Korean students:
- Korean international-school students who've done 3+ years in an English-medium curriculum can sometimes waive the TOEFL, but the rules vary by school. Always check the specific university's admissions page. Don't assume an IB or AP background equals a waiver.
- Duolingo English Test is shorter, cheaper, and now accepted at most US universities. For students who find TOEFL cost or scheduling painful, DET is a legitimate alternative — just confirm acceptance with each target school.
Reviewed by Sprint Admissions Team · Updated April 2026
Related terms
SAT (Digital)
The SAT is a standardized college admissions test administered by the College Board; since March 2024 it has been fully digital, shorter, and adaptive.
IELTS
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized English proficiency test accepted by most US universities as an alternative to the TOEFL — a 4-section exam scoring 0–9 in each section and averaged into an overall band score.
International Student
An international student in US college admissions is any applicant who is not a US citizen or permanent resident — a category that includes Korean nationals studying in Korea, at international schools abroad, or even at US boarding schools, and which carries distinct admissions rules, financial aid policies, and visa requirements.