GRE Subject Tests: Registration, Dates, Syllabus, and Preparation Materials

GRE General vs GRE Subject Test

GRE general is widely taken due to its popularity. The graduate record examinations subject tests are taken by the candidates who want to get enrolled in an MS program with specialization in abroad universities. To break it down before the candidates, here is a list of differences marked between GRE general or subject test:

GRE Subject Test Registration

GRE subject test can be taken online after registering for the test. Candidates can get their GRE registration for the subject test to be done through the ETS profile. Advanced slot booking at the test center must be done 2–3 months before the preferred GRE exam date of the subject test. GRE subject test cost is INR 14,500. Candidates must check GRE rescheduling, late registration, cancellation, etc. fees before booking the test.

GRE Subject Test Dates

GRE Subject Tests offered each year on multiple dates in September, October and April. Candidates can take a GRE Subject Test once every 14 days. GRE Subject Tests will be conducted worldwide on the following GRE dates in the 2024 testing year:

• From September 16, 2024 to September 29, 2024
• From October 17, 2024 to October 30, 2024
• From April 21, 2025 to May 4, 2025

Note: GRE Subject Test registration for the 2024-25 administration will open in July 2024.

GRE Subject Test Eligibility Criteria

GRE subject tests are taken by the candidates who pursue masters in a particular field of study. Students who have an undergraduate major in one of the following disciplines: Mathematics. Physics and Psychology. GRE subject test has no specific eligibility requirements. Students only need to provide a valid ID and recent pictures for GRE eligibility. Subject test is compulsory for GRE for candidates wanting to apply for the specialized program. GRE subject test is a computer-delivered exam and allocated 2 hours and 50 minutes for Mathematics, and 2 hours for Physics and Psychology tests.

GRE Subject Test Pattern and Syllabus

GRE exam Subjects Test is required for MS for candidates seeking admission to a specialization course like MSc in Physics, MA in Psychology, and more. The syllabus of GRE subject exam comprises 66 GRE mathematics questions, 70 physics, 144 psychology questions. Universities that require GRE subject tests are Yale, Harvard, Stanford, New York University and more. To prepare for math GRE subject test, candidates can follow the below tips:

GRE Mathematics Syllabus

GRE Maths syllabus comprises elementary algebra, linear algebra, abstract algebra and number theory. The duration is 2 hours and 50 minutes for GRE mathematics syllabus. The kind of Math on GRE test are 50% calculus and its application, 25% algebra, and 25% hold problems from other fields of math.

• Candidates must properly understand GRE maths questions in their paper in order to organize their responses and manage their time.
• Fill in all of your responses on the answer sheet without waiting until the last minute.
• Follow GRE math syllabus and paper pattern.
• Before taking the exam, GRE practice tests for subject test math.

The topics that are on GRE math subject test are added in the below table:

GRE Psychology Test

GRE psychology subject test is taken by students for their undergraduate program in different universities. GRE psychology subject test is based on six parameters - Biological Psychology (17-21%), Cognitive Psychology (17-21%), Social (12-14%), Developmental (12–14%), Clinical (15–19%) and Measurement/Methodology (15–19%). GRE psychology subject test is hard depending on the preparation level of the candidates. To prepare for GRE psychology exam candidates can follow the below tips:

• Make use of as many previous papers as possible.
• Improve your reading speed to better manage your time.
• Take a practice GRE psychology examination before the actual exam.
• Include different days in GRE study plan for psychology mock tests.

The test duration for GRE psychology subject test is 2 hours. GRE Psychology Syllabus includes the below given topics:

GRE Physics Test

The Physics GRE Subject Test was designed to evaluate information gained over time. GRE Physics test subject has diversified questions in its field. The test duration for GRE physics subject test is 2 hours. It covers Classical Mechanics (20%), Electromagnetism (18%), Quantum Mechanics (12%) and Atomic Physics (10%) questions. A good GRE physics subject test score ranges above 750 making it 90th percentile. To prepare for GRE physics exam, aspirants can follow the below tips. Candidates can prepare for GRE physics in 2 months with rigorous practice papers. The mocks and sample papers can help to know the weakness and strengths of the subject. Furthermore, check the given strategies to prepare for GRE physics subject test:

• Candidates can save time if they are familiar with the information on the paper.
• Try out a physics practice exam.
• Examine the prior questionnaires' patterns.
• GRE preparation time for physics must be managed.

The topics on GRE physics exam covered are:

• 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%)

GRE Subject Test Score

Every GRE Subject Test delivers a total score on a scale of 200 to 990, in 10-point increments. Each of the test scales takes up only a piece of the 200 to 990 score range. A good GRE subject test score is the cutoff score that any university admissions requires. An average 80th percentile or higher is considered good. While most institutions do not have a minimum GRE score requirement, a score substantially lower than this makes your application less competitive at top programs.

In the above given bar graph it can be seen that mean scores in Maths (674) and Physics (715) suggest a competitive applicant pool. Psychology applicants have a lower mean (620). Notably, Psychology has a higher percentage of women (80%), while Maths and Physics have a predominantly male applicant base.

GRE Subject Test Books

The best books to use to study for GRE are Princeton Review GRE Psychology Prep, Kaplan GRE Exam Subject Test, and more. To study for GRE Subject Test candidates must get hands on e-books to get a general overview of the test format. Candidates can take GRE Subject Test at home on specific dates during the 2 weeks per month in September, October and April. Check GRE subject test preparation books for subject test given below:

• GRE Math Practice Test Book - Check PDF
• GRE Physics Practice Book - Check PDF
• GRE Psychology Practice Book - Check PDF
• Princeton Review GRE Psychology Prep
• Kaplan GRE Exam Subject Test: Psychology
• GRE Physics Review: Comprehensive Review for GRE Physics Subject Test

GRE Subject Test Practice Papers

GRE practice papers are an essential tool for candidates. Math GRE question papers can be obtained from a variety of sources, including online sites, preparatory materials, and coaching. Attempting GRE sample papers more regularly, 2-3 tests each week, will aid in performance analysis. Once candidates begin to reach their desired score and the performance they can expect in the actual exam.

GRE Maths Practice Papers

GRE Physics Practice Papers

GRE Psychology Practice Papers

GRE subject test assesses a candidate's knowledge of a certain subject. GRE area Test is intended to assess candidates' depth of knowledge in a single area and allow them to pursue further studies in that field. GRE scores are accepted globally, and a candidate who has met GRE Subject Test standards of any university can study that topic at the world's top universities. To be admitted to the world's top institutions, students must demonstrate exceptional knowledge and skills in a given area throughout this test.