<p>TOEFL is an acronym for Test of English as a Foreign Language and tests you on your ability to understand and respond to statements and questions in English.</p>
<p>My primary language is not English, and I've been stressing out about the TOEFL requirements for schools. I want to save some of your time (you, as in an international applicant whose primary language is not English and who is applying to an undergraduate program at an U.S. university/college).</p>
<p>Here are the TOEFL requirements for some of IVIES and TOP schools:</p>
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<p>HARVARD:
"A strong knowledge of English is essential for successful study at Harvard, including the ability to understand and express thoughts quickly and clearly. We require the results of the SAT I or ACT and two SAT II Subject Tests for all candidates. The SAT II English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) is not acceptable. Students are not required to submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) unless the SAT exams are not available in their current location. Candidates whose native language is not English should not take either of their two SAT II tests in their native language."</p>
<p>JOHNS HOPKINS:
"The TOEFL is required of all applicants who do not speak English at home AND have not attended an English-language school for five years or longer. All other international applicants are not required to submit TOEFL scores but may do so to supplement their applications. Johns Hopkins prefers a score of 600 on the written test. The preferred sub-scores for the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) are 26 (Reading), 26 (Listening), 22 (Writing), and 25 (Speaking) A score of 670 or higher on the Critical Reading section of the SAT Reasoning Test waives the TOEFL requirement for all students."</p>
<p>CORNELL:
"International students for whom English is not the first language are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. We will waive the TOEFL and/or IELTS requirement for students who have achieved a score of 670 on the Critical Reading section of the SAT or for those who have studied for at least four years in the United States or other nations where English is an official language"</p>
<p>PRINCETON:
"If English is not the primary language at your school and if English is not the primary language spoken in your home, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). You are not required to take the TOEFL if English is your native language or if you have spent at least three years at a secondary school where English is the primary language of instruction."</p>
<p>YALE:
"Yale strongly recommends the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for any applicant whose first language is not English and who has not received at least two years of his or her secondary education in an English-medium curriculum. A minimum score of 600 is required on the paper-based TOEFL, and a minimum score of 100 is required on the Web-based TOEFL."</p>
<p>COLUMBIA:
"International students who have successfully completed two years of study in an English-speaking institution may waive the TOEFL exam requirement provided they can submit relevant transcripts."</p>
<p>DARTMOUTH:
"If your first language is not English you are required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS. If you attend an English-speaking school, then we will waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. The vast majority of students admitted to Dartmouth score better than a 600 on the paper-based TOEFL, better than 250 on the computer-based TOEFL, or better than 7 on IELTS."</p>
<p>UPenn:
"Penn requires all applicants to submit the results of the SAT Reasoning Test and two (2) SAT Subject Tests, along with the TOEFL exam. However, If a student scores higher than a 650 on the Critical Reading Section of the SAT Reasoning Test, then the student is exempt from taking the TOEFL exam. If a student feels that their verbal/writing scores are not adequate enough, then the student may also want to submit a letter of recommendation from their senior year English teacher commenting on the student's ability to comprehend and write at an advanced level of English."</p>
<p>DUKE:
"The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is recommended for all students who are not native speakers of English. A minimum score of 250 (600 on paper-based test) on the TOEFL or an overall band score of 7 on the IELTS is expected for all applicants to Duke. The English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) cannot replace the TOEFL. We will use all the test information that you send to us with your writing samples in the application to evaluate your proficiency in English. If you take tests more than once, we will use your highest scores."</p>
<p>CARNEGIE MELLON:
"To be considered for admission as a freshman, you must take the following tests: SAT Reasoning Test or ACT with Writing, two SAT Subject Tests (as outlined in our application materials) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Please note that we do not accept GCE "O" level examinations for placement. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) should be taken if your native language is not English. Carnegie Mellon requires TOEFL scores of 600 or better on the pencil and paper TOEFL, 100 or better on the internet-based TOEFL or an IELTS score of 7.5 and above. Please arrange to have these scores sent no later than January 1st."</p>
<p>STANFORD:
"If English is not your native language, we recommend, but do not require, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)."</p>
<p>M.I.T.:
"No, we do not require the TOEFL for international students. However, you must submit one of the following: SAT Reasoning Test, ACT Plus Writing, or TOEFL, in addition to the required SAT Subject Tests."</p>
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<p>Hope that helped and please feel free to add on.</p>
<p>****NOTE: ACCURATE (directly taken off and quoted from school websites) AS OF SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010.</p>