What to Do If You Fail TOEFL the First Time (A Guide for Nigerian Students)

[AbdulBasit Odurinde]

First, take a deep breath. A low TOEFL score on your first attempt is not the end of your study abroad dream. It is a data point. And data can be acted on. Here is exactly what to do next.

Understand That You Cannot Actually “Fail” TOEFL

This is important. ETS does not set a universal passing or failing score. You simply get a score between 0 and 120, and universities decide what their minimum requirement is. If your score falls below your target university’s requirement, you have missed that specific target not failed a final exam. That distinction matters because it means the solution is clear: retake and score higher.

Review Your Section Scores First

Before you do anything else, look at your score breakdown, not just your total. The key to boosting your TOEFL score is to focus on your areas of weakness. Your sectional scores will reveal exactly where you lost the most points. Was it Speaking? Writing? Listening? Identify the problem section clearly. That is where 60 to 70 percent of your next preparation should go.

Do Not Retake Immediately

You are allowed to retake the TOEFL as soon as three days after your previous attempt, but rushing back without changing your approach is a waste of money. Students who do not improve their preparation have no reason to expect higher scores on subsequent attempts. Give yourself at least four to six weeks of focused, targeted preparation before booking your next date.

Take a Diagnostic Practice Test

In your first week of preparation, take a full practice test under timed conditions. This gives you a fresh baseline after your real exam experience and helps you identify the specific question types and task formats that cost you the most points. Build your entire study plan around those findings.

Use MyBest Scores to Your Advantage

Here is the good news many Nigerian students do not know about. ETS offers MyBest Scores a feature that combines your best section scores from all your valid TOEFL attempts in the last two years into one report. On average, test takers raise their score by 6 points on their second attempt and nearly 10 points by the third. Every retake is a real opportunity to improve your overall standing not just a fresh start.

Consider Appealing Your Listening or Speaking Score

If you believe your score does not reflect your actual performance, you can appeal. You can only appeal your Listening and Speaking scores, Reading and Writing scores are final and cannot be reviewed. The appeal costs $80 per section, so weigh this option carefully before paying.

Watch Your Application Deadline

This is critical for Nigerian students applying to universities abroad. Make sure your retake date, score processing time, and application deadline all align. TOEFL scores are typically available within four to eight days after the exam. Build your retake timeline backwards from your application deadline not forward from your disappointment.

A first attempt that did not go as planned is not a failure. It is the beginning of a better, more informed preparation. Come back stronger, smarter, and more targeted and the score will come.

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You can improve your TOEFL Score by visiting the Best Nigerian TOEFL community , which we are currently building at Odurinde eLearning site.
You can also improve by trying out our One-to-One coaching, Click here if interested

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