Frequently Asked Questions About the GRE® Subject Tests

Test Content

What Subject Tests are offered?

There are eight Subject Tests.

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science*
• Literature in English
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Psychology

*Note: The last administration of the GRE Computer Science Test will be in April 2013. The test will be discontinued after the April 2013 administration. Scores will continue to be reportable for five years.

Why is the Computer Science Test being discontinued?

Over the last several years, the number of individuals taking the Computer Science Test has declined significantly. Test volume will soon reach a point where ETS can no longer support the test psychometrically. As a result, the GRE Program has decided to discontinue the Computer Science Test. The test will be offered for the last time in April 2013

Who accepts GRE® Subject Tests?

GRE® Subject Test scores are accepted by thousands of graduate schools, including individual departments or divisions within these schools. Although the scores may not be a requirement for admission to a particular program, admissions committees are likely to consider the scores if they are submitted. It's best to contact the admissions office or department you're interested in and see exactly what they're looking for.

Why is it a good idea to take a GRE Subject Test?

Taking a GRE Subject Test tests your knowledge of specific subjects and can help you stand out from other applicants. If you're majoring in — or have extensive background in — a specific area, you might want to take a Subject Test in addition to the revised General Test. Subject Tests are a great way to distinguish yourself.

Test Administration

When are the GRE Subject Tests offered?

The Subject Tests are offered in October, November and April. See Test Centers and Dates and the Test Center List.

How do I register for a GRE Subject Test?

You can register for a GRE Subject Test online or by mail. For details, see Register for a Subject Test.

What is the price of a GRE Subject Test?

The GRE Subject Test fee is US$150 worldwide. See the fees section for detailed pricing and fee reduction information.

Is the registration deadline a postmark date or a receipt date at ETS?

All deadlines are receipt dates at ETS.

When do I receive my admission ticket?

You should receive your admission ticket by mail approximately three weeks after you register. You can also view and print your ticket online with your My GRE Account. If you do not receive your admission ticket at least 10 days before the test date, please print your ticket or contact ETS immediately to confirm your test center assignment.

How do I correct errors on my ticket or change my score recipients?

Fill out the correction stub attached to your ticket and mail it to ETS-GRE at the address printed on the ticket. You may also make your correction by email. Your request must be received no later than the Friday before the test date for which you are registered.

Test Preparation

How can I prepare for a GRE Subject Test?

When you register for a GRE Subject Test, you will be sent a free Subject Test Practice Book. Each book includes one actual Subject Test and answer key, test-taking strategies and information to help you understand the scoring. You can also download each test's practice book.

What do I need to take to the test center?

Take your admission ticket, your valid photo Identification (ID), three or four sharpened No. 2 or HB pencils and a good eraser. Mechanical pencils and pens are not permitted.

What if I've lost my ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)?

You will not be admitted to test without a valid photo ID.

How much time should I plan to be at the test center?

Plan to be at the test center up to three-and-a-half hours. Report to the test center no later than 8:30 a.m. If you arrive late, you might not be admitted and your test fee will be forfeited.

Scores

How are the Subject Tests scored?

Scoring of the Subject Test is a two-step process. First, the raw score is computed. This is the number of questions you answered correctly minus one-fourth the number of questions you answered incorrectly. Then the raw score is converted to a scaled score to account for differences in difficulty among the different test editions. For more information, see How the Test is Scored.

How do I send my scores to an institution?

Your test fee entitles you to request that scores be sent to your undergraduate institution and to as many as four graduate institutions or fellowship sponsors. With the new ScoreSelect^SM option, you can decide which test scores to send to the institutions you designate, so you can send the scores you feel show your personal best, giving you more confidence on test day. When you register for a GRE Subject Test, you will be asked to designate which score recipients you want to receive your scores. You can also designate score recipients on your admission ticket correction stub. After test day, you can order Additional Score Reports for a fee of US$25 per recipient. See Sending your Scores.

What scores are reported?

For each test that you take, you will receive a total score on a 200–990 score scale, in 10-point increments. The Biochemistry; Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology; and Psychology Tests also yield subscores on a 20–99 score scale, in one-point increments.

When are scores reported?

Score reports from paper-based tests will be mailed approximately six weeks after the test date. For more information see Getting Your Scores.

Will the score report sent to an institution show that I used the ScoreSelect option and did not report scores from every time I have taken a GRE test in the last five years?

No, institutions will receive score reports that show only the scores that you selected to send to them. There will be no special indication on score reports if you take additional GRE tests. If you are unsure of which scores to send, refer to the GRE test requirements for the graduate and business programs to which you are applying.

How does the GRE Program recommend that departments use my scores on the GRE Subject Tests?

The GRE Board has developed Score Use Guidelines that summarize the considerations for appropriate use of GRE test scores.

How do I order additional score reports?

You can order additional score reports online or by phone, mail or fax. See Ordering Additional Score Reports for more information on the score reporting options available for each ordering method.

Can I view scores online?

Yes. You can view your scores online free of charge. You will need to create a My GRE Account to use this service. The View Scores Online service is available approximately six weeks after your Subject Test date.

Can I cancel my scores?

At the end of the test, you will be given the option of cancelling your scores. Although you have the option of cancelling your scores, consider very carefully before doing so. Your scores will be reported to GRE score recipients only at your request. If you cancel your scores, they will NOT be reported to you or any score recipients and no refund will be made. Canceled scores are not added to your permanent record. If you wish to take the test again, you must reregister and submit another test payment.