Insider’s tips to score above 600 on the TOEFL

Michael Nguyen
(USAConsult)

New Member
The Test of English as a Foreign Language- the TOEFL is not so much different from any kind of sport including soccer or basketball. The test requires you some skills in listening, reading and writing as well as the skill to control the test formats and timing. However, a high-performing soccer player or TOEFL test taker needs more than just these basic skills to score the goal or get the high mark. That is Strong Mental Preparation before the very important test. Throughout my years of observation, this is the very factor that draws the line between the score of 600 and 677. Do you want to know how to do it? Let me share with you some of my findings:

1. First Thing First is to set up a realistic timeframe: The plan should include when you want to take the test. The time frame should not be too long to make you bored, or too short to make you unprepared. For me, the ideal period is 3 months when you are at your peak performance.

2. Begin With The End In Mind: you should clarify the target score you want to get. The score should be Realistic and Attainable. If you want to score 630, write it down and buy it into your heart and to your mind. Recall it before you start to do anything in the morning. Just by doing this, you have finished half of the process. No commitment, No involvement.


3. Try to put you in the real testing situations as much as possible. If you are lazy, higher scores on the TOEFF is unrealistic. You often need to put you out of your day-to-day preparation for 3 hours, sit down and take the practice tests just as you will have to do on the actual test day. Take it seriously. Then, do it over and over again. You will soon find out that you are making progress day after day. The science of psychology proves that human brain forms habits naturally after certain routines of practice. The more you practice, the more you will see your testing skills getting better, your judgments becoming faster and more accurate. “Practice makes perfect” and as a result, perfect practice makes perfect progress.

Another factor, which determines higher score on the TOEFL, is your “biological clock”. If you feel comfortable and energetic working in the afternoon, you should register the test in the afternoon. If the test will be in the morning, from now on, try to wake up and start working early in the morning.

4. Last but in no way least is Physical Preparation. The TOEFL test will certainly consume you a lot of energy. Staying focused and giving good adjustments during the test require you to have very strong brain stamina – the body strength in the testing conditions. So, make sure you exercise regularly, have good diet and adequate rest well before the test day. Strong physical preparation will determine whether you will hit the high score.

I hope that you will find these insights helpful to you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]

Good luck and happy scoring!

Mike Nguyen
USA Consultant

Next week, I will write a message about how to build up strong listening skills for the TOEFL
 
Great points! I'm sure your advice will be much appreciated, Mr. Mike Nguyen.

I assume that most people take the TOEFL + strive to score above 600 to ultimately study abroad (and then mostly in the US). Though the TOEFL is only a minor factor in the admissions process, many students spend incredibly much time struggling with it. My advice is to spend at least twice as much time honing other parts of your application (incl. essays, researching schools, extra-curricular activities, school record..) as prepping for tests (btw. TOEFL may be not the only test you'd want to take). The TOEFL is really not as important as you may think - a school accepted me even though I didn't send them my TOEFL scores ^_^

Other than that, I still champion the fact that people should improve their English generally instead of studying for the TOEFL only. You'll find it helpful not only to ace the test!
 
which school did you apply without the Toefl score, ban Nhung?

I just took the Toefl so as to show some English proficiency in lieu of the SATIIs(writing), which I am not prepared for at all. Nyways, lots of schools (public) do count solely on Toefl, so it is rather important that you invest some time in preparing for it. Otherwise, a 550 on the SAT verbal would be fine to most private schools. But SAT is quite harder i think...

About Toefl preparation, my experience taught me that: sample tests RULE!!! they always rule. so buy the longman toefl 4in1 or have it illegally copied or something and just stik to it. like i did. turned out pretty good.

ay.... now I start to wonder why we should waste money and a whole year of youth on exchange programs. We can take about every tests in Vietnam and apply from there... like Nhung did. hmmm..
 
Chỉnh sửa lần cuối:
Thank God, I dont have to take TOEFL. Good luck, hardworking people!
P.S: If you know some Chinese, check their websites. I'm sure they still have pretty good sources for your studying.:cool:
 
Actually some Chinese sites are sites for cheating. We don't need that. Just don't be too worried about TOEFL.
 
Mr.Toàn, I remember you vowed you not to post in this forum. Did I make a mistake?:D

TOEFL stinks! I had a nightmare in the Big Day. I could not hear a word because of echo in stinking room and found many new words in the reading section.

Wish everyone best luck with the stinkiest test.:Dj/k
 
Yep, I think so Linh, but not sure it (the statement) applies to every topic here and also not sure about its expiration date.

