<p>i checked with one of the adcoms and the five year stipulation relates to time in a US high school consecutively counting back from the year you apply. So if you have not been in a US high school for the past five years consecutively, and English is not your native language, you should take the TOEFL.</p>
<p>And yes the TOEFL score matters. The 600/250 scores are minimums to be considered for admission, but your overall score will be factores like on the SATs and/or ACTs.</p>