About the GRE Subject Test

As a graduate school applicant you should already be familiar with the Graduate Record Exam revised General Test (GRE). It is a required component of the graduate application for nearly all master's and doctoral programs. Your performance on the GRE can make or break your application. But did you know that many disciplines have another GRE? The GRE Subject Test tests knowledge of a specific discipline.

GRE Subject Tests
There are 8 GRE Subject Tests, representing 8 very popular fields of graduate study.

Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology

Biology

Chemistry

Computer Science

Literature in English

Mathematics

Physics

Psychology

Each GRE Subject Test assesses knowledge of information thought to be central to the discipline. Each test offers several subscores representing core areas of knowledge.

Do I Have to Take the GRE Subject Test?
Some graduate programs require the GRE Subject Test, but others do not. Pay attention to the admissions requirement for each graduate program. If the GRE Subject Test is required, it will be listed with other requirements, such as the GRE General Test, admissions essays, and recommendation letters. Take care to review each program's application requirements because the GRE Subject Test is offered only three times a year. If you wait too long you may miss your opportunity to take it.

Why Should I Take the GRE Subject Test?
The GRE Subject Tests lets show what you know about a subject. It tests your knowledge and problem solving in a specific discipline. Excellent scores on the GRE Subject Test can demonstrate your knowledge and dedication to your field. Other reasons to consider taking the GRE Subject Test:

• Professors who write your recommendation letters might look to your GRE Subject Test scores as confirmation of your competence.
• Even if the GRE Subject Test is not required by the graduate programs to which you are applying consider taking it if you majored in a different field in order to demonstrate your interest, knowledge, and dedication to the field you wish to study.
• Another reason to take the GRE Subject Test is if you show a discrepancy between your overall Grade Point Average (GPA) and your GPA within your major field. Excellent GRE Subject Test scores can reinforce your competence in the discipline.

What Format is the GRE Subject Test?
The GRE Subject Test is a multiple-choice exam with five-option per item. You are awarded 1 point for each question answered correctly. However, you lose 1/4 of a point for each wrong answer. You may skip questions and return to unanswered questions. You also may leave questions unanswered. There is no penalty for unanswered questions. Because of this it is recommended that you leave questions unanswered if you do not know the answer. Guessing is not encouraged on the subject tests because you lose a 1/4 point for each wrong answer. Your GRE Subject Test raw score is based on the total number of correct answers minus 1/4 for each wrong answer. The raw score is then converted into a scaled score ranging from 200 to 900.

GRE Subject Test Facts

• The GRE Subject Test is offered three times a year: October, November, and April.
• The GRE Subject Test is offered at test centers worldwide.
• You must register for a specific date and test center.
• The GRE Subject Test fee is $150 worldwide.
• Other fees apply for special handling including late registration, reschedule, change or test center, or change of subject test ($25-50).
• The GRE Subject Test takes about 3 1/2 hours to complete.
• On the day of the exam be sure to bring identification and admissions ticket to the test center.
• Bring plenty of number 2 pencils on exam day.
• Study for the GRE Subject Test with an upper-level introductory textbook for your discipline.