Which test is better for US universities IELTS or TOEFL?

Okay, so I’m applying to universities in the US for a Master’s program in Computer Science. I’m a native speaker of [insert your native language here] and need to prove my English proficiency. I’ve been looking at the IELTS and TOEFL, and honestly, I’m completely overwhelmed.

Everyone seems to have a different opinion! Some say TOEFL is better recognized in the US, others say IELTS is easier to score well on. And the formats are so different!

My main concerns are:

• Which test do most top US universities prefer or accept equally? I’m aiming for programs ranked in the top 50.
• Which test is perceived as "easier" for someone whose strengths lie in [mention your strengths, e.g., reading comprehension and written communication], but struggles with [mention your weaknesses, e.g., listening to lectures in English and speaking extemporaneously]?
• Are there specific universities known to strongly prefer one over the other? Like, are there any that practically require TOEFL?
• Does the scoring system of either test give an advantage to international students coming from [mention your country or region]? I’ve heard some anecdotal stories about certain accents being "better received" on one test versus the other, but I don’t know if that’s true.
• Finally, if I’m planning to prepare for the test independently (mostly), which test has more readily available and high-quality free resources?

Basically, I want to maximize my chances of getting accepted, so I need to pick the test that plays to my strengths and is well-regarded by the universities I’m applying to. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Answer

Both the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are widely accepted English language proficiency tests used for admission to US universities. Neither test is inherently "better" than the other in terms of acceptance. The "better" test for an individual applicant depends on their strengths, weaknesses, learning style, and the specific requirements of the universities they are targeting.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help determine which test might be more suitable:

I. Acceptance and Recognition:

• IELTS: Accepted by over 3,400 institutions in the US, including many prestigious universities. IELTS has gained significant ground in the US in recent years, making it a viable option for almost all universities.
• TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test): Widely accepted by virtually all universities in the US. It has been the dominant test for a longer period, so its recognition is very well established.

Conclusion on Acceptance: Both are widely accepted. Verify the university’s preferred test and minimum score requirements on their official website. Some universities may express a slight preference, even if they accept both, so pay attention to that.

II. Test Format and Content:

• IELTS:

  • Modules: Has two versions – Academic and General Training. For university admission, the Academic version is required.
  • Sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
  • Listening: Features four sections with various accents (British, American, Australian, etc.).
  • Reading: Three long passages with a variety of question types.
  • Writing: Two tasks: Task 1 requires describing a graph, chart, or diagram (Academic version); Task 2 is an essay responding to an argument or point of view.
  • Speaking: A face-to-face interview with an examiner. This is often considered less intimidating by some test-takers. The speaking test is divided into three parts: introduction and interview, individual long turn (candidate speaks for 1-2 minutes on a topic), and a two-way discussion.
  • Scoring: Band scores from 0 to 9 (whole and half bands).
  • Delivery: Can be taken on paper or computer. The speaking test is always face-to-face.
  • Accents: Exposes test takers to a wider variety of English accents, which can be advantageous if the test-taker is comfortable with diverse accents.
• TOEFL iBT:
  • Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
  • Reading: Three or four academic passages followed by multiple-choice questions.
  • Listening: Lectures and conversations (typically set in a university environment).
  • Speaking: Four tasks: two independent (expressing personal opinions) and two integrated (responding to a reading or listening passage). Test takers speak into a microphone; responses are recorded and graded.
  • Writing: Two tasks: one integrated (writing a response based on a reading and listening passage) and one independent (writing an essay expressing an opinion).
  • Scoring: Each section is scored out of 30, with a total score out of 120.
  • Delivery: Computer-based only.
  • Accents: Primarily North American English accents are used.

III. Key Differences and Considerations:

• Speaking Test: The face-to-face format of the IELTS Speaking test can be less intimidating for some test-takers compared to the TOEFL iBT’s recorded responses. However, some prefer the structured and predictable nature of the TOEFL Speaking tasks.
• Writing Test: The IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 (graph/chart description) can be more formulaic and easier for some test-takers to prepare for than the TOEFL’s integrated writing task, which requires synthesizing information from reading and listening passages.
• Integrated Skills: The TOEFL iBT heavily emphasizes integrated skills (reading and listening, listening and speaking, reading and writing). If you are strong at integrating information from different sources, the TOEFL might be a better fit. IELTS also assesses integrated skills but to a lesser extent.
• Accents: IELTS exposes test-takers to various English accents, while TOEFL primarily uses North American English. If you are more comfortable with North American English, TOEFL might be easier. If you are familiar with and understand various accents, IELTS would not be as difficult.
• Computer Skills: TOEFL iBT is computer-based only. If you are not comfortable using a computer for all sections, IELTS offers a paper-based option (except for the speaking test).
• Timing: Consider the timing and format of each section. Some test-takers find the timing constraints on the TOEFL iBT more challenging.
• Personal Preference: Some test-takers simply prefer the format and question types of one test over the other. Try taking practice tests for both to see which one feels more natural and comfortable.

IV. Determining Which Test is "Better" for You:

1. Check University Requirements: First and foremost, confirm the specific requirements of the universities you are applying to. Some programs or departments might have a preference or require a specific minimum score on one test.
2. Take Practice Tests: Take full-length practice tests for both IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT under timed conditions. This will give you a realistic sense of the test formats, question types, and your own strengths and weaknesses.
3. Analyze Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Identify your strengths and weaknesses in English language skills (reading, listening, writing, speaking). Consider:
   • Are you better at writing essays or describing graphs/charts?
   • Are you comfortable speaking into a microphone, or do you prefer a face-to-face conversation?
   • Are you good at synthesizing information from different sources?
   • Are you more familiar with North American English or various English accents?
4. Consider Your Learning Style: Some people learn better in a structured, computer-based environment (TOEFL), while others prefer a more interactive, face-to-face format (IELTS Speaking).
5. Seek Feedback: Ask English teachers or tutors for their opinion on which test might be more suitable for you based on your language skills and learning style.
6. Cost and Availability: Check the cost and availability of test centers in your area. Both tests are offered globally, but accessibility may vary.

In summary:

• Choose IELTS if:

  • You prefer a face-to-face speaking test.
  • You are comfortable with various English accents.
  • You prefer a more general academic reading and writing style.
  • You might find describing graphs/charts easier than writing integrated essays.
  • You prefer a paper-based option (for Listening, Reading, and Writing).
• Choose TOEFL iBT if:
  • You are comfortable speaking into a microphone.
  • You are more familiar with North American English.
  • You excel at integrating information from different sources.
  • You prefer a computer-based test.
  • You prefer a more structured and academic test environment.

Ultimately, the "better" test depends on your individual profile and the requirements of the universities you are applying to. Careful research, practice, and self-assessment are essential to making the right decision.