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GRE subject test measures the knowledge of the candidate on a particular subject. Each GRE subject test exam is intended for those candidates who have any of the following subjects as an undergraduate program
- Literature in English
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Psychology
Unlike GRE general test, GRE subject test can be taken only three times a year across the world in a paper-based format at test centers. Preferable months for the GRE subject test are – September, October, April. The GRE subject test fee is $150 (INR 11079)across the world.
Though GRE general test is more popular compared to the GRE Subject Test among the candidates the statistics show that around the world there is a sufficient number of test-taker for each subject:
According to the statistics from ETS, in the last 3 years (2016-2019), this graph shows that the maximum number of test-takers of the GRE Subject Test took the physics exam. Few more important points that should be noted about the GRE subject test statistics are:
| Test | Mean | Standard Deviation | Percent Women | Percent Men |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology Test | 665 | 123 | 58 | 41 |
| Chemistry Test | 689 | 121 | 42 | 57 |
| Literature in English Test | 542 | 105 | 63 | 34 |
| Mathematics Test | 664 | 149 | 28 | 71 |
| Physics Test | 714 | 162 | 23 | 76 |
| Psychology Test | 619 | 109 | 78 | 20 |
GRE General vs GRE Subject Test
There is often confusion among the test-takers about whether to choose the GRE general test or subject test. To break it down before the candidates, here is a list of differences marked between the GRE general or subject test:
| GRE General Test | GRE Subject Test |
|---|---|
| GRE general test is taken by test-takers who wish to pursue PhD or graduate abroad | GRE subject test is taken by candidates who wish to prove their excellence in those particular subjects |
| GRE General Test comprises verbal, quant and analytical writing | GRE subject test can be taken in any of the subjects - Biology, Maths, Chemistry, Literature, Physics and Psychology |
| GRE general test is accepted by thousands of grad schools | GRE subject test acts as an addition to the other academic requirements and is sometimes required for graduation in the top colleges |
| GRE general test can be taken every 21 days with a count of up to 5 times a year | GRE subject test can be taken only thrice in a year |
| GRE general test is a computer-delivery exam | GRE subject test is a paper-delivered exam |
Are GRE Subject Tests Necessary?
GRE itself is a standardized entrance exam that allows the candidates to study further in their dream programs and their dream colleges or universities. The GRE Subject Test is designed to check the depth of knowledge of the candidates in any specific subject and allow them to study that subject further.
GRE scores are globally accepted and a candidate who has met the GRE Subject Test requirements of any university can study that subject in the globally top universities. In this test, the candidates need to show outstanding knowledge and skills of a specific subject to claim a position in the world’s top colleges.
Who Takes the GRE Subject Test?
GRE subject test is mostly taken by candidates who are planning to pursue any of those specific subjects (Bio/Maths/Physics/Chem/Psychology/Literature) and thus prove their aptitude in it. There are very few chances of the GRE subject test being mandatory for admission to grad programs. Though few of the top schools require it sometimes.
GRE Subject Test is like validation to the candidates’ undergraduate records and recommendation letters along with a test to understand the candidates’ knowledge
Is the GRE Subject Test Required for MS?
The candidates who are quite knowledgeable in their respective areas usually take GRE subject tests. In very rare cases, universities require a GRE subject test score for the admission process. This score for the GRE subject test is required only at the top universities.
How Many Times Can you Take the GRE Subject Test?
GRE Subject Test is conducted in the paper-delivered test centers thrice a year:
- September
- October
- April
In India, the GRE Subject Test is conducted only in October.
GRE Subject Test Registration
GRE registration for the subject test is to be done through the ETS profile of the candidates and the test center needs to be booked before 2-3 months before the exam date of the GRE Subject Test. For India, the GRE Subject Test fee ranges from $150-205, and in other countries, the fee ranges from $226 to $255. The rescheduling charge is $50 and the late registration charge is $25. Candidates should keep an eye on the GRE subject test dates to not miss any chance. If you are planning to take the English subject test, then keep a watch on the GRE English subject test dates.
GRE Subject Test Dates
The following is the date for the GRE Subject Test for 2023:
| Test Date | Regular Deadline | Late Deadline | Scores Available: Online | Approx Score Reporting Mail Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 08, 2023 | February 24, 2023 | March 03, 2023 | May 08, 2023 | May 19, 2023 |
GRE Subject Test Syllabus
As we know that GRE is available in two different modes: computer-delivered and paper-delivered, GRE Subject Test is available only for the second mode i.e. the paper-delivered or the offline mode. The duration of this test is 2 hours and 50 minutes. GRE Subject Test is developed to test the understanding of the candidates of the following subjects:
Note: Since December 2016, biochemistry is not a part of the GRE Subject Test. The GRE subject test computer science is also not taken anymore.
