<p>So, I'm confused... They say they have couple of different kinds of these tests. Basically I see there are two major ones... The paper based TOEFL and Internet based one. Is there any difference between them in the sense which one of them is more appreciated by the excellent universities?</p>
<p>Many schools seem to speak about the paper based one but many person in here write about the Internet based one...</p>
<p>So when I'm taking TOEFL which one I should choose? I'm applying into Ivy League schools.</p>
<p>IBT TOEFL is the most common exam taken nowadays. Its the new version of TOEFL made by ETS (the testing agency). But you should know that the PBT is also accepted for most University even ivies, you just have to check on their website if it is mentioned.
Each of these test has a different structure.
For the IBT, you will have to perform 4 sections.
Reading
Listening
Speaking
writing
Each of them is graded on a scale of 30.
This newer version (to me) is more challenging than the old one (PBT) because the student is asked to demonstrated his or her ability to use English skills to communicate, write and understand.</p>
<p>The old one is basically a three part test.
Listening, writing, reading. You do not have the speaking part which for international student, might be tough one since you are allocated a small amount of time(30-60sc) to prepare your answer and speak. </p>
<p>Anyway it is even rare now to find a test center here in the states where the PBT is still administered. But you should know that either test is going to be OK depending on the university. For the ivies most of them require a minimum score of 100 (IBT) or 600(PBT) except UPenn where 80(IBT) is sufficient to be considered for admission.</p>
<p>I'd concur, take the IBT. Its simple, straight-forward but a little long though! Almost 3 hrs 30 mins, Everyone scores above 105, and that score is accepted everywhere, Harvard, Stanford, MIT... you name it! :P</p>
<p>If you have the choice between the two test formats, think about how comfortable you are being evaluated on your speaking skills. The iBT has speaking tasks, the PBT does not. Colleges accept both because most countries only offer one or the other test, not both.</p>
<p>even if you take IBT or PBT, most colleges want you to score like you're native on SAT's...</p>
<p>this is kinda weird and unfair...they want me to score like natives and also i am required to take IBT-PBT stuff...plus we pay more than natives :) i think we are suffering...</p>
<p>In the IBT TOEFL in the speaking part do you think they demand highly academic vocabulary. I speak fluent English but considering that I did not go to international schools or IB I do not have such a high knowledge of highly academic words even though I understand everything what I read and hear… So do you have to talk like a professor or a normal speaker?</p>
<p>I think my academic speaking part involved me summarizing a conversation about volcanism and different soil types. Sounds more painful than it actually was. A different speaking task asked me to explain what I miss most when I am away from home.</p>
<p>Academic vocabulary isn’t that important, Pictor. All you need to focus on is Fluent, Lively and appropiate dialog. (In my opinion!) By the way, the only way you lose marks is if you’re stuck with pauses and stuff…</p>
<p>Well, just keep talking is a good rule but you are evaluated on what you say and how you say it. Your online score report sort of tells you what you lost points on. I lost points on the speaking part for a few grammatical errors, unclear pronunciation and not fully developing the topic.</p>