The people who hit their TOEFL target start early, work on their weakest skill, and practice consistently โ not in a last-minute cram. Here's a simple way to plan your prep around the score you actually need.
The short version
โขSet your required total (and section minimums) before anything else.
โขDiagnose with a full practice test; the gap is your plan.
โขRotate all four skills โ your total is their sum.
โขPractice Speaking and Writing against the rating criteria, under time.
Start with your target and a diagnostic
Find the TOEFL score โ and any minimum section scores โ required by the universities on your list; see our guide on what counts as a good TOEFL score. Then take a full practice test to see where you stand. The gap is your plan.
Practice all four skills, a little most days
Spread your prep out and rotate Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing โ neglecting your weakest is the most common mistake, and your total is the sum of all four. Spacing practice over weeks and reviewing your mistakes is what makes it stick.
Give Speaking and Writing extra attention if they're weak: they're rated against clear criteria, so templated practice and feedback move them fastest.
Rehearse under real conditions
In the final weeks, do full, timed practice โ including speaking into a microphone and writing to the clock โ so the format and pace feel routine on test day.
Frequently asked
How long should I study for the TOEFL?
It depends on the gap between your diagnostic and your target, but most people do best with several weeks to a few months of consistent, spaced practice across all four skills rather than a last-minute cram.
Which TOEFL skill should I focus on?
Your weakest, because the total is the sum of all four sections. Spend most effort closing that gap while keeping the others sharp.
How do I practice TOEFL Speaking and Writing alone?
Use task templates, practice to the time limits, record your speaking and write to the clock, then review against the rating criteria โ or use AI feedback to spot weak structure and grammar.