Sectional Details of GRE Subject Test
The following table demonstrates the GRE exam pattern for the subject tests that include the number of questions and subsections of each subject along with the weightage of each subsection.
| Subjects | Number of Questions | Sub-sections | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 190 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 33-34% |
| Organismal Biology | 33-34% | ||
| Ecology and Evolution | 33-34% | ||
| Chemistry | 130 | Analytical Chemistry | 15% |
| Inorganic Chemistry | 25% | ||
| Organic Chemistry | 30% | ||
| Physical Chemistry | 30% | ||
| English | 230 | Literary Analysis | 40-55% |
| Identification | 15-20% | ||
| Cultural and Historical Contexts | 20-25% | ||
| History and Theory of Literary Criticism | 10-15% | ||
| Mathematics | 66 | Calculus | 50% |
| Algebra (Linear algebra, abstract algebra, elementary algebra, and number theory) | 25% | ||
| Discrete Mathematics | 25% | ||
| Real Analysis | |||
| Probability and Statistics | |||
| Additional Mathematics | |||
| Physics | 100 | Classical Mechanics | 20% |
| Electromagnetism | 18% | ||
| Optics and Wave Phenomena | 9% | ||
| Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 10% | ||
| Quantum Mechanics | 12% | ||
| Atomic Physics | 10% | ||
| Special Relativity | 6% | ||
| Laboratory Methods | 6% | ||
| Specialized Topics like Nuclear and Particle Physics etc. | 9% | ||
| Psychology | 205 | Biological | 17-21% |
| Cognitive | 17-24% | ||
| Social | 12-14% | ||
| Developmental | 12-14% | ||
| Clinical | 15-19% | ||
| Measurement/Methodology/Other | 15-19% |
The GRE math subject test assesses not only the complex topics but also the fundamental basics that form the foundation of the candidates. ETS has further stated in this regard, the candidates will find the sums that require precalculus theory to be the most difficult ones.
Both the GRE Mathematics and Chemistry subject tests contain mathematical computations, but calculators are not allowed in any of them. To ensure a GRE Math or GRE chemistry subject test good score the test-takers need to be speedy in their approach of calculating.
Requirements for GRE Subject Test
As the GRE Subject Test is designed for graduate-level courses, it is expected that the candidates applying to it have completed their undergraduate courses. For GRE, there are no specific eligibility criteria as specified by ETS the conducting authority of the exam which means there is no age bar or specific score in the undergraduate courses and others. Valid ID proof with a recent photo and signature of the candidate (passport) is enough to appear in the GRE Subject Test. However, the universities in which candidates desiring admission in graduate courses must have some requirements along with a GRE score. The candidates need to meet those criteria for their enrollment. For the GRE Subject Test, the candidates are advised to select the subject which is closely related to their majors.
GRE Subject Test Score
The GRE score range for each subject is 200-990 with 10 increment points. Sub-scores of each section are measured on a scale of 20-99 with 1 point increment. With the help of the scores and subscores in the GRE Subject Test, the examinees can understand their strengths and weakness in the sub-sections and prepare accordingly.
According to the data of ETS, just like the highest number of test-takers, the highest mean score also obtained in physics – it is 714 in the last 3 years. The lowest mean score of the GRE Subject Test is 542 and it is obtained in mathematics.
Check: GRE Score Calculation
Note: For each correct answer, there is 1 point and for each wrong answer, ¼ point will be deducted.
How Long are GRE Subject Test Scores Valid?
The GRE subject test scores are valid for 5 years. The test-takers will receive their test scores within 5 weeks of the assigned test date.
Who accepts GRE Subject Test Scores?
Scores of GRE Subject Test are accepted by almost all the graduate schools in the world. University of Notre Dame, New York University, Yale University, and Stanford University have programs where GRE Subject Tests are recommended. GRE Subject Test score, especially above 80-90% GRE Subject Test score, nonetheless, makes your application stronger in foreign universities.
GRE Subject Test Preparation Tips
The GRE subject test materials prepare the candidates for the subjects they have chosen like the GRE subject test biology or Math, but there are certain GRE preparation tips that are to be followed before and after the test:
- Thoroughly go through the courses of the colleges you’re applying for, it is only after studying the content of the subject one will be able to get hold of the knowledge the colleges expecting;
- There are numerous GRE subject test practice test that the candidates need to be accustomed to know the question types;
- Carefully go through the questions like while practising the GRE English subject test questions focus on the sentences, vocabulary and grammar;
- While correcting an answer erase it in a complete manner and fill it again;
- The answers should only be written in the answer sheet and not the test book.
Check out: GRE Subject Test Preparation
As the GRE Subject Test is conducted in paper-based mode, the candidates need to practice much. For this purpose, they can try GRE practice papers.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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