The smart way to pass TOEFL

Cut the confusion, save on the fee, and prepare like a pro

Nicolò Branchi – CMO at wearefreemovers | April 9, 2025

Studying abroad is one of the most exciting decisions you can make — new people, new places, new perspectives.
But let’s be real: it also means paperwork, deadlines, and a few hoops to jump through. One of the biggest? Proving your English level to the university you’re applying to.

If your chosen program is taught in English, chances are you’ll need to take the TOEFL iBT®, one of the most widely accepted English-language exams worldwide.
It’s trusted by over 11,000 institutions across more than 150 countries, and it often plays a key role in getting your application accepted.

Whether you’re aiming for the U.S., Canada, Europe, or somewhere else entirely, the TOEFL could be your golden ticket — but understanding how it works, how to prepare, and how much it costs can be confusing.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone

At wearefreemovers, we’ve been through it ourselves — and we’re here to make the process easier, cheaper, and way less stressful.

Table of contents

  1. 🧭 What is the TOEFL iBT®?
  2. 😩 Why it can feel complicated
  3. 🤝 How we help — without the hype
  4. 🎯 Which TOEFL score do you actually need?
  5. 🧠 Smart tips for smart students
  6. ✈️ Ready to go?

🧭 What is the TOEFL iBT®?

The TOEFL iBT® (Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test) is one of the most trusted English exams out there — and for good reason.

Unlike basic grammar tests, it’s built to assess how well you can actually use English in a real academic environment. Think university lectures, essays, group work, and presentations. In other words: not just theory, but practice.

The test is divided into four sections:

  • Reading – understanding and analyzing academic texts
  • Listening – following conversations and lectures
  • Speaking – expressing your ideas clearly on various topics
  • Writing – building arguments and responding to questions

What makes it unique is how it mimics the kind of situations you’ll face as a student.
It doesn’t just test your level — it helps schools understand if you’re truly ready for university life in English.

😩 Why it can feel complicated

Let’s be honest — the TOEFL isn’t hard just because of the test itself.
Sometimes, what makes it stressful is everything around it:
figuring out where to start, what to study, how much to pay, and whether you’re doing it right.

We’ve talked to lots of students, and the same doubts keep coming up:

  • “Where do I even register?”
  • “Which websites or videos can I actually trust?”
  • “What score do I need for my university?”
  • “Is it really worth all this money?”

And it makes sense. You’re already dealing with your application, your documents, maybe even visa stuff — and now you’ve got this test to prepare for too?

We’ve been there.

That’s exactly why we decided to step in and make the whole thing a little less painful — and a lot more clear.

🤝 How we help — without the hype

We know what it’s like to feel lost in a sea of websites, prep courses, and “ultimate TOEFL guides” full of ads and confusing info.
That’s not our style.

Thanks to our official partnership with ETS — the creators of the TOEFL iBT® — we’re able to offer real, no-nonsense support to help you move forward with confidence.

Here’s what you get with wearefreemovers:

  • ✅ 10% discount on your official TOEFL iBTÂŽ registration
  • 🔐 Direct access to ETS’s real test booking system — no middlemen, no shady links
  • 📘 A clean, easy-to-follow info page with everything in one place
  • 💡 Honest guidance, written by students for students — no upselling, no spam, no hidden agendas

We don’t sell prep courses.
We’re not trying to squeeze money out of you.
We just want to help you take this step without the usual mess and confusion.

Simple as that.

🎯 Which TOEFL score do you actually need?

Let’s talk numbers — because knowing how much you need to score is just as important as preparing for the test itself.

Most universities set a minimum TOEFL iBT® score to make sure you’ll be able to follow lectures, write essays, and participate in discussions.
But here’s the thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all number.

Some examples:

  • Many free mover bachelor’s programs ask for around 60-80
    • More competitive free mover master’s programs often want 70–90, with minimum scores per section

“We need a 95 overall, but no less than 22 in Speaking.”

So what should you do?

✅ Check the wearefreemovers’ page of each partner university you’re applying to — don’t rely on forums or guesses
✅ Make a list of the requirements, so you know your personal target
✅ Add a small “safety margin” to your prep — aim a little higher, just in case

Bottom line:

Before you start practicing, make sure you know what you’re aiming for.
There’s no point shooting in the dark — let’s hit the target.

🧠 Smart tips for smart students

If you approach the TOEFL with a solid plan (and a bit of consistency), you can absolutely crush it — even if your English isn’t perfect.

Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you prepare like a pro:

  1. Start early – Aim for at least 6–8 weeks before your test date. Last-minute cramming might work for a quiz, not for this.
  2. Practice consistently – A little every day is better than ten hours once a week. Focus especially on integrated tasks, where you read, listen, then speak or write.
  3. Use official ETS materials – They reflect the real test better than any random YouTube playlist.
  4. Simulate the test – Do a full-length mock exam under timed conditions. It’ll help you build stamina and confidence.

And finally, don’t overthink it.
Yes, the TOEFL is serious. But it’s not some impossible monster. With steady practice and the right mindset, you’ll walk in ready — and walk out with the score you need.

✈️ Ready to go?

If you’re serious about studying abroad, getting your English certificate isn’t just a nice extra — it’s a must.
And the TOEFL iBT® is one of the most trusted ways to show what you’re capable of.

We’re not here to sell you stuff. We’re here to help you get it done.
Easier. Cheaper. Clearer.

You’ve already done the hard part: deciding to apply. That takes courage.
Now let’s make sure you have the right tools to move forward — with less stress, less guesswork, and (thanks to us) a little less money, too.

Start your TOEFL journey with us

Let’s make it happen together