Hi everyone. So even though I got a lower GMAT score of 680 with a 35 in verbal due to some issues going on in the test center during my verbal section, I happy that I nailed the TOEFL at least with a score of 120.
My test center for TOEFL was good, the staff friendly and the systems working properly. I had an early breakfast then reached the test center well ahead of time, which proved to be useful as there was a long queue for verification etc.
I guess the trickiest part of the test is the speaking section. Because all the test-takers are speaking simultaneously, it gets really noisy and annoying, is what I heard from a fellow test taker who had taken the TOEFL before me. To overcome this problem, I devised a strategy. Finish off the listening section as fast as you can and go for break earlier than everyone else. By then time my break ended and I came back, other people had started to go for their break and I attempted my speaking section with absolute silence in the room. Phew! Mission Achieved.
As for preparation, if you have put in good efforts for your GMAT/GRE, then TOEFL preparation really comes down to getting familiar with the pattern. I can say I have devised a way to score above 115 at least. (120/120 needs luck as well).
But after all the efforts in GMAT and TOEFL, I am having to quit my application process due to a few reasons. So I thought, well I can at least help others who are taking these exams and I started a blog www.acethetoefl.com
Please feel free to discuss TOEFL strategies here, or my blog or on email. I would be glad to help in any way I can. I could even help you assess your essays and speeches since most self prep materials can not do that.
All the best!
My test center for TOEFL was good, the staff friendly and the systems working properly. I had an early breakfast then reached the test center well ahead of time, which proved to be useful as there was a long queue for verification etc.
I guess the trickiest part of the test is the speaking section. Because all the test-takers are speaking simultaneously, it gets really noisy and annoying, is what I heard from a fellow test taker who had taken the TOEFL before me. To overcome this problem, I devised a strategy. Finish off the listening section as fast as you can and go for break earlier than everyone else. By then time my break ended and I came back, other people had started to go for their break and I attempted my speaking section with absolute silence in the room. Phew! Mission Achieved.
As for preparation, if you have put in good efforts for your GMAT/GRE, then TOEFL preparation really comes down to getting familiar with the pattern. I can say I have devised a way to score above 115 at least. (120/120 needs luck as well).
But after all the efforts in GMAT and TOEFL, I am having to quit my application process due to a few reasons. So I thought, well I can at least help others who are taking these exams and I started a blog www.acethetoefl.com
Please feel free to discuss TOEFL strategies here, or my blog or on email. I would be glad to help in any way I can. I could even help you assess your essays and speeches since most self prep materials can not do that.
All the best!
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