Recently, I have been getting this question a lot, so I would like to address it. Here are TOP FIVE considerations for students considering a rescore on the speaking or writing section of the TOEFL iBt.
5. Am I eligible for a rescore?
Do not automatically assume that you can get a rescore. There are rules surrounding the process.
First of all, there is a time limit. You can only get a rescore if you ask for one within a 30-day time limit. So, if you took your TOEFL test two months ago, for instance, it’s too late.
You also CANNOT ask for a rescore if you have already sent your TOEFL scores to any institution. Therefore, if you have already sent your TOEFL scores to the pharmacy board, you can’t get a rescore. I recommend that if you want to leave the option open to rescore, you do NOT send your scores to any institution.
4. Do I truly believe that I will pass if I rescore?
You need to consider whether or not you fulfilled the demands of the rubrics. If you think you did and that your score was not justified, then by all means, get a rescore.
3. Am I close to my goal score?
Look, if you got 22 on the speaking, it’s pretty unlikely that they’re going to move you up to 26. ETS might be off by a point or two, but such a large change is unlikely.
2. Could it hurt me to get a rescore?
Imagine a situation in which you are a dentist, and the college you wish to attend will accept students who get 100 on the TOEFL. If you got 100, it’s probably not worth taking the chance to rescore. YOUR SCORE COULD GO DOWN. If you met the requirements, I think you should let it go and work on other areas of your application. This is my opinion only, and not a black-and-white fact.
#1: DO I HAVE THE MONEY?
This is really the bottom line. In other words, this the most important consideration. You really are not risking much, except for a little bit of money.
Right now, it’s $80 to get a rescore. This might seem like a lot of money, but if you get your goal score, you’ll forget all about it in a day.
NOTE: If they change your score, they will refund your money.
Don’t overthink it. If you feel you deserve a better score and you are close to getting it, why not rescore? It’s $80. The odds they will raise your score are about 25%. I am getting that figure from informal surveys I have taken in my group. This is not ETS data. Nonetheless, it’s probably at least CLOSE to correct.
It’s a gamble. The truth is this: This is mostly a financial risk. If you are comfortable with the financial risk, it’s probably worth a shot. This is just my opinion; and I don’t make financial decisions for test-takers.
So, “Should I get a rescore?” You have to answer that question for yourself. Hopefully now you have the knowledge to do so!
Here is a second opinion on this topic:
https://www.prepscholar.com/toefl/blog/toefl-rescore/
Thanks for reading this and thanks for being a HOUSE OF TOEFL participant!
If you have any question or would like to book a lesson, you can reach me at
[email protected] or
www.houseoftoefl.com
As always, good luck on your test.
