Hi guys. I am just wondering if I could use my current toefl score to apply. It is a total of 107 out of 120, but the subscore is 28/30/24/25, in the speaking part, I miss the minimum requirement by one point. Sad… And I really do not want to take another test just because that is somewhat pointless and I am simply not that kind of guy who wants perfect scores. So should I take another test? Or just use my current score for application for CMU? Thanks in advance for answering!
I don’t see the point in having a minimum test score requirement if people who have lower scores are accepted. That’s not really a minimum. Striving to meet the minimum requirement isn’t the same as trying for perfection and it’s not pointless if it makes you eligible for admission.
Have you contacted the college to ask if your scores are acceptable? They’re the ones who can give you a definitive answer.
Thanks for answering! I have contacted the admission office before and they said and I quoted
“If you have marked English as a second language on the Common Application, we will be looking for a TOEFL/ILETS test score on your application. The TOEFL/ILETS requirement cannot be waived or substituted with any other standardized test score, including but not limited to the AP/IB Examinations, the SAT, and the ACT.”.
So I am not sure if it is because the staff could not make a proper statement due to some admission issues or just simply because some random robots replies. Or… maybe it means that I have to meet the minimum score requirement?
Anyway, I see your point, tho. I should play it safe and just take another test. At least I can guarntee that wouldn’t hurt my application like the score I have now might.
FYI, I just realized that reply from CMU admission office has typos. So … definitely not bots.
Thanks again for answering!
A 25 is not a requirement; it is a recommendation. A 102 total is a requirement.
https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/international-admission-requirements
So you have met the requirement. Your application will be considered. Just know that CMU has an overall acceptance rate in the low teens, and the international acceptance rate is probably in the single digits. I seriously doubt that taking the test to get a single point improvement will bolster your already slim chances. I hope you have other schools on your list that are affordable and easier to get in. Good luck.
22% of CMU’s undergraduates are international students (https://www.cmu.edu/ira/EnrollmentFacts/pdf/fall-2017-pdfs/enrollment-facts-2017-student-enrollment-by-citizenship-race-sex.pdf). I’m not so sure that you can assume an international acceptance rate in the single digits, especially when you consider the fact that CMU doesn’t offer financial aid to them. You’re looking at a pretty self-selecting group of applicants that account for ~$107 Million in revenue for the school each year.
Good point. You may be right. Regardless, I think we can agree that CMU is extremely selective.
Thanks a lot!!! That really helps! Especially when I have more ECs to do so another TOEFL test would make my schedule really tight.
By the way, the acceptance rate for international students is pretty much like single digits for majors related to computer science programs. Engineering is about the same too. But other programs are certainly less selective.
Anyway, thanks again!!! You’ve made my day;)