GRE Subject Tests
The GRE Subject Tests assess knowledge and skills in specific academic areas, helping students demonstrate their readiness for graduate study.
Test-Taking Strategies for Subject Tests
Maximizing Your Performance on Test Day
Excelling on the GRE Subject Tests requires more than just subject knowledge—you need effective strategies for managing time, handling difficult questions, and minimizing test anxiety.
Time Management
- Divide your time based on the number of questions.
- Skip and return to challenging questions.
- Monitor your pace regularly.
Smart Guessing
Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, always attempt every question. Eliminate obviously wrong choices to improve your odds.
Reading Carefully
- Pay close attention to keywords and qualifiers ("always," "never," etc.).
- Identify what the question is truly asking before answering.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Regularly complete full-length practice exams under timed conditions to build stamina and familiarity with the test format.
Stress Management
- Practice mindfulness techniques to stay calm.
- Take deep breaths and stretch during the test if needed.
Examples
Eliminating two wrong answers on a tough question increases your chance of guessing correctly.
Pacing yourself ensures you reach all questions before time runs out.
In a Nutshell
Use time management, educated guessing, and stress reduction to maximize your GRE Subject Test score.