TOEFL doesn't stink. It's a good prep for you folks for college life. Actually, it's crucial and should be paid attention to. About the stinkiest test, I guest (from comments from 99% of my friends), is to "thi đại học".
Salut
 
I'm facing some difficulties with the Listening Section of the TOEFL, esp. Part C. Any tips?


Michael Nguyen đã viết:
The Test of English as a Foreign Language- the TOEFL is not so much different from any kind of sport including soccer or basketball. The test requires you some skills in listening, reading and writing as well as the skill to control the test formats and timing. However, a high-performing soccer player or TOEFL test taker needs more than just these basic skills to score the goal or get the high mark. That is Strong Mental Preparation before the very important test. Throughout my years of observation, this is the very factor that draws the line between the score of 600 and 677. Do you want to know how to do it? Let me share with you some of my findings:

1. First Thing First is to set up a realistic timeframe: The plan should include when you want to take the test. The time frame should not be too long to make you bored, or too short to make you unprepared. For me, the ideal period is 3 months when you are at your peak performance.

2. Begin With The End In Mind: you should clarify the target score you want to get. The score should be Realistic and Attainable. If you want to score 630, write it down and buy it into your heart and to your mind. Recall it before you start to do anything in the morning. Just by doing this, you have finished half of the process. No commitment, No involvement.


3. Try to put you in the real testing situations as much as possible. If you are lazy, higher scores on the TOEFF is unrealistic. You often need to put you out of your day-to-day preparation for 3 hours, sit down and take the practice tests just as you will have to do on the actual test day. Take it seriously. Then, do it over and over again. You will soon find out that you are making progress day after day. The science of psychology proves that human brain forms habits naturally after certain routines of practice. The more you practice, the more you will see your testing skills getting better, your judgments becoming faster and more accurate. “Practice makes perfect” and as a result, perfect practice makes perfect progress.

Another factor, which determines higher score on the TOEFL, is your “biological clock”. If you feel comfortable and energetic working in the afternoon, you should register the test in the afternoon. If the test will be in the morning, from now on, try to wake up and start working early in the morning.

4. Last but in no way least is Physical Preparation. The TOEFL test will certainly consume you a lot of energy. Staying focused and giving good adjustments during the test require you to have very strong brain stamina – the body strength in the testing conditions. So, make sure you exercise regularly, have good diet and adequate rest well before the test day. Strong physical preparation will determine whether you will hit the high score.

I hope that you will find these insights helpful to you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]

Good luck and happy scoring!

Mike Nguyen
USA Consultant

Next week, I will write a message about how to build up strong listening skills for the TOEFL
 
Re: Re: Insider’s tips to score above 600 on the TOEFL

Hi guest,

If there IS another good one you can look to ask for advice, I believe THAT good one MUST BE "Ban Nhung" who's known as a moderator of this English board. She lived in Germany for quite a while and she scored about 670 on the TOEFL. Her English speaking skills are OK, but her listening skills are SUPERB!

Take care and happy listening,

Another guest

Unregistered đã viết:
I'm facing some difficulties with the Listening Section of the TOEFL, esp. Part C. Any tips?
 
Oh Nhung, you have a big time secret admirer/stocker right here, so be careful!
 
Come on, Duc! Ban Nhung is the same age as yours. She is currently attending grade 12 but she was born in 1984. And as you probably know she once won 3rd prize in the national English champion contest.

Same 'Another guest'

Nguyễn Đức đã viết:
Oh Nhung, you have a big time secret admirer/stocker right here, so be careful!
 
Hey Linh, how about having a BIG party with those guests at your nice house!

Another guest

Vũ Đàm Linh đã viết:
Hey, we can have a big party with those guests.:D
 
Anyway, let's get back to our topic. I would recommend ban Nhung as a TOEFL expert in town. Anyone wanna score high on the test? Ban Nhung can help. Don't waste too much time looking for some "Super Master" or some where to follow the flow. You can do it by yourself. And if you need someone to give you some tips. Ban Nhung will always happy to share with you.

Take it easy and good bye for now,

Same guy

P.S: Best regards to ban Nhung
 
To everyone: I swear I didn't pay 'another guest' and 'same guy' to advertise for me so vocally *blush*

Oh well, I did score a 670 (293 cbt, actually) on the TOEFL. But I don't think my experience will be of much help to you, as I did not do any formal preparation (except taking some practice tests a week or two prior to test day). Whatever helped me get that score was more likely due to an accumulation process in- and outside of english class throughout the past 2 years. Still, if you think I can help you in any way, don't hesitate to approach me.
 
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