Lets explore the GRE test

According to SAEDNEWS, the GRE General Test is a standardized test created and administered by the Educational Testing Service, commonly known as ETS, that is designed to measure overall academic readiness for graduate school. Some grad programs require that applicants take not only the general test, but also a GRE Subject Test that assesses technical knowledge in a specific discipline like physics, psychology or mathematics. The GRE general test is similar to the SAT college entrance exam in that it assesses competence in math, reading and writing.

Structure of the GRE test

In its current format, the general test includes three scored sections and one unscored section that collectively takes 3 hours and 45 minutes, with a 10-minute break built in. The three scored sections are analytical writing, quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning. The two-question analytical writing section takes 60 minutes, while the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections include 40 questions each and last 70 and 60 minutes, respectively. However, one significant change is that the test has been greatly reduced that will be completed in 1 hour and 58 minutes. The analytical writing section changed to just one question – "Analyze an Issue" – to be completed in 30 minutes, while the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections have 27 questions each and will need to be completed in 47 and 41 minutes, respectively. The unscored section and the 10-minute break have been removed in the new version. Although the total test time will decrease, test-takers will have the same amount of time to answer each question, according to ETS.

GRE Subject Tests

GRE subject tests are content-based exams that assess a person's mastery of a particular field of study, such as physics or psychology. Each is designed for students who have majored in or extensively studied the particular exam subject. A grad school hopeful might take a math subject test in order to demonstrate quantitative skills to grad schools in fields where numerical competence is vital, such as computer science or economics. Subject tests are offered in mathematics, physics and psychology, and ETS provides free digital practice books for each.

In September 2023, ETS launched new versions of the physics and psychology subject tests, which will also be shortened to under two hours. Below is an overview of the topics covered on each test.

passing the GRE

Mathematics. About half of this exam focuses on calculus while roughly a quarter concentrates on elementary, linear and abstract algebra, as well as number theory. The remaining questions cover miscellaneous topics typically included in an undergraduate math curriculum.

Physics. This exam typically includes questions on optics and wave phenomena; thermodynamics and statistical mechanics; classical mechanics; electromagnetism; quantum mechanics; atomic physics; special relativity and laboratory methods. It also includes questions on specialized physics topics such as nuclear and particle physics and condensed matter, but the specific topics covered depend on the individual exam.

Psychology. This exam includes questions on six aspects of psychology, including biological, cognitive, social, developmental, clinical and measurement and methodology.

How Does the GRE General Test Compare to a GRE Subject Test?

The general test focuses on assessing critical thinking abilities applicable in multiple disciplines, while a subject test is designed to determine how much a person knows about a specific academic subject. On the general test, expect to use more strategy than content, whereas ... when it comes to subject tests, there is a lot more content-based knowledge that is required. The subject tests tend to be more straightforward in terms of the questions asked, whereas the general test may feel more like a reasoning test. One of the main differences is that each section of the general test is timed, while the subject test is "self-paced," meaning test-takers generally have the flexibility to determine how much time to reserve for each section.

On the GRE general test, the time limitations are a huge factor in how you handle the test, and they’re meant to be. You are meant to have to deal with the fact that you’ve got limited time, and probably time that’s too limited for you to do your best on every single problem, whereas the subject tests are really more about doing your best. Prepping for a subject test is not entirely different from studying for the general test. Similar to the General Test, to prepare for a GRE Subject Test, students should become familiar with the test content and structure so they know what to expect on test day.

At-Home Version of the GRE General Test

During the coronavirus pandemic, ETS introduced an at-home version of the GRE general test. The company has continued to offer this option and appointments are "available around the clock, seven days a week," according to the ETS website. The GRE General Test taken at home is identical in content, format, on-screen experience, scoring and pricing to the GRE General Test taken at a test center. Key differences include the at-home test is taken on a test-taker’s personal computer and is monitored by a human proctor online. All of the test features such as the ability to preview, review, skip questions and change answers while testing in a test center are also available when testing at home.

GRE at home

If you're planning to take the GRE at home, it's important to have supplies ready. That means doing some prep work beforehand to secure a whiteboard or transparent sheets, as well as a couple of fresh markers. We recommend that at-home GRE test takers utilize a wired internet connection rather than a wireless one to reduce the possibility of connectivity issues. They should also take the test in the most calm and private place in their home. Keeping it secret is crucial, since ETS is really big on making sure that you're the only person in the room to reduce cheating, so if you have roommates, a child, or someone who could inadvertently stroll into the room, you simply want to make sure that they are aware of that. At-home test takers should avoid taking the exam during a period when there might be substantial external noise, testing experts advise, adding that it's advisable to ask others in your household and neighbors to avoid being noisy during the test administration.

ETS provides numerous free and for-purchase general GRE test prep resources, including online practice exams and a content outline, plus digital practice book for each subject test. Prep resources for the new exam will become available in September, but because the question types will remain the same aside from removal of the Analytical Writing “Analyze an Argument” essay, ETS encourages test-takers to continue to using existing official GRE prep materials. Many grad school hopefuls could benefit from a formal GRE test-prep course, which forces them to spend a significant chunk of time on test prep and provides them with a teacher or tutor who can hold them accountable.