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GRE General Test | Admission Process 2023

The Graduate Record Examination(GRE) conducted by Educational Testing provides grants to a lot of bright and meritorious students. Although generalized, some universities distinguish the GRE General Test vs Subject Test. 

What Does a GRE Scholarship Offer?

A GRE scholarship is an award that a university provides to its students based on a few criteria which might include academic record, financial condition or any other achievement. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not solely an indicator of admissions to top colleges abroad. Not all universities offer scholarships to every course but there are a few specific courses that provide grants to international students. Along with global exposure and opportunities, a GRE scholarship might reduce your tuition fee and the cost of living abroad to a great extent. 

GRE General Test vs Subject Test: Difference

Although similar, here’s what you need to know about the difference. The GRE General Test Service contains three sections based on which the students are assessed. 

  • Verbal reasoning
  • Quantitative reasoning
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills

The GRE is considered quite similar to the CAT which is the Common Admission Test conducted for students applying for Indian Universities for postgraduate in management programs. For Indian Universities, there is no question of GRE General Test vs GRE Subject Test.

Different Sections of the GRE General Test 

  • Verbal Reasoning: The Verbal Reasoning section of the test focuses on the student’s ability to read and comprehend information. This is assessed through understanding words and sentence and paragraph formation. 
  • Quantitative reasoning: The Quantitative Reasoning Section of the GRE General Test measures a student’s ability to understand mathematical concepts and complete mathematical problems in four general areas. In arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. 
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills: The critical thinking and analytical writing section of the test assesses a student’s ability to understand and explain complex information. It assesses on the basis of the capacity for analyzing and critiquing an argument. 

GRE Subject Test

Unlike the GRE General Test, GRE Subject Tests are more specified and subject-specific tests. It assesses an applicant’s aptitude for the subject. These are achievements that measure the depth of knowledge of a particular field. 

GRE Subject Test is specifically designed for students who have an undergraduate major or extensive background in one of the following disciplines:

  • Biology
  • ChemistryLiterature
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology

Focus on showing your expertise in a specific subject and graduate schools will make a note of it for your admission process. The GRE Subject Tests help you in standing out from other applicants by emphasizing your in-depth knowledge and skill level in a specific area.

GRE General Test vs Subject Test: Subjects Available

The GRE General Test vs Subject Test is a valid point of argument amongst many aspirants. Read ahead to know about the 6 different subjects GRE Subject Test is conducted for. 

  • Biology: This test measures knowledge and skill in cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology and ecology and evolution.
  • Chemistry: This makes an assessment of skill in analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry.
  • Literature: This requires a grip over Continental, Classical and Comparative Literature, British Literature and American Literature through 1925. 
  • Mathematics: This test requires you to prepare for calculus, algebra and additional topics, such as discrete mathematics, geometry and statistics.
  • Physics: This test requires your basics of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and atomic physics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, optics and wave phenomena, special relativity, laboratory methods and specialised topics like nuclear and particle physics.
  • Psychology: This test expects a preparation of the following content areas: biological, cognitive, social, developmental and clinical psychology, as well as measurement and methodology.

GRE General Test vs Subject Test: Advantages of GRE Subject Tests

Although GRE General Test vs Subject Test is applicable only if the college you are applying for accepts both the scores, there are some advantages of GRE Subject Tests:

  • GRE Subject Tests prepare you for an advanced and specialised degree. This onset and the further training you go through is beneficial for a workplace where you have advanced knowledge about the subject matter. 
  • The test measures achievement and mastery over a particular field of study. The test is greatly beneficial for the departments to evaluate students who would be a good fit for the program. 
  • Some GRE subject tests also measure the strength and weaknesses of the students which is beneficial for hiring and placement purposes later. 
  • Education payoffs for GRE Subject Tests help you achieve more opportunities for success. With higher earning opportunities and lower unemployment rates, GRE Subject Test covers a lot of core aspects. 

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GRE General Tests vs GRE Subject Test: Which should you prefer?

Deciding which GRE aptitude test to take can be a confusing task. Before opting for a test, decide the school you want to get in and thoroughly check the criteria provided by that school and proceed accordingly. Most schools do not ask you for a GRE Subject Test which makes you focus more on the GRE General Test. However, some schools keep Subject Tests to filter students. 

GRE General Tests vs GRE Subject Test: Cost

If you apply for the GRE General Test, regardless of whether it is a Computer-based or paper-based test, the whole application process would cost you around $205. For a Subject Test, it might cost you around $150 per test. For Subject Test you might choose among three times of the year: September, October or April. You are to sign up for one exam per admission. 

How much is the cost of a GRE test?

For GRE General Test, the process cost around $205. However, for GRE Subject Test, the cost gets a little less than GRE General Test and would cost you around $150 per test.

Which test is better, GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test?

There is no such thing as a better test. The test you should take totally depends on the school you want to apply. While most schools ask for a GRE General Test, most of them ask for GRE Subject Test. Be sure to decide beforehand and proceed accordingly.

What are the advantages of GRE Subject Test?

Although subject to the colleges you want to apply for without distinguishing between GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test, GRE Subject Tests have some advantages. Some of the advantages include preparing you for an advanced and specialised degree for mastery over a certain field and a better learning and earning opportunity.
 
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