Table of Contents
How to Prepare for the GRE Subject Tests 2022
The subject tests in GRE measure the competence of a candidate specifically in that subject. The grad schools are always in the search of a candidate who has excellent knowledge in one of these subjects as learned from their undergraduate program.
To take the GRE subject test, candidates must have extensive knowledge in one of these subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Literature in English
- Psychology
- Mathematics
This article will discuss the method to prepare for the GRE subject tests along with focusing on the syllabus breakdown.
GRE Subject Tests: Subject Breakdown
The GRE subject test scores act as a uniform measure of assessing the ability of the candidates hailing from distinctive courses and places. The admission authorities consider the GRE subject test scores as a great push to the test taker’s undergraduate skills, LORs, and is also beneficial in stating the strong and weak points.
The GRE subject test preparation includes a detailed understanding of the GRE subject test syllabus at first. This is considered the most vital preparation tip because the main motive of the GRE subject test is to assess the undergraduate knowledge of the candidate.
GRE Subject Test: Biology
GRE Biology subject test is one of the 6 subjects that are taken by the candidates. It comprises of 188 MCQs with a duration of 2 hours 50 minutes with the end part having clubbed questions focused on laboratory and on-field activities, diagrams, or experiments.
| GRE Biology Content Categories | Weightage Range | Subtopics |
|---|---|---|
| Cellular and Molecular Biology | 33-34% | Cellular and Structure Function (Enzyme activity, Major metabolic pathways and regulation, biological compounds, Membrane dynamics and cell surfaces etc), Genetics and Molecular Biology (Genetic foundations, Chromatin and chromosomes, Genome maintenance, Bacteriophages, plant viruses, animal viruses, Recombinant DNA methodology etc) |
| Organismal Biology | 33-34% | Animal structure function and organization; Animal reproduction and development; Plant structure, function and organization, with emphasis on flowering plants; Plant reproduction, growth and development with emphasis on flowering plants, Diversity of Life |
| Ecology and Evolution | 33-34% | Ecology (Environment/ organism interaction, behavioral ecology, population ecology, community ecology, ecosystems); Evolution (Genetic variability, Evolutionary consequences, History of life, Macroevolutionary and microevolutionary processes) |
The above table shows the complete breakdown of the GRE biology subject test which will be tested in the GRE subject test.
GRE Subject Test: Chemistry
The GRE chemistry subject test is comprised of 130 MCQs with a time limit of 2 hours 50 minutes. A periodic table is found in the booklet. No calculators are needed as the questions are structured in a way to ease the calculation need.
The graph above clearly shows the concentration of the topics which the candidates need to be competent in.
GRE Subject Test: Physics
The GRE physics subject test comprises of around 100 MCQs with a duration of 2 hours 50 minutes. The content of the test is based on physical situations presented in the forms of diagrams, graphs, and experimental statistics.
The GRE subject test preparation asks the candidates need to have a clear knowledge of the content mentioned in the diagram above.
GRE Subject Test: Mathematics
GRE Math subject test consists of around 66 MCQs with a duration of 2 hours 50 minutes. The GRE math subject test preparation needs the candidate to have proper knowledge about calculus, algebra, geometry, and more.
The foremost preparation tip for the GRE subject test is learning the fundamentals and core concepts of the undergraduate math program properly.
GRE Subject Test: Psychology
One of the 6 subjects, the GRE psychology subject test comprises of 205 MCQs with a similar time limit of 2 hours 50 minutes. A few of the GRE psychology subject test questions might include a demonstration of an argument or a graphical representation.
| GRE Psychology Content Categories | Weightage range | Subtopics |
|---|---|---|
| Biological | 17-21% | Sensation and Perception (Attention, Vision, Audition, Gustation, Somatosenses etc), Physiological/Behavioral Neuroscience (Sensory structures and processes, motor structures and functions, cognitive neuroscience, hormonal factors, comparative and ethology, states of consciousness, theories, applications and issues etc) |
| Cognitive | 17-24% | Learning (Classical conditioning, Instrumental conditioning, observational learning, modeling etc) |
| Language (Syntax, Meaning, Speech Perception and Processing, Reading Processes, Verbal and Nonverbal communication, Bilingualism etc) | ||
| Memory (Working memory, long term memory, types of memory systems and processes etc) | ||
| Thinking (Representation, Problem solving, judgement and decision making processes, intelligence) | ||
| Social | 12-14% | Social Perception, cognition, attribution, beliefs; Attitudes and Behavior; Social comparison, self; Emotion, affect, and motivation; Conformity, influence and persuasion; Interpersonal attraction and close relationships; Group and Intergroup processes; Cultural or gender influences; Evolutionary Psychology, Altruism and Aggression; Theories, Applications and Issues |
| Developmental | 12-14% | Nature - Nature; Physical and Motor; Perception and Cognition; Language; Learning, Intelligence; Social, Personality; Emotion; Socialization, Family and Cultural; Theories, Applications and Issues |
| Clinical | 15-19% | Personality (Theories, Structure, Assessment etc); Clinical and Abnormal (Stress, Conflict, Coping, Diagnostic systems, Assessment, Causes and Development of Disorders, Treatment of disorders, Epidemiology, Prevention. Health Psychology etc) |
| Measurement Methodology and Other | (15-19%) | General (History, Industrial-Organization, Educational); Measurement and Methodology (Psychometrics, Test Construction, Reliability, Validity, Research Designs, Statistical Procedures, Ethics and Legal Issues etc) |
GRE Subject Test: Literature in English
This is again one of the 6 GRE subject tests, GRE literature subject test preparation expects the candidates to have proficiency in the core literature concepts. It comprises of 230 MCQs to be answered in a time limit of 2 hours 50 minutes.
| GRE Literature in English Content Categories | Weightage Range |
|---|---|
| Literary Analysis | 40-55% |
| Cultural and Historical Contexts | 20-25% |
| Identification | 15-20% |
| History and Theory of Literary Criticism | 10-15% |
GRE literature subject test preparation needs the candidate to prepare thoroughly in the above-mentioned topics.
