While the GRE General Test assesses broad verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills, some graduate programs require or recommend applicants to also take a GRE Subject Test. If you’ve encountered this requirement, you might be wondering what these tests entail and if you need one. As a GRE expert, let me clarify everything you need to know about the GRE Subject Tests.
What are GRE Subject Tests?
Unlike the GRE General Test, which measures skills developed over a long period, GRE Subject Tests are achievement tests designed to measure your knowledge and understanding of a specific field of study. They assume you have an undergraduate major or extensive background in that particular discipline.
Taking a Subject Test allows you to:
- Demonstrate specialized knowledge: Showcase your expertise beyond your undergraduate transcript.
- Stand out: Provide admissions committees with a standardized measure of your proficiency compared to other applicants in your field.
- Assess readiness: Help programs gauge your suitability for rigorous graduate-level coursework in that discipline.
Which Subjects are Offered?
Currently, ETS offers GRE Subject Tests in the following disciplines:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
(Note: Chemistry, Biology, and Literature in English Subject Tests were discontinued after the April 2023 administration.)
Always check the official ETS website for the most current list of available Subject Tests.
Who Needs to Take a GRE Subject Test?
Whether you need a Subject Test depends entirely on the requirements of the specific graduate programs you are applying to.
- Required: Some programs, particularly Ph.D. programs in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology, explicitly require applicants to submit Subject Test scores.
- Recommended: Other programs might strongly recommend a Subject Test, suggesting it will significantly strengthen your application.
- Considered: Some programs may simply state that they will consider Subject Test scores if submitted, allowing you to decide if it benefits your profile.
- Not Required: Many graduate programs (especially outside these specific fields, including many Master’s programs and business schools) do not require or consider Subject Tests at all.
How to Find Out: The only way to know for sure is to check the admissions requirements page on the website of each specific program you plan to apply to. Do not assume based on the field alone.
Test Format and Content
GRE Subject Tests are paper-delivered and administered at test centers on specific dates throughout the year (typically in September, October, and April).
Each Subject Test consists of multiple-choice questions focusing on knowledge typically covered in undergraduate courses for that major.
- Mathematics: Approximately 66 questions covering Calculus (50%), Algebra (25%), and Additional Topics like introductory real analysis, discrete mathematics, and probability (25%). Test duration: 2 hours 50 minutes.
- Physics: Approximately 70 questions covering Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Optics and Wave Phenomena, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Atomic Physics, Special Relativity, Laboratory Methods, and Specialized Topics. Test duration: 2 hours.
- Psychology: Approximately 144 questions covering Biological, Cognitive, Social, Developmental, Clinical, and Measurement/Methodology/Other subscores. Test duration: 2 hours.
(Detailed content specifications are available on the ETS website for each subject. Learn more)
Scoring
GRE Subject Test scores are reported on a 200–990 score scale, in 10-point increments. For tests with subscores (like Psychology), those are reported on a 20–99 scale in one-point increments.
Like the General Test, scoring involves calculating a “raw score” (number of correct answers) which is then converted to the scaled score. There is no penalty for incorrect answers.
What constitutes a “good” score varies significantly by program and applicant pool competitiveness. Check your target programs for guidance or average scores of admitted students.
Registration and Fees
- How: Register online via your ETS account.
- When: Register well in advance of the test date, as deadlines are strict and seats are limited. Check the ETS website for specific test dates and registration deadlines.
- Fees: The fee for each Subject Test is currently around $150 USD (verify on ETS).
Preparation Strategies
- Review Undergraduate Material: These tests directly assess your undergraduate knowledge. Go back through your textbooks, lecture notes, and relevant coursework for your major.
- Use Official Practice Materials: ETS provides free, full-length practice books for each Subject Test, which include actual questions from past tests. This is your most valuable resource.
- Identify Weak Areas: Use the practice test to diagnose areas where your knowledge is shaky and focus your review efforts there.
- Understand the Scope: Familiarize yourself with the detailed content specifications provided by ETS to ensure you cover all relevant topics.
- Practice Time Management: Simulate test conditions using the practice book to get comfortable with the pacing required.
Key Takeaways
- Purpose: Subject Tests measure in-depth knowledge in specific fields (Math, Physics, Psychology).
- Necessity: Only required/recommended if specified by your target graduate programs; check each program’s website.
- Format: Paper-delivered, multiple-choice, focus on undergraduate-level content.
- Scoring: 200-990 scale; no penalty for wrong answers.
- Preparation: Focus on reviewing undergraduate coursework and using the official ETS practice books for your subject.
Conclusion
GRE Subject Tests are specialized exams designed to showcase your deep knowledge in Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology. They are only necessary if required or strongly recommended by the specific graduate programs you are applying to. If needed, thorough preparation focusing on your undergraduate coursework and official ETS practice materials is key to achieving a strong score.
Check our Free Sample GRE Mock Exam (2025 Format) and Take our Free GRE Verbal Quiz and GRE Quantitative Quiz to assess your overall readiness.
