How important is a TOEFL score for top schools?

Graduate School
1

<p>Is it possible that a strong international candidate can be admitted conditionally for PhD in Computer Science, even if he has received low TOEFL score, e.g. ~68? Someone heard any stories?</p>

<p>I just wonder in general case since I know such situations (including partially me, I passed the exam less than I am able to pass). I suppose it is not possible for a strong candidate (with good grades, research experience, publications), but not really strong, such that he/she has publications on the best conferences. What do you think?</p>

2

<p>This totally depends on the graduate school, I think. Because the grad school hast certain cutoffs, so that they might not even forward your application to the department. But this varies from university to university. You should better check with your graduate school of interest.</p>

3

<p>The question is regarding mostly MIT. I do not know weather they have this kind of cutoffs.</p>

4

<p>Either check their website or email them.</p>