GRE Subject Tests
The GRE Subject Tests assess knowledge and skills in specific academic areas, helping students demonstrate their readiness for graduate study.
Deep Dive: Analytical Problem Solving
Mastering Analytical Questions
Many GRE Subject Tests, especially in mathematics and physics, include challenging analytical questions. These require more than memorized facts—they test your ability to reason, connect concepts, and apply your knowledge in new ways.
Steps to Analytical Problem Solving
- Read the problem carefully.
- Identify knowns and unknowns.
- Translate the problem into mathematical or logical form.
- Devise a plan and execute it step by step.
- Check your answer for reasonableness.
Example of Analytical Reasoning
Suppose a physics question asks about energy conservation in a system with friction. You’ll need to set up equations, consider energy losses, and solve for the unknown.
Tips
- Break large problems into manageable steps.
- Draw diagrams or write out equations as needed.
- Use logical elimination to narrow down answer choices.
Building Analytical Skills
Practice with real GRE questions and seek out additional problems in textbooks or online resources.
Key Formula
\[E_{total} = KE + PE\]
Examples
Solving a multi-part math problem by identifying variables and setting up equations.
Using logic to eliminate impossible answers in a complex chemistry scenario.
In a Nutshell
Analytical problem-solving skills help you tackle complex, multi-step GRE Subject Test questions.