What Are GRE Tests And Who Takes Them

tests are meant to gauge undergraduatebiochemistry and molecular biology and genetics. Test
achievement in the following eight disciplines.questions will cover eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
Biochemistry, Molecular and cell biology, chemistry,The GRE test on biology contains approximately 200
literature in English, physics, biology, computerfive-choice questions. Some of these questions are
science, mathematics and psychology. Each of thesebased on descriptions of field and laboratory
Graduate Record Exam tests is meant for studentssituations, experimental results or diagrams. Three
who have either majored in or have a great deal ofmajor areas are included in this test: organismal
background in that particular area.biology, cellular and molecular biology and ecology and
Who Takes Them and Why: Those graduateevolution.
applicants who expect to graduate from anThe test on chemistry contains about 130
accredited college are able to take the GRE tests.multiple-choice questions. A periodic table as well as
These test scores are then used by the admissionsother information is printed in the student's test
department or fellowship panels to supplement abooklet. This GRE test encompasses the four fields
student's undergraduate records and any otherinto which this subject has been traditionally divided.
qualifications that are necessary for graduate study.The GRE test on computer science contains
The GRE test scores are used like a measuring stickapproximately 70 multiple-choice questions. Some of
in order to compare the applicant's qualifications andthese questions are grouped into sets and are based
they will also be a help in the evaluation of grades ason such materials as graphs, diagrams and program
well as other recommendations. Some of the tests infragments. Only an approximation is given of the
certain subject areas will yield subscores which willpercentages. These may vary slightly from each test
indicate not only the strengths but also theedition.
weaknesses of the individual students preparation.The Graduate Record Exam in literature in English
These tests may also be helpful for guidance andcontains approximately 230 questions on drama, the
placement purposes.essay, the novel, literary theory, poetry, biography,
At What Time are These Tests Given: The GREthe short story, criticism and the history of language.
subject tests are offered three times a year atThis GRE test consists of literature from the U.S., the
paper-based test centers all over the world. TheBritish Isles and other global areas. You may even
months these tests are given in are April, Octoberfind some questions on the Bible.
and November.The GRE test on mathematics contains about 66
Who Accepts Them: Any accredited business,multiple-choice questions. You will find that about half
graduate or professional school, which includes anyof the questions involve calculus. Approximately of
division or department within a school, maythe questions will cover areas such as elementary
recommend or require the students who are applyingalgebra, abstract algebra, linear algebra and number
take the General Test, one or more of the subjecttheory.
tests or both. Applicants can have their test scoresThe Graduate Record Exam on physics contains
sent to a non-accredited institution only if it isabout 100 five-choice questions. You will find that
approved by the GRE Board.some of these questions cover diagrams,
Requirements of Tests: The test on biochemistryexperimental data, graphs and descriptions of physical
encompasses approximately 180 multiple-choicesituations.
questions. Some of the questions on this test areFinally, the GRE test on psychology contains about
based on descriptions of diagrams, laboratory205 multiple-choice questions. These questions come
situations or experimental results. This test ismainly from courses that are offered in psychology
organized into three main areas: cell biology,at the undergraduate level.