Preparing for the TOEFL test can be a challenging task, especially when trying to find the right resources.
With so many options available online, it can be hard to determine which courses offer the best preparation.
This article highlights the 8 best TOEFL prep courses online, providing you with trusted options to help you achieve your goals. Whether you need a flexible schedule, comprehensive practice tests, or personalized instruction, these courses have been curated to meet a variety of needs.
1) Magoosh
Magoosh offers a comprehensive TOEFL prep course with several features that make it a popular choice.
You get access to video lessons, practice questions, and study schedules.
There are no monthly charges or hidden fees.
You pay once and get six months of access.
The course provides more than 140 video lessons created by experienced instructors.
These lessons cover all four sections of the TOEFL test: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
The material is designed to be easy to understand and helps you build the skills you need to succeed.
Magoosh also includes over 420 practice questions.
The questions are similar to what you will see on the actual TOEFL test.
They come with detailed explanations to help you learn from your mistakes.
Additionally, you get access to six full-length practice tests, which are essential for building test stamina and time management skills.
The Magoosh platform is easy to use and accessible from any device with an internet connection.
This flexibility allows you to study wherever and whenever it’s convenient for you.
Besides, you can track your progress and see which areas you need to focus on more.
Another advantage of choosing Magoosh is the customer support.
If you have any questions or need help, the support team is responsive and helpful.
You can also join online forums to connect with other students.
Magoosh TOEFL prep course is cost-effective.
It provides six months of access for $129, which is more affordable than many other options.
If you are not satisfied, they offer a seven-day money-back guarantee.
This guarantee gives you peace of mind when making your purchase.
2) Kaplan
Kaplan’s TOEFL prep courses are known for their comprehensive content and flexible learning options.
The Self-Paced Course for TOEFL iBT costs $349, but you can pay in installments starting at $30 per month with Affirm.
You’ll find over 190 video lessons led by experienced teachers.
These lessons focus on important strategies and skills to help you succeed on the TOEFL exam.
The course includes four full-length practice exams.
These exams allow you to simulate test day conditions.
Additionally, Kaplan provides feedback on your writing samples, which helps you improve your writing skills.
Kaplan also offers specialized courses through Kaplan International.
These courses focus on areas like vocabulary, pronunciation, and time management.
You get access to 20 TOEFL iBT and Academic English Lessons, 7 K+ Online Sessions, and 8 TOEFL iBT Specific Skills Lessons.
Users have praised Kaplan’s detailed feedback and extensive practice exams.
This makes Kaplan a great choice for those looking for thorough preparation and personalized guidance.
Some reviewers note that Kaplan’s courses can be pricey.
Despite this, many find the value of the resources and support provided to be worth the investment.
For more information, you can visit the Kaplan Test Prep site.
3) Princeton Review
Princeton Review is a well-known and trusted name in test preparation.
It offers a variety of TOEFL prep courses designed to fit different learning styles and schedules.
You have options for both in-person and online tutoring.
One of the strengths of Princeton Review is the personalized attention you receive.
The program provides private tutoring, which can be tailored to your specific needs and weaknesses.
This can help you improve faster.
The course materials are comprehensive.
You will have access to numerous practice tests and resources.
This helps you get familiar with the TOEFL format and types of questions you will face.
Princeton Review also offers flexible scheduling.
If you are busy, you can choose from their self-paced options.
This allows you to study at your own convenience and fit your preparation into your schedule.
You may also be interested in their summer camps, which provide intensive preparation over a short period.
This can be ideal if you want to focus on your studies during a break.
If you are looking to prepare with confidence, Princeton Review has refund policies in place.
This means you can enroll knowing that there are options if your plans change.
To learn more about the different courses and tutoring services, visit their Princeton Review TOEFL Test Prep page.
4) Barron’s
Barron’s is a well-known name in test prep materials.
Their TOEFL iBT book comes with 8 full-length practice tests.
These tests match the latest TOEFL test format.
You will find this useful when practicing under real test conditions.
The book includes a thorough review of academic and language skills.
There are four video lessons to help with key skills such as note-taking, paraphrasing, summarizing, and synthesis.
You also get a review of grammar that supports the speaking and writing sections of the test.
This ensures you covered common grammar points needed for the exam.
Barron’s TOEFL iBT book offers online audio for all listening prompts.
This is important for practicing the listening section.
The book provides a detailed explanation of each answer.
This helps you understand your mistakes and improve.
If you prefer online tools, Barron’s also offers online practice.
This gives you the flexibility to study from anywhere.
You can find Barron’s TOEFL iBT on Amazon or Google Books.
People have found Barron’s materials helpful for different learning paths.
Whether you’re prepping for college or aiming for professional certification, Barron’s aims to support your success.
5) Manhattan Prep
Manhattan Prep is known for its high-quality, effective TOEFL preparation services.
They offer a wide range of prep options to match your needs and schedule.
You can choose from online classes, private tutoring, and practice tests.
Each option is designed to help students improve their skills in all areas of the TOEFL exam.
Their online courses are highly customizable.
This means you can focus on the specific areas where you need the most help.
Talking to one of their TOEFL specialists can help you create a custom study plan.
Manhattan Prep’s instructors are experienced and highly regarded.
They bring a wealth of knowledge to their teaching, making each session valuable and productive.
The materials provided by Manhattan Prep are top-notch.
They include comprehensive study guides and practice questions that mirror the actual TOEFL exam.
The flexibility of their classes means you can study at your own pace.
Whether you prefer a structured class or need one-on-one tutoring, there is an option for you.
Setting up your prep is easy.
