GEMS Blog for Advisors

March 6, 2020

TOEFL MyBest Scores Update

We have important updates for you regarding the TOEFL test to demonstrate English proficiency:  

  • The UW Student Database (SDB) and MyGradProgram (MGP) now show a new test type called “TOEFL MyBest.”  These are the highest section scores from all valid TOEFL test dates. 
  • The total score for MyBest displays as “TOEFLB”; the total score for TOEFLibt displays as TOEFLI.
  • In MGP Graduate Applicant Detail page, the Academic English flag (AEP Required?) is updating to “Satisfied” if a student earns a 92 or above TOEFLB score.
  • The Teaching Assistant flag (Cleared to Teach?) is updating to “Satisfied” if a student has a 26 or above on the speaking section of TOEFL MyBest (TOEFBS).
  • The English Proficiency Test table on Understanding the Application Process has been updated to indicate that the Graduate School accepts TOEFL MyBest.

Departmental Actions Required:

  • If your program chooses to accept TOEFL MyBest scores, no action is required. 
  • If your program does not choose to accept TOEFL MyBest scores, you should update your application (unit profile) to indicate this. 
  • We have added this sentence to the “English Proficiency” section: “Additionally, some programs may not accept MyBest Scores. Please check with graduate programs to confirm their requirements: select a graduate program.”


Background on TOEFL MyBest Scores:

In August 2019, ETS, the testing organization for TOEFL, began offering a new set of scores on the TOEFLibt called MyBest Scores. According to ETS, “MyBest scores — sometimes generically referred to as superscores — are the highest scores on each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing) from all of the test taker’s valid TOEFL iBT test scores from tests taken in the last two years, and a total score that is the sum of the MyBest section scores. The use of MyBest scores reflects an increasingly popular approach in university admissions of combining the highest section scores from multiple test dates.” For more information, see ETS’ white paper on MyBest Superscores.

 

If you have any questions, please contact GEMS at gemshelp@uw.edu or 206.897.1487.