Hey. I need some advice on this one.

I have just received my TOEFL score, it is 108 (R28, L26, S27, W27). While this is above the minimum scores for all the schools I am applying to (e. g. Harvard's 100 and Chicago's 104), I am still thinking of retaking it. The thing is, I have only studied for the test for 4 afternoons, and I am 100% sure I could do much better with another week of (bit more serious) preps. Do you think it's worth it - in other words, could it give me an edge over other (without a doubt excellent) applicants?

Thanks!

I would not. From what I've heard, once you've met the required TOEFL score, you're through.

TOEFL scores isn't something graduate admission offices take into consideration as a criterium. A higher score thus will not improve your application.

Good luck with your Harvard application, I'm applying too (:

TOEFL scores isn't something graduate admission offices take into consideration as a criterium

Not at all. If the admission office has to decide between two equally qualified applicants (though with a different TOEFL score), they'll make a decision based on the Personal Statement.

Hope this helps you out.

It sure does, thanks a lot!

On the specific question of whether one should retake the TOEFL exam, my recommendation would be that if one honestly believes one would do substantially better with more preparation, that person should retake the examination. A higher score could make a difference at a school like Chicago which has an emphasis on class participation.

As to the comment that the personal statement will be important for determining English language ability, here is what we say in our application materials: "Application personal statements provide us with useful information about a candidate but their value as an indication of writing ability is limited. We do not know how many editors helped to revise the statement. As a consequence, a poorly written personal statement can certainly weaken an application but a well written one is not likely to have the same positive value."

As to getting advice here from other applicants or current students, please keep in mind what we say on our web page: Although people who post on various message boards seem to know, at least for themselves, why they were either offered admission or not, the short answer is that for any particular student or applicant there is no way to answer those questions with respect to Chicago or most other schools to which people apply. The weight given to various factors in an application will depend on 1) the applicants particular situation and 2) the way an individual reviewer thinks of those factors.

Richard Badger
Associate Dean
University of Chicago Law School

Hi Ziu, Why is your aim to retake the TOEFL? Do you simply want to resit the exam because you have the feeling you may do better if you prepare or do you think it will make a difference? What is your outcome? If you retake the exam is it really supporting your matter or could you do something more relevant? From my point of view I believe a TOEFL score of 108 will be sufficient. Only a few Universities require a score of 100. Your language skills will be good enough to follow the course and they will improve further during your studies. I cannot imagine that the score will make a huge difference in the selection process. Of more importance is your statement and work experience. All the best!