How important are TOEFL section-wise scores?

[mahendra.mallya]

Hello everyone

I recently gave my TOEFL ibT and my scores are as follows

Reading - 30; Listening - 29; Speaking - 23; Writing - 30; Total - 112

Although my total score seems to be more than the minimum specified for most Tier-I US b-schools (~100), my score in the speaking section is relatively less. The score report cites intonation and pronunciation errors, which might be true, since my English is quite accented. I am working on that now, taking an American accent course.. but in the meanwhile, would the low speaking score seriously affect my chances of securing an admit in a top US b-school?

I have a GMAT score of 750, an undergrad GPA of 3.7 and have a good work profile with 3 yrs of experience in the shipbuilding industry. I am also a volunteer at a major local NGO and an active participant of our organization's charity wing. Should i take the TOEFL again and try to improve my speaking score?

Thanks for any help with this

Regards,
Mahendra

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Mahendra,

A good question...and a tough one to answer. My first thought is a retake is not necessary. Schools realize the speaking section will have "adjustments" due to accents and pronunciation. Since your scores on the other sections are quite high, as well as your GMAT and GPA, I don't think the score on the speaking section is going to hold you back or be enough for a school to pass on you. Additionally, the schools will all have a chance to assess your verbal communication skills during an interview. Of course, you can always retake it and see if you can bring it up--but I'm not sure the investment of your time and money in a retake will bring a greater return.

Good luck,
Lisa

[mahendra.mallya]

Thanks Lisa ur very helpful. I would also like to extend a note of appreciation to you since while reading many other posts on this forum i have seen you reply to a lot of queries, different kinds from all sorts of people and you are in general a very helpful person on this site.

And yes i have decided to concentrate on my application essays now since taking the TOEFL again will cost both time and money and my accent has not changed a great deal since last time.. i would probably get the same speaking score if i took the test again anyway For schools with very stringent TOEFL requirements, i will write an explanatory note in the 'additional information / extenuating circumstances' essay.

[Lisa Anderson]

Thanks for your kind words, Mahendra! I think your plan is solid and wish you the best in your applications.