Improvement depends on your starting level and study intensity, but students typically see 5-15 point gains (out of 120) within 4-8 weeks of focused preparation with personalized instruction. One-on-one tutoring allows tutors to target your specific weak areas—whether that's speaking fluency, academic writing, or listening comprehension—rather than generic classroom instruction. The personalized approach means you practice what you actually need rather than reviewing material you've already mastered.

International students preparing for TOEFL often struggle with the speaking section, which requires rapid, clear responses on unfamiliar topics within strict time limits. Many also find the integrated writing task challenging because it combines listening, reading, and writing skills simultaneously. Additionally, the academic vocabulary and fast-paced listening passages can be difficult for students whose English exposure has been more conversational than academic.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to identify your current proficiency level and specific areas for improvement. The tutor will review your goals, understand your timeline for test day, and discuss which sections need the most focus. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan that targets your weaknesses while building on your strengths, with a clear roadmap toward your target score.

The speaking section is one of the hardest to self-study because you need real-time feedback on pronunciation, grammar, fluency, and organization. Personalized instruction allows you to practice speaking tasks with immediate correction and coaching on how to structure responses more effectively. Tutors can also help you develop strategies for thinking quickly in English and managing the pressure of speaking on camera, which many students find intimidating.

Most students need 6-12 weeks of consistent preparation, though this varies based on starting level and target score. Students aiming for scores above 100 (required by many top universities) typically need more intensive preparation than those targeting 80-90. With personalized tutoring, you can condense your timeline by focusing only on what you need rather than reviewing familiar material, and tutors can adjust the pace based on your progress.

Look for tutors with direct experience teaching TOEFL or English as a second language (ESL), ideally with knowledge of the specific test format and scoring rubrics. Tutors should have strong English proficiency themselves and understand the academic English required for university-level coursework. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, we match you with tutors who have proven expertise in TOEFL preparation and a track record of helping students reach their target scores.

In a classroom setting, instruction moves at one pace for everyone, which means you might spend time on sections where you're already strong while not getting enough help on your weaknesses. Personalized tutoring adapts to your specific needs—if you struggle with listening but excel at reading, your tutor focuses there. You also get immediate, detailed feedback on practice responses rather than waiting for group results, and your tutor can explain concepts in ways that match your learning style.