GRE Subject Tests: An Overview
In addition to the GRE general test, some graduate schools or fellowship
committees may require you to take additional GRE Subject Tests. These tests are
specific to eight fields of study and are sometimes required if you have a heavy
background or a major in one of them. Unlike the general test, the Subject Tests
are paper-based only and are administered on only three dates during the year in
November, December, and April. The ETS site carries comprehensive outlines of
the subject matter covered by each test, but here are some quick facts for each
Biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology
- Approximately 180 multiple-choice questions, many of
which are grouped in sets and based on laboratory situations, diagrams, or
- Organized into three major areas: biochemistry (36
percent); cell biology (28 percent); and molecular biology and genetics (36
percent). In addition to the total score, a subscore in each of these
subfield areas is reported.
- Emphasis on questions requiring problem-solving skills
and content knowledge.
- 200 five-choice questions, many of which are grouped
in sets and based on laboratory and field situations, diagrams, or
- Organized into three major areas, each with its own
sub-areas:cellular and molecular biology (33 to 34 percent); organismal
biology (33 to 34 percent); ecology and evolution (33 to 34 percent).
- In addition to the total score, a subscore in each of
these subfield areas is reported.
- Approximately 130 multiple-choice questions.
- A periodic table is included in the test booklet, as
well as a table of information presenting various physical constants and
some conversion factors among SI units. Additional values of physical
constants are printed within question contexts as necessary.
- Test questions are constructed to simplify
mathematical manipulations. As a result, neither calculators nor tables of
logarithms are needed.
- The content of the test emphasizes the four
traditional fields of chemistry: analytical chemistry (15 percent);
inorganic chemistry (25 percent); organic chemistry (30 percent) ; and
physical chemistry (30 percent).