TOEFL vs IELTS: Which English Test Do US Colleges Want?

US colleges need proof you can handle coursework in English. For most international students, that means taking either the TOEFL iBT or the IELTS Academic. Both are accepted at nearly every US institution, so the real question is which one sets you up for a stronger score with less friction. This guide breaks down the differences, score equivalencies, exemption policies, and how to choose.

How TOEFL and IELTS Compare

Both tests measure reading, listening, speaking, and writing in English. The format and delivery are quite different.

The biggest practical difference is the speaking section. TOEFL has you talk to a computer screen. IELTS puts you face-to-face with a human examiner. Which one feels more natural to you matters more than most students realize.

Score Equivalencies

ETS and the British Council don't publish an official concordance, but colleges and testing organizations use broadly accepted equivalencies. Here are the ranges that matter for US admissions.

What Scores Do Specific Schools Require

Requirements vary significantly. Here are some examples to calibrate your expectations.

Top-10 (TOEFL 100-105+ / IELTS 7.0-7.5+):

• Harvard: TOEFL recommended but no minimum listed; competitive applicants typically score 110+
• MIT: TOEFL 100+ minimum (recommends 105+ with 23+ per section), IELTS not preferred but accepted
• Stanford: TOEFL 100+, IELTS accepted
• Columbia: TOEFL 105+, IELTS 7.5+

Top 20-50 (TOEFL 90-100 / IELTS 7.0):

• NYU: TOEFL 100+, IELTS 7.5+
• University of Michigan: TOEFL 100+ (minimum 23 per section), IELTS 7.0+
• Boston University: TOEFL 90-100+, IELTS 7.0+
• Tulane: TOEFL 90+, IELTS 6.5+

Top 50-100 (TOEFL 80-90 / IELTS 6.5):

• Penn State: TOEFL 80+, IELTS 6.5+
• Arizona State: TOEFL 61+, IELTS 6.0+
• Purdue: TOEFL 80+ (88+ for some programs), IELTS 6.5+

When You Might Be Exempt

Many US colleges waive the English proficiency requirement in specific situations. Check each school's policy, but common exemptions include:

English-medium instruction. If you've attended a school where English is the primary language of instruction for the last 3-4 years, many schools waive the requirement. The exact number of years varies: some schools require 2 years, others require 4 or your entire secondary education.

Citizenship or residency in an English-speaking country. Citizens or permanent residents of countries like the UK, Australia, Canada (except Quebec in some cases), Ireland, New Zealand, and Singapore are often exempt.

Strong SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing score. Some schools accept a high SAT verbal score (typically 650-700+) as proof of English proficiency in lieu of TOEFL or IELTS. Examples include Columbia (700+), UCLA (650+), and University of Michigan (650+).

IB or A-Level English. Schools that accept IB or A-Level credentials sometimes waive English proficiency requirements for students who scored well in English coursework (often a 5+ on IB English or a B+ on A-Level English).

How to Choose Between TOEFL and IELTS

The right test depends on your strengths, not on which test is "easier." Neither test is objectively easier. They test the same skills in different ways.

Choose TOEFL if you:

• Are comfortable with computer-based testing and typing your responses
• Prefer speaking to a microphone rather than a person (less social pressure)
• Are stronger at academic listening (TOEFL lectures are longer and more complex)
• Want faster score delivery
• Are applying to schools that specifically recommend TOEFL (like MIT)

Choose IELTS if you:

• Perform better in face-to-face conversation than recorded monologues
• Prefer a mix of question formats (IELTS Reading uses matching, true/false, short answer, and fill-in-the-blank rather than all multiple choice)
• Are stronger at describing visual data (the Writing Task 1 graph description)
• Find American academic English less familiar than British English
• Want the option of a paper-based test

For International Students Applying to US Schools

One factor worth noting: TOEFL was designed specifically for the US academic context. The listening passages are American English lectures and campus conversations. The reading passages mirror what you'd encounter in a US university. IELTS uses a broader range of English accents and contexts (British, Australian, etc.). If you're optimizing purely for US admissions, TOEFL's content aligns more closely with what schools expect.

That said, IELTS is fully accepted at 99%+ of US institutions. If your IELTS score is better, submit your IELTS score. It's that simple.

When to Take Your English Proficiency Test

Your English proficiency test should not compete with SAT or ACT prep for your attention. Separate them.

If English is your first language or you've studied in English for most of your education, you may need very little prep. A practice test and a few days reviewing the format might be enough. If English is your second or third language, give yourself a full 6-8 weeks of daily practice.

The Testing Planner in Intl2US maps your prep timeline around your target test dates and school requirements, so you're not juggling TOEFL, SAT, and application deadlines manually.

Section-by-Section Prep Tips

Reading

Both tests require you to read dense academic passages quickly. Practice with English-language academic articles, not just textbooks. The Economist, Scientific American, and university course syllabi are good sources. For TOEFL, focus on vocabulary in context. For IELTS, practice the variety of question types (matching headings is where most students lose points).

Listening

TOEFL listening passages are longer (3-5 minutes each) and more lecture-heavy. Practice note-taking while listening. IELTS listening plays the audio once and uses a wider range of accents. If you're taking IELTS, expose yourself to British, Australian, and South African English through podcasts or news broadcasts.

Speaking

This is where the two tests diverge most. TOEFL speaking is recorded and scored later. You get 15-30 seconds to prepare and 45-60 seconds to respond per task. Practice speaking clearly within strict time limits. IELTS speaking is a 11-14 minute conversation with an examiner. Practice having extended discussions about abstract topics. If you tend to give short answers, work on expanding your responses with examples and explanations.

Writing

For TOEFL, practice the integrated task (you read a passage, listen to a lecture that contradicts it, then write about the relationship). For IELTS, practice Task 1 (describing a graph, chart, or diagram in 150+ words) separately from Task 2 (the essay). Time management is critical in both tests: know your target word count and pace yourself.

How English Proficiency Fits Into Your Application

Your TOEFL or IELTS score is a threshold, not a differentiator. Scoring 110 on TOEFL instead of 100 won't meaningfully boost your admission chances at a school that requires 100. What matters is that you clear the bar.

This is different from the SAT, where a higher score can strengthen your profile. English proficiency tests are pass/fail in practice: either you meet the requirement or you don't. Once you have a score that meets or exceeds your target schools' requirements, stop retaking and redirect your energy.

If you're unsure whether your score qualifies at specific schools, or you need help sequencing your testing timeline around SAT prep and application deadlines, Intl2US's AI counselor is available 24/7 to answer questions about your specific situation.

The Bottom Line

TOEFL and IELTS are both valid paths to proving your English proficiency. Almost every US college accepts both. Pick the format that suits your strengths, aim for a score that comfortably clears your target schools' minimums, and take the test early enough in Grade 11 that it's done before SAT prep and application season begin.

Check each school's specific requirements. Confirm whether you qualify for an exemption. And if you need to take the test, treat it as a short, focused sprint, not a months-long project.