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How rare is 120 in TOEFL?

Published in TOEFL Score Rarity 2 mins read

A score of 120 in the TOEFL iBT is exceptionally rare, as it represents the absolute highest possible score and places a test-taker in the 100th percentile. This means that a person achieving a 120 has performed as well as or better than 100% of all other test-takers.

Understanding TOEFL Scores and Percentiles

The TOEFL iBT (internet-Based Test) is scored on a scale from 0 to 120, with 0 to 30 points awarded for each of the four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. A perfect score of 120 signifies mastery-level English proficiency across all tested skills.

Percentiles indicate how a test-taker's score compares to the scores of other test-takers over a specific period. Being in the 100th percentile for a TOEFL score of 120 means that this achievement is at the very top of the scoring distribution.

Here’s a snapshot of how high scores translate to percentiles:

TOEFL Score Percentile
120 100
116 99
112 97
108 93

Source: TOEFL Result 2025: Score Validity, How to Download TOEFL Score Card

What a 120 Score Signifies

Achieving a 120 on the TOEFL is a remarkable feat that demonstrates:

  • Exceptional English Proficiency: It indicates a near-native or native-level command of the English language in academic contexts.
  • Strong Academic Readiness: Universities can be confident that an applicant with this score possesses the language skills necessary to thrive in an English-speaking academic environment.
  • Mastery Across All Sections: A perfect score means achieving 30 points in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, showcasing balanced and superior abilities in all areas.

While many universities have minimum TOEFL score requirements (often ranging from 80 to 100 for undergraduate and graduate programs), a 120 significantly surpasses these and can make an applicant stand out, especially for highly competitive programs.