GRE Subject Test

The eight subject tests are described below. Each Subject Test is intended for students who have majored in or have extensive background in that specific area. The test scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications for graduate study.

1. Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
   The test consists of approximately 180 multiple-choice questions. The content of the test is organized into three major areas: biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology and genetics. Throughout the test, there is an emphasis on questions requiring problem-solving skills as well as content knowledge.


2. Biology
   The test consists of approximately 200 five-choice questions. The content of the test is organized into three major areas: cellular and molecular biology, organism biology, and ecology and evolution. Approximately equal weight is given to each of these three areas. More


3. Chemistry
   The test consists of approximately 200 five-choice questions. The content of the test is organized into three major areas: cellular and molecular biology, organism biology, and ecology and evolution. Approximately equal weight is given to each of these three areas. More


4. Computer Science
   The test consists of approximately 70 multiple-choice questions. The approximate distribution of questions in each edition of the test according to content categories is indicated by the following outline: Software Systems and Methodology — 40%, Computer organization and architecture — 15%, Theory and Mathematical Background — 40%, Other Topics — 5%. More


5. Literature in English
   Each edition of the test consists of approximately 230 questions on poetry, drama, biography, the essay, the short story, the novel, criticism, literary theory, and the history of the language. Some questions are based on short works reprinted in their entirety, some on excerpts from longer works. The test emphasizes authors, works, genres, and movements. The questions may be somewhat arbitrarily classified into two groups: factual and critical. More


6. Mathematics
   The test consists of approximately 66 multiple-choice questions drawn from courses commonly offered at the undergraduate level. Approximately 50 percent of the questions involve calculus and its applications. About 25 percent of the questions in the test are in elementary algebra, linear algebra, abstract algebra, and number theory. The remaining questions deal with other areas of mathematics currently studied by undergraduates in many institutions. More


7. Physics
   The test consists of approximately 100 five-choice questions. The aim of the test is to determine the extent of the examinees' grasp of fundamental principles and their ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems. Most test questions can be answered on the basis of a mastery of the first three years of undergraduate physics. More


8. Psychology
   Most editions of the test consist of approximately 205 multiple-choice questions. Each question in the test has five options from which the examinee is to select the one option that is the correct or best answer to the question. Questions may require recalling factual information, analyzing relationships, applying principles, drawing conclusions from data, evaluating a research design, and/or identifying a psychologist who has made a theoretical or research contribution to the field.