What Are the GRE Subject Tests? A Comprehensive Guide for Graduate School Admissions

Let's be honest: navigating the requirements for graduate school is often confusing. You’ve mastered the challenges of the GRE General Test, but then you see another requirement pop up—the dreaded "GRE Subject Test."

I remember my own panic during my application cycle. Was this just another hoop to jump through, or was it a crucial piece of the puzzle? What was the difference between the General Test and this specific subject matter exam? If you’re feeling that same anxiety, don’t worry. You are not alone, and we are going to break down exactly what the GRE Subject Tests are, why they matter, and which specific disciplines they cover.

Simply put, while the GRE General Test assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills (your general aptitude), the GRE Subject Tests measure your in-depth knowledge of a specific academic field. Think of it as a specialized final exam for your undergraduate major, standardized for graduate admissions committees across the globe.

Decoding the Difference: Why Specific Disciplines Require Specialized Testing

The main purpose of the Subject Test is depth. When you apply to a highly specialized master's or doctoral program—especially in STEM fields—the admissions committee needs assurance that you have a rock-solid foundation in that specific discipline.

Unlike the General Test, which is computer-based and available year-round, the GRE Subject Tests are paper-based and administered only a few times per year (typically September, October, and April). This limited schedule makes planning essential for serious applicants.

These tests are designed to cover material typically taught in the first four years of undergraduate study. Your score on a Subject Test gives the admissions board a quick, standardized way to compare your foundational knowledge with that of other applicants globally, regardless of where or when they earned their degree.

Key Facts About the Subject Tests:

• They are scored on a scale specific to each test, usually ranging from 200 to 990, in 10-point increments.
• They measure achievement in a particular field of study, not general academic ability.
• Each test is 2 hours and 50 minutes long and consists entirely of multiple-choice questions.
• ETS (Educational Testing Service) is the organization that develops and administers these exams.

Diving Deep: The Specific GRE Subject Tests Available

While the list of available Subject Tests has sometimes changed over the years (some, like Computer Science, have been discontinued), the core disciplines remain critical for high-stakes graduate school admissions. Currently, ETS offers four essential subject tests. Let’s break down what each one entails.

1. Mathematics Subject Test

This is one of the most popular Subject Tests for students applying to pure math, applied math, statistics, and sometimes engineering programs. It is heavily focused on problem-solving and deep theoretical understanding.

• Calculus: Approximately 50% of the test, covering single-variable and multi-variable calculus.
• Algebra: Includes linear algebra (vector spaces, eigenvalues) and abstract algebra (groups, rings, fields).
• Additional Topics: Covers real analysis, complex variables, topology, and discrete mathematics.

2. Physics Subject Test

The Physics Subject Test is essential for applicants to physics and astronomy Ph.D. programs. It is known for its breadth, covering classical mechanics to cutting-edge modern physics concepts. Mastering this requires more than just memorizing formulas; conceptual understanding is key.

• Classical Mechanics: Kinematics, dynamics, Newtonian laws, and fluid mechanics.
• Electromagnetism: Electrostatics, magnetostatics, circuits, and Maxwell's equations.
• Quantum Mechanics: Foundational concepts, atomic structure, and special relativity.
• Optics and Wave Phenomena: Geometric optics, interference, and diffraction.

3. Chemistry Subject Test

Required primarily by advanced chemistry programs, this test is rigorous, covering all major sub-disciplines taught in a comprehensive four-year chemistry curriculum. Preparation usually involves reviewing a significant volume of organic and inorganic concepts.

• Organic Chemistry: Nomenclature, reactions, synthesis, and spectroscopy (NMR, IR). (Typically the largest section).
• Inorganic Chemistry: Periodic trends, bonding theories, and coordination compounds.
• Analytical Chemistry: Data analysis, separation science, and instrumentation techniques.
• Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum chemistry, and statistical mechanics.

4. Psychology Subject Test

Unlike the hard sciences, the Psychology Subject Test measures knowledge across empirical, theoretical, and applied psychology. It is required for many competitive psychology master’s and doctoral programs, particularly experimental psychology.

• Experimental Psychology: Research design, statistics, measurement, and data interpretation.
• Biological Psychology: Neuroscience, sensation, perception, and physiological correlates of behavior.
• Social and Personality Psychology: Theories of social behavior, attitude change, and personality assessment.
• Clinical and Abnormal Psychology: Psychopathology, psychological disorders, and therapeutic techniques.

If you are applying to highly competitive graduate programs, especially those that provide significant funding, achieving a high score (often above the 80th percentile) on the relevant Subject Test can significantly boost your application profile, sometimes even compensating for a slightly lower undergraduate GPA.

Who Needs to Take a Subject Test and How to Prepare?

This is perhaps the most important question. Not every program requires a Subject Test. For many humanities and certain social science degrees, the GRE General Test might suffice. However, if you are pursuing advanced studies in Physics, Chemistry, Math, or Psychology, assume the Subject Test is mandatory until you confirm otherwise.

Step 1: Research Graduate Program Requirements

Before you register and dedicate months to preparation, check the admissions websites for every school you plan to apply to. Look specifically at the requirements section. Some schools merely recommend the Subject Test, while others strictly mandate it for international applicants or all applicants in a specific field.

Pro Tip: Email the departmental admissions coordinator. Sometimes, required policies listed online are outdated or contain nuance that only a person in the department can clarify.

Step 2: Understanding the Scoring and Timing

Subject Test scores are often compared based on percentiles, not just the raw score. Aiming for the 75th percentile or higher is generally considered strong for competitive programs. Because the tests are only offered three times a year, you must strategize your timeline. Plan to take the exam early enough that you can receive your official score reports before application deadlines (typically mid-November or December).

Step 3: Effective Study Strategies

Because these tests cover four years of material, last-minute cramming is impossible. Preparation must be structured:

• Official ETS Practice Materials: Always start here. ETS provides practice books specific to each subject, often containing full-length exams. This helps you understand the specific format and types of questions asked.
• Review Core Textbooks: Focus on foundational undergraduate texts that cover the breadth of the test topics (e.g., General Chemistry principles, standard Differential Equations curriculum).
• Practice Timed Tests: Since the Subject Tests are paper-based and lengthy (2 hours 50 minutes), building stamina and pacing yourself is critical. Many high scorers attribute their success to simulating the actual test day conditions multiple times.

Ultimately, the GRE Subject Tests serve as a powerful validation of your specialized background. They are challenging, but a strong performance demonstrates to the admissions committee that you possess the advanced knowledge necessary to succeed in their rigorous graduate program. Approach them with a plan, verify your requirements, and you will undoubtedly strengthen your application for those coveted spots in graduate school.