My TOEFL iBT Experience & Last-Minute Preparation Tips

I recently took the TOEFL iBT and wanted to share my experience, especially for those who are preparing. I haven’t received my scores yet, but here’s how I approached the test and what I learned along the way.

1. My Preparation Strategy

• I studied in an English-medium school, so I never struggled with communication.

• Initially, I booked the test thinking it would be easy and planned to prepare systematically over a month.

• As expected, I didn’t start studying until a week before the test.

• A friend who had taken the exam told me about someone scoring low despite having strong English skills, which worried me.

• I decided to purchase Gregmat’s TOEFL prep course for $5 (or Rs. 590).

• The study plan was for two weeks, but I only had one week, so I had to prioritize what to study.

• The night before the test, I binged Greg’s writing and speaking tutorials instead of following the full study plan.

2. Understanding the Test Structure

• Total Marks: 120 (Each section is out of 30).

• Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

• There is no passing score—each university sets its own requirement.

• More details: ETS TOEFL Official Website

3. How I Prepared for Each Section

1️⃣ Watched Gregmat’s short videos (10 min each) at 2x speed to understand the question patterns.2️⃣ Followed Greg’s tutorials for each question type.3️⃣ Gregmat’s teaching style was engaging, informative, and fun, making the study process easier.

4. My Test Day Experience

• Morning Routine:

  • Grabbed my passport (the only valid ID for TOEFL in my country).

  • Kept notes in my brother’s bag and left in a hurry.

• Test Center Check-In:

  • Strict security check—more thorough than at an airport!

  • No unnecessary items allowed inside.

  • Lockers provided to store personal belongings.

  • Hand checks: No ink on hands, half-sleeved shirts recommended.

  • No watches, tissues, or napkins allowed.

• Pre-Test Procedure:

  • Arrived an hour early to fill out forms.

  • Received two pencils & papers to take notes (more papers can be requested).

5. Key Exam Tips

🎯 General Advice:

• If your English skills are good, don’t stress too much.

• TOEFL only accepts passports as ID—check name format before registering.

• Expect distractions—people will be loud during the Speaking section.

📝 Reading & Writing Sections:

• Can move back and forth between questions.

• If finishing early, wait for the timer—you may overhear other candidates’ Speaking answers, which can help.

🎧 Listening & Speaking Sections:

• Timer-based—no going back once you answer.

• Take a break before starting Listening if needed.

• People will be shouting their Speaking responses—practice ignoring distractions.

🚀 Final Thoughts:Apart from these, you should be good to go. The TOEFL test format is manageable if you familiarize yourself with it.

💡 All the best to future test-takers! 😊

Shared by Syedibrahim Maaz