About GRE:
The Graduate Record Examination test also known as GRE is an examination which is attempted by students for applying to masters and doctoral degree programs in most of the universities of the US, UK, Germany, and Canada. The exams are developed, administered and conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS).
GRE is the most popular exam which is written to pursue MS courses abroad by Indian students.
What is the GRE General Test?
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examinations and is a standardized test which is written by students worldwide and is required by many universities for students applying to a U.S. graduate or MBA program. University admissions departments use your GRE General Test scores as one of the factors when deciding whether or not you are a good fit for your desired program.
As is reflected in the name, the test is used to measure your “general” knowledge, quantitative, critical analysis, and writing skills which test you on your verbal.
What is the GRE Subject Test?
Unlike the General Test, the GRE Subject Test is not normally required by many universities.
The GRE Subject Test is an exam given in 6 subjects each which specifically allows you to show your strength or expertise in the given field. Universities do not normally specify the subject test you must take, but if possible you should take the subject test most related to your graduate program.
The subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology and English literature.
What is on the tests?
The main difference between the two exams is the content given in the exam, but there are also quite a few differences in the structure of the question paper.
The GRE General Test has multiple-choice questions, a writing portion and numerical entry questions. There is also an option to take it as a computer-based test or paper-based exam. Because there are 3 different sections (verbal, quantitative, and writing), the test is also broken up into 30-35 minute periods.
While the GRE Subject Test is a multiple-choice based exam and can only be taken as a paper-based exam. The test has only 1 section and the total testing time is 3 hours.
Which test do I need to apply?
The General Test is required by most graduate programs, so you will most likely have to write it for doing graduate courses.
The Subject Test is not often required and isn’t usually asked for. If your applicable program mentions it as a requirement, the answer is a yes: take the test. But if it is not obligatory, here are the questions you ask to yourself:
How much time do I have to study?
Your GRE General Test scores should be your first priority. If you are overwhelmed by studying for one test, studying for two is not advisable.
Also, as an international student, you are to write the TOEFL/IELTS exam to evaluate your English level. If you do not score well on the Subject Test it may not help your chances.
How strong is my application?
GRE scores are reviewed by admissions departments in with consideration of your undergraduate marks, recommendation letters, and other qualifications. If you look these and feel confident about your chances, you need not take the Subject test.
But if you wish you did better in a class or if you are amidst heavy competition then the GRE Subject Test could be a good way to add weight to your application and push it forward.
Nowadays, it’s really hard to stand out among the competition, so the Subject Test could help you in getting admission into a graduate program.
When can I take the test?
The General Test is more flexible when it comes to the date, just as with the option of a computer-based or paper-based exam. The computer-based test is normally offered year-round with pre mentioned dates. But the paper-based test is offered about 3 times a year. Both tests must be taken at a local test center. The GRE Subject Test is more regulated with tests being offered in the months of April, September and October.
How much do I have to pay?
The GRE General Test currently costs $205 (that is around 14,000 INR) around the world except for some countries like Australia, China, and Nigeria. The GRE Subject test has a standard fee of $150 (around 10,500 INR) for all countries.
The ETS charges additional fee for amendments on the candidate’s side such as:
- Standby testing
- Rescheduling
- Changing your test center
