Should I Retake the TOEFL? (2026 Guide)
Use this guide to decide whether retaking is worth it, what improvement you can realistically expect, and exactly how to prepare for your next attempt.
Last updated: 2026 · 10 min read
Should I Retake the TOEFL? Decision Checklist
Answer these five questions honestly before deciding.
Average Score Improvements on TOEFL Retakes
ETS data shows that most test-takers who retake the TOEFL improve their score. The average improvement on a first retake is approximately +7 points total.
| Attempt | Avg. Improvement | % Who Improve | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st retake (2nd attempt) | +7 points | ~68% | Largest average improvement; best return on effort |
| 2nd retake (3rd attempt) | +4 points | ~55% | Diminishing returns; improvement slows |
| 3rd retake (4th attempt) | +2 points | ~45% | Small gains; worth it only if close to target |
| 4th+ retake | +1–2 points | ~38% | Very diminishing returns; consider changing strategy |
TOEFL Retake Rules
MyBest Scores Explained
MyBest Scores (formerly called "Score Choice" for TOEFL) is ETS's default score reporting method. When you send your TOEFL scores to a university, ETS automatically sends your best section scores from all valid test dates combined — even if those best scores come from different test dates.
How MyBest works in practice
| Attempt | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attempt 1 | 24 | 22 | 20 | 23 | 89 |
| Attempt 2 | 22 | 25 | 24 | 21 | 92 |
| MyBest Score | 24 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 96 |
In the example above, neither attempt reached 96, but the MyBest Score combines the best section from each attempt into a composite 96. Most universities accept MyBest Scores. A small number of programs require all scores from a single sitting — check the specific programme policy.
Optimal Retake Timing
The minimum gap is 3 days, but most students benefit from waiting 4–8 weeks between attempts to allow time for genuine improvement. Here is how to think about timing:
Insufficient time for meaningful improvement. Score changes are essentially random at this interval.
Enough time for intensive section-specific practice. Focus on one weak section only.
Enough time to complete a structured 4-week plan with full mock exams. Best return on effort.
If you need to gain 15+ points, allow 8–12 weeks of dedicated preparation to build underlying English skills.
How to Study Differently for Your TOEFL Retake
The most common reason a retake does not improve your score is doing the same preparation as before. A retake is only effective if your study approach addresses the specific reasons you underperformed.
Your first attempt gave you exact data — you know which section scored lowest and which question types you missed. Use that data. Every study session should be directly tied to a specific gap in your score report.
TOEFL is a 3-hour test of concentration and endurance, not just knowledge. If you are practicing Speaking responses in your bedroom without timing pressure, you are not simulating the actual test. Take at least 2 full-length mock tests under exact real conditions before your retake.
Most people gravitate toward practicing what they are already comfortable with. For your retake, spend at least 60% of your study time on your lowest-scoring section. Discomfort in practice leads to improvement on test day.
Reading and Listening have right/wrong answers you can check yourself. Speaking and Writing require evaluative feedback. Record every Speaking response and listen back. Have your Writing responses scored against the TOEFL rubric. AI feedback tools, qualified tutors, or band-level rubric self-assessment all work.
Academic vocabulary underlies performance in all 4 TOEFL sections. If your Reading and Listening scores are below target, vocabulary is usually a contributing factor. Add 15 academic words per day (from the Academic Word List or TOEFL word lists) consistently throughout your retake preparation.
Managing Retake Anxiety
Retaking a test you have already taken is psychologically different from the first attempt. The expectation of improvement adds pressure. Here are specific strategies for managing retake anxiety.
A retake is evidence of persistence, not failure. Graduate admissions readers understand that many applicants take language tests twice. Having a strong second score is common and respected. The second attempt is simply a second data point.
You already know the test format, the interface, the pace, and the environment. First-time test-takers do not have this advantage. Your familiarity with the test structure should reduce — not increase — your anxiety on the second attempt.
On test day, focus only on executing the process you have practiced — not on hitting a specific number. If your practice exams consistently hit your target, trust that preparation. Trying to control the outcome during the exam increases anxiety and hurts performance.
Sleep is the most important preparation in the final 3 days. Do not study new material on the day before. Prepare logistics early (ID, test center route or home setup check). Eat a real breakfast on test day. Each controllable variable you manage reduces overall anxiety load.
If you believe test anxiety — not preparation level — caused your first score to significantly underperform your practice test average, this deserves direct attention. Consider: deep breathing exercises before entering the test, physical exercise in the days leading up to the test, or speaking with a counselor about test anxiety management strategies.
Anxiety increases when the gap between current performance and target seems insurmountable. If your current practice score is 88 and your target is 100, breaking it into phases (get to 93 first, then 100) makes the goal feel achievable and reduces catastrophic thinking.
When NOT to Retake the TOEFL
- You already meet all requirements comfortably: If your score is at or above the competitive range for all your target universities, retaking is unlikely to help your application.
- Application deadline is imminent: If your deadline is less than 3 weeks away and ETS needs 4–8 days to release scores, there is not enough time for scores to arrive.
- You haven't changed your preparation: If you retake without addressing your weaknesses, expect the same result.
- Test anxiety is affecting performance: If you scored much lower than your practice tests suggest, address test anxiety before retaking — not just content preparation.
- The cost is prohibitive: At $235 per attempt, retaking has a real cost. Weigh expected improvement against that cost realistically.
Cost of Retaking TOEFL
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT retake (testing center) | $235 | Standard fee in most countries; varies by region |
| TOEFL iBT Home Edition | $235 | Same price as testing center; no travel cost |
| Late registration fee | +$40 | Registering within 7 days of the test date |
| Score cancellation fee | $30 | Cancelling a scheduled appointment within 4 days |
| Additional score send | $20 per recipient | Beyond the 4 free sends included in test registration |
| Score reinstatement | $20 | If you cancelled scores and want to reinstate them |
4-Week Intensive Study Plan for TOEFL Retake
This plan assumes you have already taken the TOEFL and know your section scores. Adjust the focus to your weakest sections. Total time: ~2 hours/day, 5 days/week.
- ✓ Review every wrong answer from your previous TOEFL attempt in detail
- ✓ Identify your single weakest section and your two most-missed question types
- ✓ Take one full-length mock exam under timed conditions to re-establish your current level
- ✓ Build a new vocabulary list from words you still don't know; add 15 words/day
- ✓ Spend 3 of 5 study days entirely on your weakest section
- ✓ If Speaking: record 10+ Task 1 responses; review pacing, pronunciation, and idea development
- ✓ If Writing: write 2 integrated essays and 3 academic discussion posts under timed conditions
- ✓ If Reading: drill all 10 question types from this guide; time yourself at 1:45 per question
- ✓ If Listening: listen to 6+ lectures with note-taking; transcribe notes and check against content
- ✓ Take a second full mock exam under real timed conditions
- ✓ Review all wrong answers and score your Speaking and Writing against official rubrics
- ✓ Identify any newly surfaced weaknesses — address those specifically
- ✓ Continue vocabulary: 15 new words/day, review previous 60 daily
- ✓ Take a third full mock exam — simulate real test conditions (same time of day, no interruptions)
- ✓ Review results; note if your section score has improved from Week 1 baseline
- ✓ Light review of writing templates and Speaking response structures on Day 4
- ✓ Day 5 (day before exam): rest only — no new material, confirm logistics, sleep 8 hours
Start your retake preparation with a practice exam.
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