GRE Subject Tests (2024)

FAQs

Are GRE Subject Tests worth it? ›

Some graduate programs require you to take a specific GRE Subject Test to be considered for admission, but even programs that don't require a GRE Subject Test will usually consider your score in their holistic review of your application.

You will likely need to take the GRE general test for admissions. However, some schools recommend that you also take a subject test, meaning you must take both the GRE general and a subject test to be a competitive applicant to such places.

Thus, the total score will be 303 (45th Percentile). Similarly, for the subject test, the average GRE score for chemistry is 689, mathematics is 664, physics is 714, and psychology is 619. So, anything above the average subject score can be considered a good GRE score.

The Mathematics GRE Subject Test assesses not only your knowledge of advanced mathematical concepts but also your knowledge of the foundations of math. According to ETS, questions requiring no more than knowledge of precalculus concepts can be among the most difficult on the exam.

The most difficult part of the GRE varies from person to person, as it depends on individual strengths and weaknesses. Some may struggle with the vocabulary and reading comprehension in the Verbal Reasoning section, while others may find the Quantitative Reasoning section more challenging.

Your Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores are determined by the number of questions you answer correctly. Nothing is subtracted from your score for incorrect answers. To maximize your scores on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning measures, it's best to answer every question.

While the GRE General Test is used primarily as a criterion for admission to gradute programs, the GRE Subject Tests also enable graduate programs to begin customizing student curricula to build on their strengths and compensate for their weaknesses.

The GRE Subject Tests are achievement tests that measure your knowledge and skill level in a particular field of study. They're intended for students who have an undergraduate major or extensive background in one of the following disciplines: Mathematics. Physics.

You can take a GRE Subject Test once every 14 days. This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously. When selecting a test date, make sure your scores will be reported in time for your application deadlines.

Having a GRE score of 320+ makes you visible on the best university's radar, and they will welcome you with open arms! The 320 GRE percentile is around 80 percent or above!

Is 295 a bad GRE score? ›

A GRE score average of 290 to 300 can take you to a quality university in the USA, which would surely help you take off your career ladder. Not just that, there are a variety of courses and MS programs that you can choose from.

Scoring a 320 can be a tough task as the GRE percentile is around 80 or above. But, GRE is a section-adaptive. If you want to get admission for a specific course, you need to up your game and should score good in each section as most of the universities look at the section score rather than the actual score.

Take the GRE Subject test if:

You have a noteworthy background in either of the four subjects. You are applying to a school with a reduced number of seats available. You wish to stand out from the crowd by weighing your profile. As you take a GRE general along with the GRE subject, it adds to your profile.

Importance of the math GRE

80th percentile is a good benchmark. If you reach it, you're safe. If you fall below it, you'll need to make sure the rest of your application is especially strong. Since the math GRE score is mainly used as a filter, there's no need to aim for a 99th percentile.

How hard is it to get 170 in GRE Quant? Yes, 170 on the quants equals the 97th percentile. This means that 3 out of every 100 students who take the GRE receive this score. The average GRE Quant score is approximately 152.

First of all, let me clarify that the GRE general test is required by almost all graduate programs in the U.S. On the contrary, the GRE subject test is required by specific programs, especially research-based Masters and Ph. D. You must check with your prospective schools if they need the subject test.