TOEFL wrong birth date

[Nebelwerfer]

My actual birth date is 08/27 however on TOEFL score report it is written as 08/08. I have asked ETS twice to correct it however they rejected my request. Will this cause a problem during admission decisions? Such as the possibility of mismatching between online application and score report?

[Strangefox]

My actual birth date is 08/27 however on TOEFL score report it is written as 08/08. I have asked ETS twice to correct it however they rejected my request. Will this cause a problem during admission decisions? Such as the possibility of mismatching between online application and score report?

I believe it can be a problem. Why are they rejecting your request?? Do they give you a reason?

Whose fault is it that the date is wrong, yours or theirs?

[Nebelwerfer]

I believe it can be a problem. Why are they rejecting your request?? Do they give you a reason?

Whose fault is it that the date is wrong, yours or theirs?

" TOEFL program policy does not allow us to change or delete identifying information on the examinee file after the test date."

That's what they say. Some people on other forums also had the same mistake, however they managed to make ETS correct it. I am not sure whose fault it is. I even recognized this mistake way after score report arrived in paper form. Why do you believe it can be a problem? Will admission officers think that I am cheating them?

[Strangefox]

" TOEFL program policy does not allow us to change or delete identifying information on the examinee file after the test date."

That's what they say. Some people on other forums also had the same mistake, however they managed to make ETS correct it. I am not sure whose fault it is. I even recognized this mistake way after score report arrived in paper form. Why do you believe it can be a problem? Will admission officers think that I am cheating them?

I mean, perhaps they won't be able to match your scores with the rest of your app materials. On the other hand, the situation is not hopeless. You should contact your schools and explain the situation. I am sure they will think of something. If you are from Turkey, your name is probably not John Smith and there won't be many applicants (if any) with the same name as yours. Just inform your schools about this issue and everything will be fine

Edited November 24, 2010 by Strangefox

[eklavya]

My actual birth date is 08/27 however on TOEFL score report it is written as 08/08. I have asked ETS twice to correct it however they rejected my request. Will this cause a problem during admission decisions? Such as the possibility of mismatching between online application and score report?

it's terrible that it happened to you. read this, esp comment #14: http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic43374.html

however, even if they agree to fix it, it might take weeks, even months to fix it.

one option you have is to contact the schools you are applying to, and tell them that ETS made an error. provide the schools with a copy of your passport to corroborate your statement. they should be okay with it. or perhaps take the toefl again, if you've enough resources and time? although this is a hassle i know.

[Strangefox]

or perhaps take the toefl again

Nono, I don't think it's necessary. I think the schools will understand. They must know that ETS people often make mistakes like that!

[Nebelwerfer]

I mean, perhaps they won't be able to match your scores with the rest of your app materials. On the other hand, the situation is not hopeless. You should contact your schools and explain the situation. I am sure they will think of something. If you are from Turkey, your name is probably not John Smith and there won't be many applicants (if any) with the same name as yours. Just inform your schools about this issue and everything will be fine

I already started informing them about the situation. Hope they dont urge me to retake the exam! I am pretty sure that anyone with the same name wont be applying to same schools with me. The only thing I am worried about is the mismatch issue. I dont know what method do they use to find respective score report for an online application. They must be receiving large volume of reports/applications.

[eklavya]

I already started informing them about the situation. Hope they dont urge me to retake the exam! I am pretty sure that anyone with the same name wont be applying to same schools with me. The only thing I am worried about is the mismatch issue. I dont know what method do they use to find respective score report for an online application. They must be receiving large volume of reports/applications.

nah, they won't. don't worry.. like Strangefox said above, they'll understand. they must have dealt with literally thousands of apps, and know that errors/problems come in variety of shapes and sizes. you'll be fine

[Strangefox]

I already started informing them about the situation. Hope they dont urge me to retake the exam! I am pretty sure that anyone with the same name wont be applying to same schools with me. The only thing I am worried about is the mismatch issue. I dont know what method do they use to find respective score report for an online application. They must be receiving large volume of reports/applications.

Good luck with this thing! I am sure everything will be all right!