Much like the SAT subject tests, the GRE subject tests are intended to test your knowledge in a particular area. They are taken in addition to the GRE to demonstrate capabilities in your subject area. While they are not a mandatory requirement in the admissions process, some schools may ask you to take the subject tests.
Different schools and programs vary in their requirement of GRE subject tests. They may also assign different weightages to it based on their admission criterion. Not doing well in the exam may leave a bad impression in front of prospective schools.
The GRE subject tests format
The test format is slightly different than GRE. The subject tests are offered across seven disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology and Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology. The subject tests follow a paper format with no timed sections and last 2 hours and 50 minutes. They are offered worldwide three times a year: September, October and April.
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The subject tests contain multiple choice questions. You get 1 point for a correct answer and lose ¼ points for a wrong one. Unanswered questions play no role in the scoring. The scaled score, obtained from the raw score, ranges from 200-990. The range varies from test to test. The subject tests may even contain additional subtests which offer more information on your subject strengths and weaknesses. Subtest scores are marked on a 20-99 point scale and reported with the overall score.
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Should you take the GRE subject tests?
Well, that depends. If the program of your choice requires subject tests, you have to take it. Take a subject test if you are well prepared in your undergraduate major. The same is true if you are applying in a completely different field from your undergraduate major. Also, take these subject tests if you are weak in some other aspects of your application like the GPA. Good subject test scores may offset the damage done by a below par performance on one of the parameters.
Bear in mind that the GRE subject tests are not a replacement for the actual GRE. You have to submit the GRE subject test scores along with your GRE scores.
