GRE Subject Tests
In addition to the General Test, there are also eight GRE Subject Tests
testing knowledge in the specific areas of
Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology,
Biology,
Chemistry,
Computer Science,
Literature in English,
Mathematics,
Physics, and
Psychology. In the past, subject tests were also offered in the areas of
Economics, Revised Education, Engineering, Geology, History, Music, Political
Science, and Sociology. In April 1998, the Revised Education and Political
Science exams were discontinued. In April 2000, the History and Sociology exams
were discontinued, and the other four were discontinued in April 2001.
Preparation
A variety of resources are available for those wishing to prepare for the
GRE. Upon registration, ETS provides preparation software called PowerPrep,
which contains two practice tests of retired questions, as well as further
practice questions and review material. Since the software replicates both the
test format and the questions used, it can be useful to predict the actual GRE
scores. ETS does not license their past questions to any other company, making
them the only source for official retired material. ETS used to publish the "BIG
BOOK" which contained a number of actual GRE questions; however, this publishing
was abandoned. Several companies provide courses, books and other unofficial
preparation materials.
ETS has claimed that content of the GRE is "un-coachable"; however, many test
preparation companies claim that the test format is so rigid that familiarizing
oneself with the test's organization, timing, specific foci, and the use of
process of elimination is the best way to increase a GRE score.
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