6 September 2024

5 minutes read

What Is GRE General Test Vs Subject Test – A Quick Guide

Dirghayu Kaushik

Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik

Founder & CEO

6 September 2024

5 minutes read

GRE

Key Takeaways

The GRE General Test, taken by over 500,000 students annually, evaluates broad skills like critical thinking, writing, and quantitative reasoning for general graduate programs.
The GRE Subject Test, with about 50,000 test-takers each year, assesses deep knowledge in specific fields such as Chemistry, Mathematics, or Psychology, often required for specialized PhD programs.
Recent changes to the GRE General Test include a shorter format, now under 2 hours, making it more focused and manageable for test-takers.

Over 160 countries host the GRE in thousands of test centres worldwide, making it one of the most accessible standardized tests for graduate school admissions. Despite its global reach, many students face the tough decision between taking the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test for science and other students, and making the wrong choice can derail their GRE study plans and admissions goals.

The challenge is real: selecting the right test can be overwhelming when you’re under pressure to perform. The GRE General Test measures your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities across verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections.

Meanwhile, the GRE Subject Test zeroes in on specific knowledge in areas like physics or literature in English. To choose wisely, you need to evaluate your academic strengths and determine which test aligns with your graduate program’s requirements. Getting this right can make all the difference in your preparation and results.

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What Is The GRE General Test All About?

The GRE General Test is one of the most widely accepted standardized tests, taken by over 500,000 students annually across more than 1,000 test centers globally. The GRE General Test recently underwent updates to better reflect the needs of today’s graduate programs. Now shorter, the test is just under two hours long, significantly reduced from its previous 4-hour duration, making it more accessible for test-takers.

Here’s what they added new:

Analytical Writing: Now includes one task instead of two, requiring you to evaluate an argument and express complex ideas clearly and concisely.
Verbal Reasoning: Tests your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze written material, with an emphasis on reading comprehension and critical thinking.
Quantitative Reasoning: Focuses on problem-solving using mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry, and data analysis, assessing both your reasoning skills and your ability to apply mathematical techniques.

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What Is The GRE Subject Test All About?

The GRE Subject Test is designed to assess in-depth knowledge in specific fields like Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Psychology, taken by roughly 50,000 students annually (qay less than the GRE general test). These exams are essential for applicants aiming to demonstrate expertise in a particular subject area, especially for graduate programs that require deeper specialization. Unlike the GRE General Test, which is available in over 1,000 test centers globally, the GRE Subject Test is offered in fewer locations, typically twice a year, adding a strategic element to planning your application timeline.

Each test lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes and consists of multiple-choice questions that cover a wide range of material specific to the field. For instance, the Mathematics test includes topics like calculus and algebra, while the Chemistry test covers analytical, organic, and physical chemistry. A good score on GRE tests can significantly boost your application, providing a competitive edge for specialized graduate programs, especially in STEM fields.

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What Are The Key Differences Between GRE General Test Vs Subject Test?

When it comes to Graduate Record Examination test preparation, many students face the challenge of deciding which test to take: the GRE General Test vs Subject Test. The GRE General Test is available year-round and evaluates broad skills like GRE AWA, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning, which are essential for general graduate and business school admissions.

On the other hand, the GRE Subject Test assesses in-depth knowledge in a specific subject area like Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology, and is often required for specialized programs, such as PhD programs in STEM fields. Both tests are designed to measure different skills, and selecting the right one depends on the requirements of your chosen program.

Understanding the GRE: General Test vs. Subject Tests

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two GRE tests:

Feature	GRE General Test	GRE Subject Test
Purpose	Measures overall analytical, verbal, and quantitative skills for general graduate admissions	Assesses knowledge in a specific subject such as Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology
Test Consists Of	GRE Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning	Single subject, testing in-depth knowledge in one of four subjects
Availability	Year-round via Prometric test centers globally	Administered twice a year, primarily in paper-delivered format at limited locations
Test Duration	Approx. 2 hours (recently shortened from 4 hours)	2 hours and 50 minutes
Scoring	GRE General Test scores range from 130-170 per section	GRE Subject Test is scored on a scale of 200-990
Who Should Take It	Required by most general graduate programs and business schools	Required for specialized programs that focus on deep knowledge in a single subject
Test Is Designed For	Applicants seeking broad-based graduate or business programs	Students applying to programs that demand expertise in a specific field
How It’s Conducted	Computer-based, section tests in verbal and quantitative reasoning as well as analytical writing	Paper-delivered test focused on a single subject area
Test Is Available	Globally at over 1,000 test centers	Limited test centers, available mainly twice a year
PhD Programs	May require the GRE General Test	Some PhD programs might require you to take the GRE Subject Test depending on the field

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Conclusion

If you’re applying to a general graduate or business program, the GRE General Test will likely suffice, testing your broader skills in analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. However, if you’re aiming for a specialized program, especially in STEM fields, taking the GRE Subject Test can highlight your expertise in a specific area like Chemistry, Mathematics, or Psychology.

Remember, it’s not just about choosing a test—it’s about choosing the test that best aligns with your strengths and the demands of your future program. Taking time to assess your strengths, research program requirements, and plan your preparation carefully can make all the difference. Keep in mind that each test serves a unique purpose, and selecting the right one will not only save you time but also enhance your chances of standing out to admissions committees.

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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