Do admissions care how close a TOEFL score is to the minimum?

Question

I work with some students who will attend graduate school in the US. The schools they are applying for list minimum required TOEFL scores. Some have just reached the minimum scores required for admission to their schools of choice. Do admissions departments ever care about how close this number is to the minimum? In other words, will the students be at any greater advantage if they retake the test and get a higher score, or is the "score level met" simply a "met" or "not met" variable that goes into deciding whether or not the students are accepted?

Answer 1

This question is hard to answer because there are several variables that need to be taken into account. The student's GPA and recommendations need to be considered. I've had many of my students get into the school they wanted even scoring a little under the minimum TOEFL requirement because their overall application was very strong. (For example - submitting a recommendation from a distinguished alumni or having a very competitive GPA) The only thing I've seen be very consistent is requiring a 27+ in Speaking section in order to qualify to be a TA.

Another thing is the student's major. Schools tend to be more demanding with TOEFL scores on in majors that are intensively lecture/debate/discussion based. My advice would be to contact the school directly and speak with someone from their admissions department. Good luck :)