<p>If someone gets 89 in Toefl ibt, and we know that MIT needs score of 90 in Toefl ibt (minimum requirements). But he did awesome in all other math and science tests like 800/800. What will they do? (Suppose, all other academics records, extracurricular works and all other things are excellent.)</p>
<p>My understanding is that MIT is pretty strict on TOEFL results. All classes are conducted in English, so it’s very important that the student be able to read, write, and listen in English.</p>
<p>I know, but 89 is not a bad score, compare to 90. </p>
<p>If you’re concerned, I recommend emailing the MIT admissions office. They can give you a direct answer.</p>
<p>Can you study more and retake the test? Or have you already applied and wondering if your TOEFL score will hold you back?</p>
<p>I think the real standard for MIT is 100. For someone who was absolutely fabulous in every other respect, they might consider a score below that, which is why they say the absolute minimum is 90. But I suspect if you look at whom they do admit, there are very few people admitted with TOEFL scores as low as 90, or anything close to it. I also imagine that below 100 subscores can matter: a substandard score in speaking may be less of a problem than a substandard score in reading or listening. If you are below 90, there is probably one area, and maybe more than one area, with deficiencies that could seriously impact your academic experience.</p>
<p>Actually, problematic area is speaking only. I got good enough marks in all other sections(around 24 in each).</p>
<p>^ Nonethelss, you’re below minimum and much below the recommended values.</p>
<p>You can still apply - you never know - but I would not have my hopes up.</p>
<p>The dictionary has a pretty good definition of minimum. Even if you got someone in admissions to agree to “consider” your application with a score below the minimum, it probably wouldn’t matter much. MIT will have lots of candidates with good TOEFL scores and great applications otherwise, so your chances would still be poor.</p>
<p>Instead of worrying about it, do something about it. If speaking English is your downfall, try to find somewhere where you can have conversations in English. The more you practice, the better you will become. Not having good conversational English skills will definitely hurt your ability to do well at MIT or pretty much any other college in the US. It is always better to be proactive rather than rely on exceptions.</p>