GRE general test or subject test, which is better for PhD?

Hello Rohan Soren,

GRE is an examination which is compulsory and required for admissions in post-graduate degree programmes. Thus, you need to give GRE no matter what. If the programme you have shortlisted requires you to give a GRE Subject Test then you take the test, but otherwise it is no mandatory.

What is GRE?

• Graduate Record Examinations is a standardized, globally accepted examination which is required in many universities internationally for any of the post-graduate degree programmes.
• The scores of these examinations are used to evaluate your compatibility with the universities you apply to and to use them as a common ground to compare you with other applying candidates.
• It is accepted in universities in USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Europe and UK.
• In this test the candidate is evaluated in his quantitative ability, analytical writing skills, and verbal reasoning skills.
• To give this test an individual should have a huge control over mathematics and English. You need to have a huge English vocabulary and should know basic mathematics.

What is GRE Subject Test?

• GRE Subject Test is not normally required by most of the post-graduate programmes, however, some universities need scores to further evaluate a candidates ability to fit well with the programme offered.
• The test evaluates you in six subjects namely - Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Literature, Psychology and Physics.
• Even though universities do not specify the test you must take, it is always adviced that you take one which is closely related to the subject you wish to pursue. In order to improve your profile you might have to give an examination on a particular subject you plan on studying abroad.

What is the difference between the two?

• The GRE General test has MCQ type questions, writing portions, and numeric entry portions. It can either be taken as a computer based test or a paper based test. The test is usually broken into sections of of 30-35 minutes.
• The GRE Subject Test has only MCQ type questions and it can only be taken as a paper based examination. It has a single section only. The examination lasts for three hours.

I would suggest that you select universities which fit your needs and then check whether they require you to take a GRE Subject Test. If yes, then give it or else make the GRE General Test as your main priority and work hard to score the best results so that you get the university you are aiming on going to for your Ph.D.

All the best!

I hope this answers your queries!

Do revert back in case of any further doubts.

Hii Rohan,

GRE General Test:-

According to the ETS, the GRE General Test measures your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills  skills that have been developed over a long period of time and are not related to a specific field of study but are important for all.

These are required by almost all universities in US and other countries for Masters courses.

GRE Subject Tests:-

You can take a GRE Subject Test to highlight your strengths in a specific subject area, such as Biology, Math, or English. In rare instances, a graduate program will actually require a GRE Subject test score. When a GRE Subject Test is required, its usually required by a grad program at a top university. Examples of this can be seen at the University of Notre Dame, which requires GRE Subject Tests for its graduate programs in Mathematics, Physics, and English. NYU also requires GRE Subject Tests for some of its programs, as do Yale and Stanford.

GRE Subject Test would be a better option for PhD.

Hope it helps!!