Physics:
- Approximately 100 questions.
- Questions may include material on diagrams, graphs, experimental data, and descriptions of physical situations.
- The exam tests your ability to comprehend fundamental principles and your ability to apply these principles to solve problems.
- The International System (SI) of units is mainly used on the test. A table of various physical constants and a few conversion factors among SI units are provided in the test booklet.
- Most of the questions assess knowledge acquired during your undergraduate courses in physics.
- Main topics include:
- 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 – 9%
- Each topic includes subtopics, which can be acquired through a GRE Study Guide or the main GRE website.
- Some questions may be on other topics not listed here or in study guides.
- Comprehend the following Mathematical Methods that are associated with Physics:
- Single and Multivariate Calculus
- Coordinate Systems (rectangular, cylindrical, and spherical)
- Vector Algebra and Vector Differential Operators
- Fourier Series
- Partial Differential Equations
- Boundary Value Problems
- Matrices and Determinants
- Functions of Complex Variables
Psychology:
- Approximately 205 questions.
- Some questions may ask for the description of an experiment or a graph.
- Most questions assess knowledge acquired through undergraduate general psychology courses.
- Questions may include material on factual information, analyzing relationships, applying principles, making conclusions from data, evaluating a research design, and/or identifying a psychologist who has made a theoretical or research contribution to the field.
- 40% of the Exam includes Experimental or Natural Science oriented questions, 43% Social or Social Science oriented questions, 17% General Psychology questions.
- In addition to a total score, the Psychology Subject Test includes 2 subscores even though there are 3 sub-sections. There is a Experimental Psychology Subscore and a Social Psychology Subscore. The General Psychology only contributes to the total score.
- Experimental and Natural Science topics include:
- Learning
- Language
- Memory
- Thinking
- Sensation and Perception
- Physiological Psychology
- Ethology
- Comparative Psychology
- Social and Social Science topics include:
- Clinical Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Developmental
- Personality
- Social Psychology
- General Psychology topics include:
- The History of Psychology
- Applied Psychology
- Measurement
- Research Designs
- Statistics
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.
