Chemistry:
- Approximately 130 questions.
- The test booklet includes:
- A Periodic Table
- A table that includes various constants and few SI units conversion factors.
- Some questions provide physical constants.
- Calculators nor tables of logarithms are needed. Questions require the use of simple mathematics and Logarithm questions provide the necessary values.
- 15% of the test includes material on Analytical Chemistry, 25% on Inorganic Chemistry, 30% on Organic Chemistry, and 30% on Physical Chemistry.
- The following outline is not definitive due to similar material being presented in different topics. Additionally, the 4 topics interrelate and overlap in material. You may be tested on more than one topic within a question.
- Analytical Chemistry topics include:
- Data Acquisition and Use of Statistics
- Solutions and Standardization
- Homogeneous Equilibria
- Heterogeneous Equilibria
- Instrumental Methods
- Environmental Applications
- Radiochemical Methods
- Inorganic Chemistry topics include:
- General Chemistry
- Ionic Substances
- Covalent Molecular Substances
- Metals and Semiconductors
- Concepts of Acids and Bases
- Chemistry of the Main Group Elements
- Chemistry of the Transition Elements
- Special Topics
- Organic Chemistry topics include:
- Structure, Bonding, and Nomenclature
- Functional Groups
- Reaction Mechanisms
- Reactive Intermediates
- Organometallics
- Special Topics
- Physical Chemistry topics include:
- Thermodynamics
- Quantum Chemistry and Applications to Spectroscopy
- Dynamics
- Many topics include subtopics, which can be acquired through a GRE Study Guide or through the main GRE website.
Computer Science:
- Approximately 70 questions.
- Some questions may be based on diagrams, graphs, and program fragments.
- 40% of the exam is on Software Systems and Methodology, 15% on Computer Organization and Architecture, 40% on Theory and Mathematical Background, 5% on Other Topics.
- Percentages may vary for each test edition.
- Software Systems and Methodology topics include:
- Data Organization
- Program Control and Structure
- Programming Languages and Notation
- Software Engineering
- Systems
- Computer Organization and Architecture topics include:
- Digital Logic Design
- Processors and Control Units
- Memories and their Hierarchies
- Networking and Communications
- High-Performance Architectures
- Theory and Mathematical Background topics include:
- Algorithms and Complexity
- Automata and Language Theory
- Discrete Structures
- Other Topics may include:
- Numerical Analysis
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Graphics
- Cryptography
- Security
- Social Issues.
- Many topics include subtopics, which can be acquired through a GRE Study Guide or the main GRE website.
- Students are expected to have a background in Calculus and Linear Algebra and how they are applied to computer science.
To study for a GRE Subject test, purchase a study guide and utilize it for several months before the exam. Take the practice exams that come with your study guide. You can acquire a practice exam on the GRE website as well. Additionally, it is recommended that you go over your notes and textbooks from relevant courses taken during your undergraduate years. Remember, you are not expected to know every topic. Learn and remember as much as you can. If you do not have time to study all the topics, skip those questions when taking the exam. Visit the main GRE website for more information on GRE Subject Exams.
