How to How to Appeal a TOEFL Result

Introduction

Your Test of English as a Foreign Language--or TOEFL--score can determine whether or not you are accepted at an English-speaking university. Most English-speaking universities require a score of at least 213 for admission. If you feel that your TOEFL score does not reflect your true spoken or written ability in English and a university has denied you admission based solely on your TOEFL result, you can sometimes appeal that particular university's admission decision.

Steps

1 Step One

Determine your exact TOEFL score and the TOEFL score requirement of the university to which you were denied admittance.

2 Step Two

Know that if you were denied admission based solely on the results of your TOEFL exam, some universities merely require that you retake the TOEFL exam before admittance.

3 Step Three

Investigate the university's admission policies to determine whether you will be allowed to appeal your denial of admission based on a TOEFL score. Some universities, for example, administer an alternate and additional English test or have additional English course requirements for students who have not met the minimum TOEFL standard.

4 Step Four

Consider applying to schools that allow you to appeal the TOEFL test as an admissions requirement. Some American schools will allow you to write a letter, stating that your English is strong enough that you do not need to take the TOEFL exam to show proficiency. You will need to send supporting documentation along with your letter.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be easier to retake the TOEFL, rather than appealing its results.
• Always go through the proper channels when communicating with a university. Determine whether the university has an admissions review committee or an appeals board, as these should be the groups to whom you communicate your appeal.
• You cannot appeal your TOEFL score to the ETS, which administers the exam, except under extraordinary circumstances. Instead, you must appeal to individual universities.
• A university may have denied you admission for reasons other than, or in addition to, your TOEFL score. Be sure that you know exactly why you have been denied admission.