TOEFL or IELTS: What’s the Difference and Which Do Law Schools Prefer?

When applying to any law school in the United States, foreign students take a standardized test to test their proficiency in English. The widely accepted exams are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some law schools prefer one over the other. Professional private law tutor has prepared a guide that will expound on the differences between IELTS and TOEFL and law schools that prefer both or one over the other.

What is TOEFL and IELTS?

Law students who have graduated from a college outside the United States must take a language test. You are exempted from these tests if you graduated from an English-speaking country. English-speaking countries include the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland. India, Pakistan, Singapore, and South Africa are also occasionally exempted. 

TOEFL and IELTS assess reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. Each law school has capped its minimum scores on these tests. For example, you need a 100 in TOEFL score to secure admission to Harvard. Let's now explore the differences.

What is the Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL?

TOEFL is owned and administered by the Education Testing Service (ETS), while Cambridge Assessment English, British Council, and IDP Australia jointly own IELTS. Cambridge Assessment English administers IELTS, while IDP Australia and the British Council run test centers.

Test Format

TOEFL is in computer-based format, while IELTS is in computer-based and paper-based formats. When taking IELTS, writing, listening, and reading skills are examined on the same day, while speaking tests are taken on a different day. In TOEFL, all tests are taken on the same day. Most students prefer the IELTS paper-based format.

Exam Structure

Both tests have four skills sections: reading, speaking, listening, and writing. When taking IELTS, the students interact with an examiner who assesses their speaking skills. The speaking section when taking TOEFL is taken as a recorded interview. The test taker's skills are assessed and evaluated on the recording. Most students prefer the face-to-face examination.

Duration

Two hours and forty-five minutes are required to complete the IELTS exam, while three hours, fifteen minutes are needed to complete the TOEFL exam. The time taken in IELTS is sub-divided into the following ways

• Reading- 60 minutes

• Listening- 30 minutes

• Speaking- 11-14 minutes

• Writing- 60 minutes

When taking TOEFL tests, the time is divided into the following sections.

• Reading- 54-72 minutes

• Listening-41-57 minutes

• Speaking- 17 minutes

• Writing- 50 minutes

Little time adjustments may apply. The IELTS results are ready in 13 days, while TOEFL tests take 10 days.

Scoring System

You need a 7 in IELTS or 100 in TOEFL score to secure admission to Harvard. The minimum scores are disparate. IELTS uses a 0-9 band score system, while TOEFL scores range from 0-120. Therefore, they are incomparable, and you need to know which minimum scores your chosen law school requires. Each band represents the level of English proficiency. In TOEFL, the score is based on correct answers to open-ended questions.

Test Availability

Language tests are taken in the TOEFL is available in more than 160 countries, while IELTS is offered in 140 countries. However, you need to confirm whether either test is available in your location. Follow these links to know whether they are available in your location: IELTS and TOEFL. 

Test Fee

The costs of IELTS or TOEFL may depend on the test center or your location. They both range between $150 and $200. There is no standard amount, so some centers may charge more or less.

IELTS or TOEFL, which is Easier?

There is no concrete answer to this. Some people feel more comfortable talking to a machine, while some prefer face-to-face questions. With enough guidance, both tests may be easier to navigate.

What exam do schools accept?

Most law schools accept both IELTS and TOEFL. Some schools prefer one test over the other. They also have different minimum required scores in both tests. These are law schools that accept both TOEFL and IELTS:

• University of Southern California, Los Angeles

• University of Chicago

• University of Houston

• University of Pennsylvania

• Cornell Law School

• Duke University School of Law

• University of Miami

• American University (AU)

• Yale University

• Washington University, St. Louis

• University of Southern California, Irvine

• Notherneastern University, Seattle

• University of Nebraska

• Brooklyn Law School

• New York University School of Law

• University of Texas School of Law

Law schools that accept only TOEFL include:

• Havard Law

• Columbia Law School

• Stanford Law School

Other schools might accept IELTS tests that are at most 2 years.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, taking the TOEFL or IELTS depends on your preferences and the schools you ar applying to! When in doubt, we always suggest speaking to the admissions officers at the schools you’re applying to to ensure you know what is required as an international student.

We are happy to support international students applying to law schools in the U.S. for J.D. and LL.M programs! Learn more about how you can work with us here. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at hello@smontgomeryconsulting.com.