How do I Prepare for the GRE Subject Test?
The best way to prepare for the GRE subject test is by practicing numerous GRE practice papers from the official site. The official GRE practice papers are composed of tests, tips, and strategies. We have listed below a few of the general GRE subject paper preparation tips which are applicable for all the 6 GRE subject tests listed above.
- A thorough revision of undergraduate content: As the GRE subject tests are based mostly on the knowledge level of the undergraduate program, candidates are expected to be proficient in these topics.
- Focus on types of questions: The GRE subject test preparation requires the candidate to put special emphasis on the question types which includes directions. Once you decode it, it will save you ample time during the test to solve answers. Solving GRE practice tests will be of great help.
- Attempt every question: Remember, all the questions are weighted similarly and therefore, don’t put more time on hard questions. This will not only prevent you from answering easier questions but will also leave certain questions unanswered.
- Use test-booklets only for note-taking: Don’t forget to write the answer in your answer booklet and use the test-booklet only for note-taking and organizing.
- Attempt the easy ones first: GRE subject test preparation advises the candidates to answer the questions the candidate feels confident about then move on to the difficult ones.
The above GRE subject test preparation tips and syllabus breakdown will help the candidates understand the preparation process.
GRE 2024 : 6 Answered QuestionsView All
Ans. In case you are enquiring about the CAT percentile let me clarify that ISB Hyderabad does not take into consideration CAT scores. It accepts GMAT/GRE scores only. Most importantly, the ISB Shortlisting process is profile-based. This means even with a lower percentile you can manage to get shortlisted provided you have an excellent profile. There is no fixed cutoff for GMAT. However, a 700+ GMAT score isn't a must-have for ISB if your application is strong in other areas. According to an ISB spokesperson, candidates were admitted to the 2021 cohort with scores as low as 580, and as high as 780. So the GMAT score range for ISB is 580-780. Read more
Ans. ISB Hyderabad accepts both examination scores. So, you can opt for either of GMAT or GRE. Your chances of selection or rejection will remain the same. Go through the examination pattern and syllabus and choose the one in which you feel that you will be able to score better. Ultimately having a good score is what matters during admission. As per the recent trends, ISB Hyderabad cutoff for GMAT is 600, while for GRE it is 311. Read more
Ans. There are a few institutes that offer classroom coaching for GRE preparation in Bhubaneswar. Given below are information about a few such institutes: Offshore Education Academy This institute is a one-stop point for good counseling and preparation of GRE exams in Bhubaneswar. Merit scholarships are given to students who perform well in the online admission test. The minimum time to be devoted will be 4 months although it can be extended to 5 months in case an individual wants more time to prepare. Prajna Prep Prajna Prep offers comprehensive class sessions on Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing. You can also take GRE Practice Tests to improve your preparation. Manya-The Princeton Review Manya-The Princeton Review is another excellent choice for GRE preparation. This institute offers different types of GRE courses and you can choose the one which suits you best. There is also an option for learning in groups or in one on one sessions. Besides classroom coaching, self-preparation is also a good option if your current academics are above average. Read more
Ans. Of the two entrance exams, GMAT and GRE, the former is a better option. ISB Hyderabad has recently started accepting GRE scores. This doesn’t mean that taking the GRE is a bad idea. Many business schools apart from ISB are now accepting GRE scores. The best part is that ISB won’t be converting your GRE scores to GMAT for comparison during the MBA admissions. GRE is suitable for students who are considering other PG options apart from MBA like MS or MA. For someone who is sure of their career in an MBA, the GMAT is a better choice because GRE is much more dynamic. GMAT shows your commitment to MBA and thereby increases your chances of admission in comparison to GRE which shows that you are open to various options. ISB Hyderabad prefers GMAT over GRE also because the former is a more quantitatively challenging exam than the latter. Certain firms may ask for your GMAT score before shortlisting you for your interview. These include the biggest firms in the corporate world like McKinsey So from these points, we can safely conclude that GMAT is a better option for MBA students provided that you are sure of your course. Read more
Ans. Firstly, GRE scores are not accepted for the PGP MBA program. Only CAT/GMAT scores are accepted. To apply through the GMAT route you need sufficient work experience in a foreign country. For the FPM program, like any other doctoral program, the quality of the application matters the most and there is no cut-off for the GRE scores. Other factors that are actually considered are Profile Past research Publications There is no specific GRE score that would guarantee a call-up from IIM Ahmedabad. Read more
Ans. There is a long list of countries that allow students to apply for Ph.D. without GRE or TOFEL scores. Some of these countries are as follows. France Singapore Malaysia Dubai Poland China Japan Thailand Latvia Georgia United Kingdom Malta However, you need to have a good academic record in English to show your proficiency. Some of these countries may also need other language proficiency test scores for admission. Read more
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College
GRE News
Comments
Comments
No Comments To Show