6 September 2024

4 minutes read

GRE Subject Test For Science Students

Dirghayu Kaushik

Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik

Founder & CEO

6 September 2024

4 minutes read

GRE

Key Takeaways

A strong GRE score can open doors to top graduate programs, including in fields like computer science, physics, and biology.
The GRE Subject Tests are specialized exams that assess deep knowledge in particular areas like biology, chemistry, and computer science, critical for science students.
Top universities like MIT, Stanford, and Oxford accept GRE scores and offer high graduate salaries, with average earnings ranging from $106,000 to $140,000 annually.

Ever wondered why your computer science professor looks like they’ve seen things mere mortals can’t comprehend? Blame the GRE Subject Test. This standardized test is the gatekeeper to graduate school for science whizzes, covering everything from quantum physics to the deepest secrets of molecular biology. It’s where your dreams of admission collide head-on with the reality of your test scores.

Here’s the deal: whether you’re gunning for a Ph.D. in mathematics or hoping to revolutionize cell and molecular biology, this test is your Everest. It’s not just about regurgitating formulas or acing verbal reasoning. The GRE Subject Test throws curveballs that’ll make your brain do backflips – quantitative puzzles that’d make Einstein sweat, analytical writing that feels like wrestling an octopus, and enough algebra to make you question your life choices. But don’t panic! This isn’t just a torture device for aspiring grad students. It’s your chance to prove you can hang with the big brains in your field, whether that’s cracking code in computer science or unravelling the mysteries of physics.

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What Is The GRE General Vs GRE Subject Test?

The General GRE is the one most people lose sleep over. It’s a computer-based test that tries to figure out if you’ve got the brains for grad school, no matter what you want to study. Think of it as academic Hunger Games – verbal battles, math showdowns, and essay writing sprints all crammed into one fun-filled day.

Now, the Subject GRE? That’s where things get spicy. It’s for when you want to show off in your particular field. Dreaming of cracking the code of the universe with physics? There’s a test for that. Want to play with molecules in a biology lab? Yep, there’s one for that too – even for mathematics too. These paper-based beasts dig deep into your chosen subject, whether it’s literature, psychology, or even atomic physics.

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What Is The GRE Test Content For Science Students?

These GRE exams are a big deal if you’re aiming for grad school in science or tech. They’re designed to really test your knowledge in your specific field, whether that’s biology, chemistry, physics, math, or computer science. These aren’t just any tests – they’re made to challenge you and show grad schools what you’re really made of. So, let’s break down what you can expect from each test. Remember, knowing is half the battle, and we’re here to help you get prepared.

Subject Test	What You’re In For	Key Areas to Master
Biology	A wild ride through the tree of life	Molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution
Chemistry	Breaking Bad, but with more equations	Organic chemistry, thermodynamics, lab techniques
Physics	Where Newton meets Schrödinger’s cat	Classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics
Mathematics	Numbers: The Final Frontier	Calculus, algebra, geometry, number theory
Computer Science	Debugging the Matrix	Algorithms, data structures, computer architecture

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10 Top Universities That Take The GRE Score For Admission

The GRE general test is more common and tests a broad range of skills through sections that include verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. It is intended to measure the general aptitude of graduate students and their ability to succeed in graduate studies, regardless of their specific subject area.

Universities like Columbia Business School and others often emphasize the correlation between GRE scores and student success in graduate-level coursework. A good GRE score helps students demonstrate their readiness for rigorous academic challenges and often enhances their application, particularly for competitive programs.

University	QS Ranking (2024)	Average Tuition Fees (per year)	Average Salary of Graduates (per year)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	$53,790	$120,000
Stanford University	3	$57,693	$120,900
Harvard University	4	$54,002	$140,000
University of Oxford	2	£30,910 (approx. $39,500)	$108,000
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	6	$58,479	$114,000
University of Cambridge	5	£33,825 (approx. $43,300)	$112,000
University of Chicago	11	$62,205	$126,800
ETH Zurich	7	CHF 1,298 (approx. $1,460)	$106,000
Columbia University	14	$65,524	$117,000
University of California, Berkeley	10	$44,008 (out-of-state)	$115,000

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Conclusion

In the end, it’s less about the score and more about showing you’ve got the curiosity and resilience that graduate studies demand. So, embrace the challenge. It’s just one part of the bigger picture – a picture where you get to dive deep into the subjects you’re passionate about and build a career that could genuinely make a difference.

Sure, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows – the tests are tough, covering everything from quantum physics to molecular biology. But they’re designed to be. If grad school were easy, it wouldn’t mean much, right? The effort you put in now not only boosts your chances of getting into top programs at places like MIT, Stanford, or Oxford but also sets you up for success down the line.

Master the GRE and take a significant step toward graduate school admission with Ambitio as your strategic partner. Our platform provides a comprehensive suite of resources, from expertly designed lessons to personalized feedback, all aimed at helping you secure a score that reflects your true academic ability.

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FAQs

How do I register for the GRE?

You can register for the GRE through the ETS website. It’s advisable to book early, especially if you prefer specific times, such as avoiding early morning slots

How much does the GRE cost?

The standard fee for taking the GRE is $205. Additional fees may apply for rescheduling or changing test centers

Can I change the date or location of my test?

Yes, you can change your test date or location, but this may incur a fee. It’s best to do this as soon as possible through your ETS account

Can I retake the GRE? How many times can I take the test?

You can retake the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within a 12-month period. This applies even if you cancel your scores from a previous test

What materials are tested on the GRE?

The GRE assesses three main areas: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Each section evaluates different skills, such as critical thinking, vocabulary, and math problem-solving abilities

What is the format and length of the GRE?

The GRE is a computer-based test that lasts approximately 2 hours. It includes sections for Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning, with a total of 1 essay task and several multiple-choice questions

How is the GRE scored?

The GRE is scored on a scale of 130-170 for the Verbal and Quantitative sections, while the Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6. Scores are typically available within 8-10 days after the test