If you intend to apply to Master’s degree programs, taking the GRE General Test will most likely be a requirement for you. Rather than test you on subject-specific knowledge, the GRE General Test assesses students based on skills they should have developed in college: verbal and quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. In some cases, however, it is desirable to supplement the General GRE with the GRE Subject Test. This exam will test you in your area of study. It is up to you to determine if taking a subject test is a good idea to be more competitive for admission into your Master’s degree program of choice.
The subjects offered as GRE Subject Test are the following: Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. If one of these subjects describes your interests, consider taking the test. Remember that it only makes sense to take the subject test if you have majored in that subject or have wide knowledge of it as an undergraduate student. Of course, you should also intend to continue this area of study during your Master’s degree program.
The GRE Subject Test is not always a requirement for admission to a Master’s program. In fact, this test is usually optional for candidates. Most programs will accept a GRE Subject Test as part of your application, but be sure to read the instructions carefully or contact the admissions office of a prospective program to make sure it is okay to submit these test scores.
If the GRE Subject Test is not required, you may be asking yourself why you should bother! Taking it is a great idea if your prospective Master’s program welcomes it. You will show that you have extensive background knowledge in your selected major, which can make you more competitive for the program. Simply taking the extra step to prove your merit will make you stand out as a student.
Studying for the two tests requires different preparation. For the General Test, you will be studying the different types of questions you will encounter, as well as strategies you can use to be a better test-taker. For the Subject Test, you will also have to add the knowledge of various facts and concepts to your preparation.
When you sign up to take a GRE Subject Test, you will receive a practice book that comes with a sample test. This is your best resource for preparation, along with your notes from every course you have taken in college in the subject on which you will be tested. Each test covers a broad range of information, which means there will be questions you are unfamiliar with, but a thorough overview of your subject to the best of your ability is good preparation. Also make sure you are familiar with all test rules and procedures prior to arriving on your testing day. This will save you from wasting valuable time or making a mistake.
It is up to you whether or not taking the GRE Subject Test is the right move. Depending on the preferences of your prospective Master’s program, acing the GRE Subject Test can set you apart from the crowd. If you choose to earn your Masters online, be sure you are earning an accredited degree and you know everything that is required to apply to the program.