You only need to fill out a consultation request to get started.
This simple process helps you connect with the right resources quickly.
For more information on their offerings, visit Manhattan Review’s TOEFL page.
This resource can provide you with all the details you need to succeed in your TOEFL preparation.
6) BestMyTest
BestMyTest offers a comprehensive and user-friendly online TOEFL preparation course.
It includes over 1,000 TOEFL practice questions and 20 practice tests.
This extensive library allows you to work on different sections of the test, including reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
You’ll find more than 1,500 interactive lessons and vocabulary exercises.
These resources are designed to help you build your skills and confidence.
The interactive lessons cater to various learning styles, making it a flexible option for many students.
The student dashboard is easy to navigate, providing a seamless user experience.
You can track your progress, review past questions, and see areas where you need improvement.
This feature helps you stay organized and focused on your goals.
BestMyTest’s “Ask An Instructor” feature is particularly helpful.
Depending on your plan, you can ask course instructors up to 25 questions.
This personalized support can make a big difference in your preparation process.
The platform has also been praised for simulating real TOEFL test conditions.
Users have found the practice questions to be very similar to those on the actual test.
This can help you become more comfortable and familiar with the test format.
Overall, BestMyTest is a solid choice for anyone looking to thoroughly prepare for the TOEFL exam.
For more detailed information, you can visit their site here.
7) edX TOEFL Prep
The edX TOEFL Prep course is developed by the creators of the TOEFL exam.
This ensures that the material is accurate and up-to-date.
The course is designed to help you improve your English language skills.
You get access to a variety of learning formats.
These include interactive lessons, practice tests, and videos.
This makes it easier to understand different sections of the exam.
The course covers all four skills tested in the TOEFL: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
You will find detailed explanations and tips for each skill.
This allows you to focus on the areas where you need the most improvement.
edX provides flexible learning options.
You can study at your own pace and on your own schedule.
This is perfect if you have a busy lifestyle or other commitments.
The course is available online, so you can access it from anywhere.
Questions and tasks in the course mimic the actual TOEFL exam.
This helps you get familiar with the test format and question types.
Practicing with real test materials can boost your confidence on test day.
There is also an emphasis on improving your English language skills.
Beyond just test preparation, the course helps you develop better overall language proficiency.
This can be valuable in academic and professional settings.
With support from edX, you have resources at your fingertips.
If you need help, the platform includes community forums and additional materials.
This can be helpful for getting answers to your questions as you study.
8) Udemy Complete TOEFL iBT
The Udemy Complete TOEFL iBT is a popular choice for those looking to excel in the TOEFL exam.
This course covers all four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
It is geared towards helping you achieve a score of 100 points or more on the TOEFL iBT.
You will find detailed tutorials and advice videos that explain various tactics and strategies.
These resources are designed by experts who have extensive experience in preparing students for the TOEFL.
The course is structured to introduce these strategies, explain different task types, and provide practical practice analysis.
In addition to the instructional videos, this course also offers numerous assignments, quizzes, and practice tests.
These activities help reinforce what you’ve learned and ensure you are well-prepared for the exam.
By completing these tasks, you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect on test day.
One of the standout features of this course is its user-friendly format.
The lessons are clear and straightforward, making it easy for you to follow along and grasp the material.
Whether you are a beginner or need a refresher, this course is suitable for all levels.
For a budget-friendly option, this Udemy course offers good value.
With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 and positive reviews, it is a reliable option for TOEFL preparation.
Understanding the TOEFL Exam
The TOEFL exam tests your English language proficiency in academic contexts.
Knowing the structure and scoring system will help you prepare effectively.
Exam Structure
The TOEFL exam has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
In the Reading section, you’ll answer questions about passages, focusing on comprehension and interpretation.
This section usually takes between 54 to 72 minutes.
The Listening section involves listening to conversations and lectures, then answering related questions.
This section lasts 41 to 57 minutes.
In the Speaking section, you’ll respond to tasks that simulate real-life situations.
You have 17 minutes to complete six tasks.
The Writing section requires you to write two essays.
You’ll have 50 minutes to complete both essays, demonstrating your ability to express and support your ideas in written English.
Scoring System
Each section of the TOEFL exam is scored separately.
Your score in each section ranges from 0 to 30, leading to a total score range of 0 to 120.
The Reading and Listening sections are scored based on the number of correct answers.
The Speaking section is evaluated by both human raters and automated scoring to assess pronunciation, fluency, and coherence.
The Writing section is scored by human raters who evaluate the clarity, organization, and development of your essays.
Understanding the scoring criteria for each section will help you focus your study efforts on the areas where you need improvement.
Benefits of Online TOEFL Prep Courses
Online TOEFL prep courses offer several advantages such as flexible scheduling and the ability to tailor the learning experience to individual needs.
These benefits ensure you can study effectively and efficiently.
Flexibility and Convenience
Online courses enable you to study at your own pace.
Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, you can access lessons when it suits you best.
Platforms like Kaplan and Udemy provide self-paced courses that you can fit into your busy schedule.
Commute time becomes a non-issue.
You can study from the comfort of your home or any location with internet access.
Additionally, online courses eliminate geographical barriers, giving you access to the best instructors and resources worldwide.
Personalized Learning
Many online platforms offer personalized learning experiences.
For example, Jaime Miller Advising provides tailored instruction catered to your specific learning style.
You can take diagnostic tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
With courses like BestMyTest, you get customized practice exams and targeted lessons to focus on areas that need improvement.
Personalized learning ensures you spend time only on what you need, making your study sessions more effective.
This bespoke approach helps you maximize your preparation time and achieve better results.