TOEFL

The TOEFL syllabus is structured into four main sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is designed to assess different language skills necessary for academic success in an English-speaking environment.TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2025 SectionNumber of QuestionsDurationDescriptionReading20 questions35 minutesCandidates read passages and answer questions based on comprehension.Listening28 questions36 minutesInvolves answering questions about lectures and conversations.Speaking4 tasks16 minutesCandidates speak on familiar topics and discuss material they have read or listened to.Writing2 tasks29 minutesInvolves writing responses based on reading passages and listening to lectures.

A score of 85 on the TOEFL would be considered below average for admission to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, particularly given that medical schools usually need a high level of English proficiency from their overseas applicants. Strong communication skills are essential for both academic and clinical success in graduate programs like medical degrees, and the majority of U.S. medical schools, including Icahn School of Medicine, typically need a minimum TOEFL score of about 100.A score of 85 might not be enough for the extremely competitive and demanding medical school at Icahn, even though it might be taken into consideration for some programs or as part of a conditional admission (with language proficiency criteria). It may be recommended that you take action to raise your score if your TOEFL score is 85 or that you provide proof of your skill through other English-language assessments or previous coursework.

For Parkland College (in the US), a TOEFL score of 85 is usually regarded as an excellent score because it usually satisfies the minimal English language criteria for the majority of undergraduate programs. For some programs, Parkland College, like many other community schools, accepts TOEFL scores between 61 and 80, therefore a score of 85 is more than the required minimum. It shows a strong grasp of the English language and ought to be enough to get you into a lot of programs. Higher criteria, particularly for programs that require strong English proficiency for success in specialised professions, may apply to some particular programs.

Given that NUS is one of the best institutions in the world, admittance to the school is quite hard. Several things affect your chances of getting in, such as your test results, extracurricular activities, academic standing, and how well your profile fits the requirements of the program. Depending on the course you're looking for, NUS usually needs undergraduate applicants to have outstanding academic records and high grades in disciplines like physics, maths, or other specialised fields.NUS evaluates your English ability (typically via IELTS or TOEFL), standardised test scores (SAT, ACT, or A-Level grades), and perhaps an interview or personal statement to determine your interest and programme fit in addition to your academic credentials. It is crucial to get a high TOEFL or IELTS score, particularly if you are coming from a non-English speaking background. 

Although your chances for prestigious universities may be limited due to your lower-than-average TOEFL iBT score of 55, there are still several universities that may accept you for undergraduate or foundation programs. A score of 55 may be sufficient for admission to programs that offer extra help for English language skills, as many colleges have a minimum TOEFL score requirement.Although you might need to demonstrate your proficiency in other ways, such as through additional coursework or interviews, the following universities may still accept your application if your TOEFL iBT score is 55:State Universities in USColleges in Canada Universities in the UK Australian UniversitiesCalifornia State University University of SaskatchewanUniversity of HertfordshireUniversity of TasmaniaMississippi UniversityLakehead UniversityUniversity of PortsmouthSouthern Cross UniversityUniversity of Arizona University of Manitoba