Hi all,


I have missed Columbia's minimum TOEFL requirement by one point - got a 104 but need a 105. Additionally, I don't meet the reading and listening sub scores (I did very well in speaking and writing - 29 in writing, just had a very rocky start to the test). What I want to know is, is there anyone who's been offered conditional acceptance or is my safest bet here to retake the TOEFL? I know for certain my application has not gone under review yet because LSAC is yet to process one of my documents which will buy me at least 10-14 odd days and considering I have purchased ITAES, another 15 days over and above that. I can take the TOEFL again in the next 4 days. Any and all help / input will be greatly appreciated!

[Edited by lazyoverachiever1234 on Jan 29, 2022]

Hi, 
I received a 105 in my TOEFL but missed out on the reading section by a mark. I wrote a mail to Columbia with the same doubt and they replied as follows:

"Thank you for your interest in our LL.M. Program. The Admissions Committee will still review applications with section scores below our requirements; however, meeting all minimum requirements only makes your application more competitive. It is up to you whether you wish to retake the exam, but a difference of one point is typically fine. "

Hope this helps :)

Yes, very! I'm just afraid that missing the overall minimum by a point might be a problem, I'm really not sure what to do. I had emailed them about it as well when I got my score back in Jan 2021 and they said, "The Admissions Committee will review applications with scores below the required 105; however, meeting all minimum requirements only makes your application more competitive. The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically, and other strong areas can offset a slightly lower TOEFL score." 

i'm still a bit anxious about this if it makes sense?

Hi, 
I received a 105 in my TOEFL but missed out on the reading section by a mark. I wrote a mail to Columbia with the same doubt and they replied as follows:

"Thank you for your interest in our LL.M. Program. The Admissions Committee will still review applications with section scores below our requirements; however, meeting all minimum requirements only makes your application more competitive. It is up to you whether you wish to retake the exam, but a difference of one point is typically fine. "

Hope this helps :)

I am in a similar situation! I applied to HLS and I have an overall score of 102, but I have 3 less points in one of the subsection. I emailed them, and here is their response:
"Your application will still be reviewed even if your TOEFL score does not meet the minimum required by the Harvard Law School Graduate Program.  However, you may be at a disadvantage compared to other applicants whose TOEFL scores meet our required minimum."

Hope this helps!

Yes, very! I'm just afraid that missing the overall minimum by a point might be a problem, I'm really not sure what to do. I had emailed them about it as well when I got my score back in Jan 2021 and they said, "The Admissions Committee will review applications with scores below the required 105; however, meeting all minimum requirements only makes your application more competitive. The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically, and other strong areas can offset a slightly lower TOEFL score." 

i'm still a bit anxious about this if it makes sense?

Hi, 
I received a 105 in my TOEFL but missed out on the reading section by a mark. I wrote a mail to Columbia with the same doubt and they replied as follows:

"Thank you for your interest in our LL.M. Program. The Admissions Committee will still review applications with section scores below our requirements; however, meeting all minimum requirements only makes your application more competitive. It is up to you whether you wish to retake the exam, but a difference of one point is typically fine. "

Hope this helps :)

So from what I can see, they do say they will look at it. I do feel that I have a relatively strong application, but then again that's something that will be evaluated by them and it isn't for me to say. It is a costly exam (INR 15,000!!) , and Columbia would be the only reason I would retake it if I do. 

I am in a similar situation! I applied to HLS and I have an overall score of 102, but I have 3 less points in one of the subsection. I emailed them, and here is their response:
"Your application will still be reviewed even if your TOEFL score does not meet the minimum required by the Harvard Law School Graduate Program.  However, you may be at a disadvantage compared to other applicants whose TOEFL scores meet our required minimum."

Hope this helps!

Yes, very! I'm just afraid that missing the overall minimum by a point might be a problem, I'm really not sure what to do. I had emailed them about it as well when I got my score back in Jan 2021 and they said, "The Admissions Committee will review applications with scores below the required 105; however, meeting all minimum requirements only makes your application more competitive. The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically, and other strong areas can offset a slightly lower TOEFL score." 

i'm still a bit anxious about this if it makes sense?

Hi, 
I received a 105 in my TOEFL but missed out on the reading section by a mark. I wrote a mail to Columbia with the same doubt and they replied as follows:

"Thank you for your interest in our LL.M. Program. The Admissions Committee will still review applications with section scores below our requirements; however, meeting all minimum requirements only makes your application more competitive. It is up to you whether you wish to retake the exam, but a difference of one point is typically fine. "

Hope this helps :)

I know a couple of people who were offered admission to CLS in different years despite having missed TOEFL requirements. 104 and 105 are very good scores and TOEFL is just one of the elements taken into consideration in the evaluation of our applications. If you are confident with the rest of your applications, I wouldn't worry too much. I don't know similar cases in HLS, but I'm sure there are plenty and the same logic applies.

[Edited by rp1803 on Jan 29, 2022]

Thank you, I feel a lot better now. I don't know about 'strong' but I am sure that the whole application is consistent with my passions and goals, consistent GPA and great recommendations. Rest, remains to be seen :)

I know a couple of people who were offered admission to CLS in different years despite having missed TOEFL requirements. 104 and 105 are very good scores and TOEFL is just one of the elements taken into consideration in the evaluation of our applications. If you are confident with the rest of your applications, I wouldn't worry too much. I don't know similar cases in HLS, but I'm sure there are plenty and the same logic applies.

This is a very interesting topic. I have had many students get excepted by petitioning and asking for a waiver. The most important part about any university application is previous track record, not the language requirement. Obviously if you can go above and beyond and get the extra mile it will help, but what you can put into your personal statement and what comes in the recommendation letters will make the biggest difference.