Score improvement depends on your starting level and study intensity, but students working with tutors typically see 5-15 point increases over 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction targets your specific weak areas—whether that's understanding academic lectures, writing coherent essays, or speaking fluently under timed conditions—rather than generic test prep. The focused feedback you get in each session accelerates progress far more than self-study alone.

Many students struggle with the listening section because academic lectures move quickly and use unfamiliar vocabulary; the writing section challenges them to organize complex ideas under time pressure; and the speaking section creates anxiety about pronunciation and fluency. Additionally, students often underestimate how different TOEFL English is from conversational English—it requires formal academic vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources. Personalized tutoring helps you practice these specific skills with real test materials and expert feedback.

Your first session focuses on understanding your current level, goals, and specific challenges. You'll likely take a diagnostic practice test or discuss your recent TOEFL attempts so your tutor can identify which sections need the most work. From there, your tutor creates a customized study plan targeting your weaknesses—whether that's building academic vocabulary, improving listening comprehension, or developing essay organization strategies—so your time is spent on what matters most.

Most students benefit from 8-16 weeks of preparation, depending on their starting proficiency level and target score. If you're aiming for a competitive university score (100+), expect to invest 3-4 months of regular study. With personalized tutoring, you make faster progress because your tutor focuses your effort on high-impact skills rather than having you study everything equally. The frequency of sessions matters too—students who meet weekly see steadier improvement than those with sporadic sessions.

Look for tutors with proven TOEFL teaching experience, strong English language credentials (ideally a background in linguistics, ESL instruction, or English education), and familiarity with current test formats. Ideally, your tutor should have scored highly on the TOEFL themselves or have extensive experience helping students reach their target scores. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand the nuances of academic English and can provide targeted feedback on speaking, writing, and listening skills.

In a classroom setting, instruction moves at an average pace for the group, so you might spend time on sections you've already mastered while rushing through areas where you struggle. With personalized 1-on-1 tutoring, every session is tailored to your specific needs—your tutor adapts pacing, materials, and strategies based on your progress and learning style. You also get immediate, detailed feedback on your speaking and writing, which is difficult to provide in a group class and essential for TOEFL success.

Your tutor will use official TOEFL practice tests and materials from ETS (the test maker) to ensure you're practicing with authentic exam questions and formats. You'll work through real reading passages, listening lectures, writing prompts, and speaking tasks under timed conditions, with your tutor providing detailed feedback on each section. Many tutors also supplement with targeted vocabulary lists, grammar exercises, and note-taking strategies specific to the TOEFL's academic focus.