Miss Dittaya Wanvarie

TOEFL (CBT) Score 267
(Listening 25 / Structure 28 / Reading 27 / Essay 5.5)

How did you learn about Kaplan?
I heard about Kaplan from my friends who’ve studied here and recommended Kaplan was one of the most outstanding institutions in test preparation.  I agreed with my friends’ decisions in choosing Kaplan because of many positive aspects: flexible course schedule, high teaching standard, suitable course duration and reasonable fees.

What was your placement score?
I had to take a placement test before my TOEFL class started and I got 497 from 677.

How long did you prepare before taking the real test?
I spent a total of 4 months in preparing myself for the TOEFL test. I studied at Kaplan for 3 months, attending live classes and using facilities at Kaplan for self-study.  After I spent only 1 month to review all the lessons because I had to send my official score to apply for scholarship.

Before I studied at Kaplan, my expected score was 250 (CBT).  I was truly surprised when I got 267 from 300 on the exam.  I got 25 points from Listening part, 28 from Structure, 27 from Reading Comprehension and 5.5 from Writing.  My scores after Kaplan exceeded my expectation.

What techniques did you use to get a high score?
I used only Kaplan materials- particularly the TOEFL Practice Drills.  I never bought other TOEFL preparation books.  I tried to read a lot and do the exercises in Practice Drills.  After I checked my answer, I reviewed them again with the explanation part that was given in the book so that I can understand it more.  Try to do more exercises.  It will help you to get a high score.  Another important thing that test takers should do is to apply the techniques learned from the teacher during your test.

Did Kaplan’s strategies help you to get a higher score?
Of course, my score is better than what I had expected.  I like Kaplan’s facilities and materials.  Kaplan encouraged me to do more self-practicing and review all lessons after the live classes.  I prefer Kaplan’s high teaching standards to other institutes, and teacher taught me a lot of techniques on how to tackle the test.

Futhermore, Kaplan’s students have 6 months of student-status where they can practice the computer-based tests before taking the real test.  This is very useful and helped me to not get excited when I took the real test.  The computer lab here provided a realistic test atmosphere.  I also practiced with paper-based tests that indicated my weakness points so I focus on getting rid of them.

Can you give your suggestion to friends?
 Try to do the best.  You will appreciate your test result like me.