Since January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT has reported scores on a 1–6 scale, and the University of California (UC) now sets its English proficiency minimum at 4.5 on the new scale (80 on the old scale) and 115 on the Duolingo English Test. International students attending private high schools in Irvine on F-1 visas, and students who moved from non-English-speaking countries partway through high school, need to confirm whether they must submit an English test score for U.S. undergraduate admission, which test to take, and by when.

The TOEFL 1–6 Scale: What Changed

ETS states on its TOEFL score page that TOEFL iBT score reports for tests taken on or after January 21, 2026 use a 1–6 scale in half-point increments, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Four points matter:

  • How the total is calculated: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing each receive a 1–6 score, and the overall score is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half band. For example, a section average of 5.25 becomes an overall score of 5.5.
  • Transition period: For two years after January 2026, score reports also show a comparable overall score on the prior 0–120 scale.
  • Score release and validity: Scores appear in the ETS account 3 days after the test date and remain valid for 2 years.
  • No universal passing score: ETS does not set passing or failing scores; each institution sets its own requirement.

The Duolingo English Test continues to use a 10–160 scale, with 160 as the maximum, and its overall score is the average of the Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening subscores.

What the New TOEFL Scale Means for Irvine Families

Among Irvine high school students, two groups need to pay attention to English proficiency requirements: international students attending Orange County private high schools on student visas, and students who transferred from non-English-speaking countries such as China or Korea partway through high school. Students who completed all of high school in the United States usually do not need to submit an English test score.

Colleges do not use the same standard to decide who must submit. The University of California looks at years of English-language instruction, the University of Southern California looks at visa status and native language, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison looks at whether all four years of secondary school were taught in English. The same student applying to these three universities may be exempt at one and required to test at another.

TOEFL and Duolingo: English Requirements at Three Universities

Item University of California (minimum across all nine undergraduate campuses) University of Southern California University of Wisconsin–Madison
Who must submit Students who attended high school in a country and school where English was not the language of instruction and had fewer than 3 years of instruction in English International applicants whose native language is not English, including those already living in the United States; no waivers Students educated in non-English-speaking countries, unless English was the language of instruction in all four years of secondary school
TOEFL (January 2026 and later) 4.5 Overall 5, no section below 4 (recommended minimum) 4.5
TOEFL (before January 2026) 80 Overall 100, no section below 20 80
IELTS 6.5 7 6.5
Duolingo English Test 115 130, only for students unable to take another approved exam; admitted students must then take the USC International Student Exam 115
Superscoring MyBest TOEFL not accepted; only the highest composite from a single sitting counts Not stated MyBest not accepted; no English proficiency exam is superscored

USC also notes that admitted students’ average TOEFL iBT score is above 111 on the old scale, with 25 or higher in each section, and that applicants below the recommended minimums can be admitted, although at reduced rates. UC notes that an individual campus may require a score above the minimum for admission selection, and some campuses may request an interview to assess English skills.

Other Ways to Meet the UC English Proficiency Requirement

The University of California accepts more than the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test. Any of the following also demonstrates proficiency:

  • A score of 3 or higher on AP English Language and Composition or AP English Literature and Composition;
  • A score of 6 or 7 on the IB English (Language A) Standard Level exam, or 5 or higher at Higher Level;
  • A score of 24 or higher on ACT English Language Arts (ELA);
  • A grade of C or better in a UC-transferable college English composition course (3 semester or 4–5 quarter units).

One point is easy to miss: UC states that the digital SAT Reading and Writing section score has not been approved to meet the English proficiency requirement. A student who has studied in the United States for a few years and planned to use SAT scores in place of the TOEFL cannot use that route for UC.

TOEFL and Duolingo Test Timing and Score Reporting

The exam must be completed by December of 12th grade. UC requires applicants to complete one of the qualifying exams no later than December of the final year of high school. Applicants self-report scores in the UC application; admitted students send official scores only to the campus they plan to attend, and the scores must still be valid at that time.

USC requires official scores within two weeks of the deadline. USC requires official scores from approved exams within two weeks of the applicable application deadline. USC does not offer evaluative interviews; applicants may submit Duolingo, InitialView, or Vericant interviews as optional supplements showing English ability, and their cost is not included in the application fee.

Wisconsin does not accept scores older than two years. The University of Wisconsin–Madison requires scores sent electronically and directly from the testing service, no older than two years at the time of application, and notes that sending scores adds cost and 1–4 weeks to the time it takes to complete the application. Duolingo scores must be sent with subscores.

EDUBUS Recommendations on the TOEFL and Duolingo Exams

Check each college’s standard before deciding whether to test. Do not rely on a single college’s rule. Compare the exemption conditions at every college on the list against the student’s own schooling: years in the United States, language of instruction, and visa status. If even one college requires a score, prepare to that college’s standard.

Prioritize the TOEFL or IELTS and treat Duolingo as a supplement. USC accepts the Duolingo English Test only from students unable to take another approved exam, sets a higher minimum, and requires an additional exam after enrollment. When a college like this is on the list, Duolingo cannot replace the TOEFL.

Students applying early by November 1 should schedule a test date now. TOEFL scores are released 3 days after the test, but Wisconsin notes that official score delivery can take another 1–4 weeks. Students without a qualifying score before their early deadline should register as soon as possible and leave time for one retake.

Students with AP English scores should check the UC rule first. A score of 3 or higher on AP English Language and Composition or AP English Literature and Composition satisfies the UC English proficiency requirement, but other colleges may not accept it.

For overall planning of college lists and requirements, see the EDUBUS University Admissions Planning service; international students at Orange County private high schools can also refer to the Orange County Private High School Guide. For timing of score sends before early deadlines, see Early Deadlines: Will SAT/ACT Scores Arrive in Time?.

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