Set a goal score and a study plan.
The TOEFL is scored on a scale of 0-120, while the IELTS is scored on a band scale of 0-9. Different schools and employers may have different requirements for the minimum score or band you need to achieve.
You can check the score requirements for the institutions you are interested in on their websites or contact them directly. Once you have a target score or band, you can estimate how much time and effort you need to prepare for the test. You can use a study guide, a course, or a tutor to help you improve your skills and strategies for each section of the test .
Practice your English skills every day.
Besides studying for the test, you should also expose yourself to English as much as possible in your daily life. You can watch movies and TV series, listen to podcasts, analyze the lyrics of your favorite English songs, read books, news, social media, set your smartphone and laptop to English, etc.
You can also find a language partner or join an online community to practice your speaking and writing skills with native or fluent speakers. The more you practice, the more confident and fluent you will become in English.
How to choose between the TOEFL or IELTS exam and what to expect on the test day for US visa purposes
Choosing between the TOEFL or IELTS exam depends on your personal preferences, goals, and needs. Both exams are widely accepted by US colleges and universities, but there are some differences between them in terms of format, content, scoring, and availability.
Below are some factors to consider when deciding between the two exams:
