TOEFL Score Recipients: How to Manage Them Efficiently During Registration

When registering for the TOEFL, it's a common question whether you should skip the step of selecting up to four score recipients. Unlike the GRE, where you can choose recipients after taking the test, the TOEFL requires you to make this selection at the time of registration. Understanding this requirement is crucial to avoid additional fees and maintain control over your score distribution process.

Why You Can't Skip the Step

Registration for the TOEFL involves several important steps, including selecting up to four score recipients. Skipping this step can save you time, but it may lead to additional charges if you wish to add recipients later. According to a well-known TOEFL forum, you can still send your scores to additional institutions later, albeit at a cost. This means if you don't select the recipients during registration, you will incur a fee for each additional recipient you choose after taking the test.

Considering the Benefits of Skimping

Many candidates suggest skipping the step of entering the score recipients during registration. There are two primary reasons for this advice:

Psychological Inclination: Selecting a university early can create a psychological inclination to apply for that institution. This can be a subtle yet powerful influence on your application decisions. Cost Considerations: The total application cost for many universities, including application fees and score submission fees, often exceeds the cost of additional TOEFL or GRE score recipient selections. Additionally, some universities may consider your application with a self-score report, making the additional scores less necessary.

These factors suggest that it can be more strategic to skip the step of selecting score recipients during the initial registration process. However, it's essential to be aware of the limitations.

Timing for Entering Recipients

Even if you decide to skip the step of entering recipients during registration, you should be mindful of the deadlines. For instance, if your test is on April 10th, you need to modify the recipients' names until 10 PM on April 9th. Failing to do so may result in your inability to send free scores to additional institutions.

It's important to note that there is a way to opt for free score submission during the registration process. If you choose this route, you might not need to pay the additional fee for selecting up to four recipients. However, if you have a specific plan to send scores to multiple institutions post-test, you need to do so before the test day.

In conclusion, while you can skip the step of selecting score recipients during TOEFL registration, it's crucial to understand the potential implications. Whether you choose to skip or not depends on your specific situation and strategy. Always stay informed about deadlines and consider the long-term impact on your application process.

Key Points to Remember:

Select score recipients at registration if possible to avoid additional fees. Consider the psychological and financial implications of selecting score recipients. Avoid the deadline of the previous day of the test when planning to add recipients.