GRE General Test vs Subject Test: Key Differences Explained

Rina Rathod

04 Oct 2024

Be you a master's or PhD aspirant looking for MBA Executive Programs, We believe you must have heard the word the GRE quite a number of times. However, many of you may not be aware that there are different types of GRE Examinations. 

It can be hard to decide between the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test, but relax—we know how to help! 

In this online test prep guide, we will explain the differences between GRE General and GRE Subject Tests, what each of them measures, and how to choose the exam you ought to take.

Review of GRE Exams

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that most of all universities in higher education employ. It has two main forms, namely:

1. The GRE General Test: An assessment aimed at evaluating all-round academic competencies irrespective of discipline.

2. GRE Subject Test: This is a more focused assessment that measures the level of understanding within given disciplines.

These two examinations are both owned by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and are important for consideration in the graduate admissions procedure. Therefore, let us explore these two in more detail.

GRE General Test

1. What It Is

The GRE General Test measures overall academic skills of applicants for graduate programs in a particular domain or area, including business schools. This test score prepares you to what extent the institutions expect you to perform in much higher education grades.

2. Sections

The GRE General Test consists of three major sections:

• Verbal Reasoning: Assesses how well you can evaluate reading material and how well you can comprehend the inter-relationship between concepts/words.

• Quantitative Reasoning: Examines your ability to think in terms of numbers, including simple math, algebra, geometry, as well as data interpretation.

• Analytical Writing: Assesses the ability to convey numerous and complicated ideas in the form of an argument put together in an essay. 

Note: Recent amendments on the test indicate that one must write only one essay, which will last thirty minutes long, focusing on the "Argument Task." 

3. New Structure and Duration

As of 2024, the GRE General Test has been revised, and its duration has been reduced to one hour fifty-eight minutes, thus making it more effective in terms of time without reducing the complexity of the test. The following are the time allocations of each of the sections:

• Verbal Reasoning: 41 minutes

• Quantitative Reasoning: 47 minutes

• Analytical Writing: 30 minutes allocated for one essay task only.

• Computer-based: The GRE General Test is principally administered as a computer test only and thus is an adaptive test. This means the level and difficulty of questions asked can vary depending on how one performs.

4. Who takes the GRE?

The GRE General Test is taken by a majority of graduate school applicants in fields such as social sciences, business, law, and humanities. This is the most accepted test of the GRE across nations and institutions around the globe for the purpose of testing your general academic competence.

5. When to Take It?

The same flexibility is also applicable with regards to the timeline for taking 

the GRE general test since it is possible to take the test almost at any point in the year. To ensure that the scores will be available in time for the deadlines for the application for entry into the program are met, it is advisable to do the forecasting a little bit earlier.

GRE Subject Tests

1. What It Is

The GRE Subject Tests' purpose is to evaluate the students' knowledge of a certain subject, for which the test is advised to those students, who have а relevant undergraduate's degree or extensive experience in that field. The subject tests will be available from 2024 in the following areas: 

• Mathematics 

• Physics 

• Psychology 

The Chemistry test was officially discontinued after April 2023

2. Sections and Duration

The GRE Subject Test represents a significant comprehension of a given subject area. Areas of Assessment: 

• The duration of the Mathematics test is two hours and fifty minutes. This section tests mathematical skills advanced than simple calculations such as calculus and algebra.

• The Physics section test is of 2 hours and considers issues such as classical 

mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum physics among other topics.

• Also lasting for 2 hours, a test in Psychology comprises questions, which include but do not limit to cognitive, social, developmental and clinical psychology.

3. New Testing Format and Dates

From September 2023, computer-based testing of the GRE Subject Tests is available to candidates in all corners of the world. Most places also provide a facility to test from home. The approximate available test dates for 2024 and 2025 include:

• 16th September 2024 – 29th September 2024

• 17th October 2024 – 30th October 2024

• 21st April 2025 – 4th May 2025

As GRE Subject Tests are conducted only a couple of times in a year, it is advisable to finish your test earlier than the application deadlines since most application processes may not accommodate rescheduling tests.

4. Who Takes It?

The GRE Subject Tests are taken by students applying to highly specialized graduate programs. These tests are of great importance for example if you are applying for a PhD in Physics or Math degree program or Psychology program which all requires a lot of subject content background.

5. When to Take It?

You can take the GRE Subject Test on the prescribed dates either at a test site or at the comfort of your home. Make sure to book a slot early for the examination as it can be competitive.

Key Differences Between GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of both tests, let’s highlight the major differences:

Which Test Should You Opt For?

The exam you decide to take must go hand in hand with the expectations set by the audience graduate program you are targeting. Here is a brief chart that can help you:

1. GRE General Test:

o When applying for any postgraduate business, relevant social sciences, and even law programs, you shall most likely require the GRE general Test.

o This is the case since it goes for almost all the graduate programs regardless of the discipline.

o General test shows your capacity to think and reason in expansive levels without bearing any connection to the domains being tackled.

2. GRE Subject Test:

o For example, if the graduate study is more focused (as in, a PhD degree in Philosophy, Physics, Mathematics, or even Psychology), then the GRE Subject Test may be mandatory or recommended.

o These Tests are also best used to show that you have the love and the knowledge for a certain field.

3. Program Requirements:

o Simply check program requirements and do not forget that some programs with particular policies on tests require general guidelines. Some may ask for only General Test while others may not help asking for specific administered Subject Tests.

Some Preparation Suggestions

To begin preparing for the GRE General Test:

• Practice Under Test Conditions: Given the new composition of the test (1 hour and 58 minutes) which is less, practice answering questions within the time limits. In the case of the Verbal and Quantitative sections, ensure you spend a little above one minute for each question to allow full usage of time. 

• Direct Your Energy Towards Writing: Work on the Analytical Writing Task’s essay writing skills since only one essay is needed now. Be sure that your reasoning is clear, organized, and consistent and that it is made with reasoning supporting your side.

How to prepare for the GRE subject test

• Knowledge of Subject: Familiarize yourself with the undergraduate textbooks and course materials of the particular subject which one is going to be tested in. Whichever the discipline concentration, i.e. Mathematics, Physics or Psychology, one should have a mastery of the higher level topics.

• Practice Tests: In taking practice tests, one should take as many tests as there are available so as to get used with the nature of the questions and their answers. This is more so applicable for the Subject Tests where focus is very specific.

Stay Connected with D Vivid Consultant

Deciding on whether to take the GRE General Test or the GRE Subject Test is a very major choice, however, you do not have to face it on your own! 

At D Vivid Consultant, we offer you all the help that you may need in preparing for your exams, in case graduate admissions is what you are looking for, along with all the rest of the support related to the application process. 

Connect with us throughout your graduate school preparation phase for more tricks and tactics, as we know how exciting prospects lie ahead!