TOEFL You take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and receive a score that is equal to or higher than your program’s requirements.  Some departments do not accept the IELTS, please check with your program. Official TOEFL and IELTS test scores are only valid for two years from the date of taking the test.  IELTS You take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and receive a score that is equal to or higher than your program’s requirements.  Some departments do not accept the IELTS, please check with your program. Official TOEFL and IELTS test scores are only valid for two years from the date of taking the test.  GRE The higher, the better. If you have low GREs, do not panic: this will not automatically exclude you from consideration even at excellent programs. You may wish to mention them directly in your personal statement, however, as mentioned above.