TOEFL vs IELTS: Which English Exam Should You Take for U.S. Universities?

If you are planning to study in the United States, one of your first big decisions is choosing an English proficiency exam. For most students, that choice comes down to two major options: the TOEFL iBT and the IELTS Academic. Both exams are widely accepted, both measure your academic English skills, and both can open doors to U.S. universities.

But TOEFL iBT and IELTS are not identical. They use different formats, scoring systems, and speaking tasks. The right exam for you depends on your strengths, your test-taking style, and the requirements of the schools on your list. In this guide, we will compare TOEFL vs IELTS so you can decide which exam makes the most sense for your U.S. study goals.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Quick Overview

Before diving into details, let's look at the basic profiles of the two exams. This quick comparison will help you see how TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic line up at a high level.

• TOEFL iBT: Internet-based, primarily multiple choice, integrated academic tasks, and a Speaking section where you answer into a microphone.
• IELTS Academic: Paper-based or computer-based (depending on center), more varied question types, and a Speaking section conducted face-to-face with an examiner.
• Acceptance: Both TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are widely accepted by U.S. universities, but some programs may express a preference.

In other words, you can usually choose either exam for U.S. universities, but it's smart to check your target schools and pick the test that matches your personal strengths.

How U.S. Universities View TOEFL iBT and IELTS

For U.S. institutions, TOEFL iBT has historically been the standard English exam, especially for international applicants. However, in recent years, IELTS has become much more common, and thousands of U.S. universities now accept either TOEFL or IELTS scores.

When you look at admission websites, you will often see requirements like “TOEFL iBT 80–100 or IELTS 6.5–7.0.” This means you can typically choose the exam you feel more comfortable with, as long as your score meets the minimum.

• Some universities list only TOEFL iBT scores, especially older or more traditional programs.
• Many universities give an exact equivalency table for TOEFL vs IELTS.
• A few schools may recommend TOEFL for certain majors (for example, engineering or business) because of the integrated academic tasks.

The bottom line: for most U.S. universities, both TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are valid options, but TOEFL iBT remains slightly more “native” to the U.S. admissions system.

When TOEFL iBT Might Be the Better Choice

Even if both exams are accepted, there are situations where TOEFL iBT is the smarter pick. Ask yourself if any of these sound like you:

• You feel more comfortable taking a fully computer-based test and typing your responses.
• You prefer speaking into a microphone instead of talking directly to a person.
• You want to practice integrated tasks that combine reading, listening, and speaking, which are very similar to real academic work in U.S. universities.
• Most of your target schools are in the U.S. and list detailed TOEFL iBT score requirements.

If this sounds like you, focusing on TOEFL iBT and mastering its specific structure may give you a smoother path toward your target score.

When IELTS Could Be a Better Fit

On the other hand, IELTS Academic may feel more natural for some students, especially if they already live in a country where IELTS is the most common exam or plan to apply to universities in multiple countries, not just in the U.S.

• You are more comfortable with a face-to-face interview style Speaking test.
• You like a mix of question types, including short answers and matching, not just multiple-choice.
• You are considering schools in the U.K., Australia, or Canada as well as U.S. universities.

If these points describe you, IELTS may be a strong option—just confirm that all your U.S. target universities accept IELTS and check their minimum band requirements.

Key Differences in Format, Scoring, and Experience

Test Format and Skills

Both TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic test reading, listening, speaking, and writing, but they organize those skills differently.

• TOEFL iBT: Integrated tasks are common, such as reading a short passage, listening to a lecture, and then speaking or writing about what you learned.
• IELTS Academic: Sections are more separated. The Speaking interview, for example, happens in a different room and may even be on a different day than the other sections.

Speaking Section: Computer vs Person

One of the biggest TOEFL vs IELTS differences is the Speaking section. In TOEFL iBT, you speak into a microphone and your answers are recorded. In IELTS, you have a live conversation with an examiner.

If you get nervous speaking directly to a stranger, TOEFL iBT might feel easier. If you find it awkward to talk to a computer, you might prefer the more natural conversation style of IELTS.

Scoring Systems and U.S. Requirements

TOEFL iBT is scored on a scale of 0–120, with each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) worth up to 30 points. IELTS Academic is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9, reported in half-band increments like 6.5 or 7.0.

Common U.S. university requirements include:

• TOEFL iBT: overall scores around 80–100 for undergraduate study
• IELTS: overall bands around 6.5–7.0 for similar programs

Always check program-specific requirements, especially for competitive majors, graduate programs, or scholarships.

How to Decide Which Exam to Take

Choosing between TOEFL vs IELTS does not have to be stressful. Use these steps to make a clear, confident decision that supports your U.S. university goals.

• Step 1: List your target universities and confirm whether they accept TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or both.
• Step 2: Compare their minimum score or band requirements for each exam.
• Step 3: Take short practice tests for both TOEFL and IELTS to see which format feels more natural.
• Step 4: Choose one exam and focus your preparation so you can master its specific format instead of splitting your energy.

Whether you choose TOEFL iBT or IELTS, consistent practice, smart strategies, and strong speaking and writing skills will matter far more than the logo on your score report.

Make Your Choice Count With an AI TOEFL iBT Tutor

If you decide that TOEFL iBT is the best match for U.S. universities on your list, the next step is to prepare in a focused, efficient way. That's where SimpUTech's AI Tutor for TOEFL iBT comes in. It helps you build the exact skills the test measures: academic reading, listening, writing, and especially speaking under time pressure.

Instead of using random practice questions, you work through realistic TOEFL-style tasks with instant feedback. The AI tutor highlights your weak spots, suggests better phrasing, and helps you turn confusing questions into score-boosting opportunities. You're not just studying English; you're training specifically for the TOEFL iBT exam that U.S. universities recognize.