The GRE Subject Tests

The GRE Subject Tests in Mathematics, Physics and Psychology measure undergraduate achievement in a particular field of study and help departments evaluate applicants' readiness for graduate school.

Carefully developed by committees of examiners with expertise in particular disciplines, each GRE Subject Test measures content taught in undergraduate programs that is important for graduate study in that discipline. The tests are intended for individuals who have an undergraduate major or extensive background in the field. These computer-delivered tests are offered each year on multiple dates in September, October and April.

Test content

Mathematics test

The test consists of approximately 66 multiple-choice questions drawn from Calculus, Algebra and additional topics.

Physics test

The test consists of approximately 70 multiple-choice questions covering Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Atomic Physics, Optics and Wave Phenomena, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Special Relativity, Laboratory Methods and Specialized Topics.

Psychology test

The test consists of approximately 144 multiple-choice questions that are drawn from the core of knowledge most commonly encountered in courses offered at the undergraduate level within the broadly defined field of psychology. A question may require recalling factual information, analyzing relationships, applying principles, drawing conclusions from data and/or evaluating a research design.

Scoring and score reporting

Score reporting

The GRE Subject Tests report one total score on a 200–990 score scale, in 10-point increments, although the score range for any particular Subject Test is usually smaller.

Physics and Psychology tests

For tests taken beginning in September 2023, percent correct scores will be reported for the Physics and Psychology Tests on a range of 0–100. Percent correct scores from one test edition cannot be compared with percent correct scores on other test editions because these scores are not equated. For example, a percent correct score of 80 on Classical Mechanics from one Physics Test edition is not equivalent to a percent correct score of 80 on Classical Mechanics from another Physics Test edition.

For tests taken prior to September 2023, subscores are reported for the Physics and Psychology Tests on a 20–99 score scale, in 1-point increments. The subscore scales for each of these tests occupy only a portion of the 20 to 99 score range.

The ScoreSelect ® option

With the ScoreSelect ® option, test takers who retake a GRE Subject Test can decide which GRE scores from the last 5 years to send to designated institutions. Institutions receive score reports that show the scores that test takers selected to send to them. There are no special notations to indicate whether other GRE tests have been taken.

Receiving scores

Scores on the GRE Subject Tests will be reported on the following dates and are reportable for 5 years following the individual’s test date.

October 17–October 30, 2024