Confused about whether you need the GRE General Test, a GRE Subject Test, or both? This guide explains the differences, which programs require each, and how to prepare.
Most graduate school applicants know they need to take the GRE, but many are surprised to discover that "the GRE" actually refers to two distinct types of tests: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Tests. Understanding the difference, and knowing which one your target programs require, is one of the most important early steps in your graduate school application strategy.
The GRE General Test: What It Is and Who Needs It
The GRE General Test is the standard graduate admissions exam administered by ETS. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills that are broadly applicable across academic disciplines. The test is scored on a scale of 130-170 for Verbal and Quantitative sections, and 0-6 for Analytical Writing.
The GRE General Test is required or accepted by thousands of graduate programs across virtually every field, including business, law, medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. As of 2026, many programs that previously required the GRE have made it optional, but submitting strong scores can still strengthen an application significantly.
Who should take the GRE General Test:
- Students applying to master's or PhD programs in any field
- Students applying to MBA programs that accept GRE scores (most top programs now accept both GRE and GMAT)
- Students applying to law school programs that accept GRE scores (an increasing number do)
- Students applying to medical school programs that accept GRE scores (some DO programs)
The GRE Subject Tests: What They Are and Who Needs Them
GRE Subject Tests are specialized exams that measure knowledge in a specific academic discipline. As of 2026, ETS offers Subject Tests in the following fields:
| Subject Test | Who Typically Needs It |
|---|---|
| Biology | PhD programs in biology, ecology, neuroscience |
| Chemistry | PhD programs in chemistry, biochemistry |
| Literature in English | PhD programs in English literature |
| Mathematics | PhD programs in mathematics, statistics |
| Physics | PhD programs in physics, astrophysics |
| Psychology | PhD programs in psychology, clinical psychology |
Subject Tests are scored on a scale of 200-990 (in 10-point increments) and are offered three times per year (September, October, and April).
Who should take a GRE Subject Test:
- Students applying to highly competitive PhD programs in the listed fields
- Students whose undergraduate GPA or coursework may not fully reflect their subject-area expertise
- Students applying to programs that explicitly require or strongly recommend a Subject Test
- International students whose undergraduate degrees may be less familiar to admissions committees
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | GRE General Test | GRE Subject Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Verbal, Quant, Writing | Single academic discipline |
| Duration | 1 hour 58 minutes | 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Score Scale | 130-170 (V&Q), 0-6 (AW) | 200-990 |
| Frequency | Year-round (computer-based) | 3 times per year |
| Cost (USD) | $220 | $150 |
| Who requires it | Most grad programs | Specific PhD programs |
| Prep time needed | 6-12 weeks | 8-16 weeks |
Do You Need Both?
The vast majority of graduate school applicants only need the GRE General Test. You need a GRE Subject Test if:
- Your target program explicitly requires it (check each program's admissions requirements directly)
- Your target program strongly recommends it (especially competitive PhD programs in biology, chemistry, math, or physics)
- You want to demonstrate subject-area mastery to compensate for a lower GPA
If you are applying to master's programs, professional programs (MBA, law, medicine), or interdisciplinary PhD programs, you almost certainly only need the GRE General Test.
If you are applying to a top-10 PhD program in biology, chemistry, mathematics, or physics, check whether a Subject Test is expected. Many elite programs in these fields still view strong Subject Test scores favorably even when not required.
How to Prepare for Each
GRE General Test preparation focuses on building verbal vocabulary, mastering quantitative reasoning strategies, and developing analytical writing skills. The best prep courses include [GRE Quantitative Reasoning Strategy Guide](/reviews/target-test-prep-gre) for quant-heavy preparation, Manhattan Prep GRE for comprehensive live instruction, and Magoosh GRE Premium for budget-conscious students.
GRE Subject Test preparation is primarily content-based. Unlike the General Test, which rewards strategic reasoning, Subject Tests reward deep knowledge of your field. The best preparation is reviewing undergraduate coursework, using field-specific study guides, and taking official ETS practice tests. ETS publishes free practice tests for each Subject Test on their website.
Registration and Logistics
The GRE General Test is available year-round at Prometric testing centers and as an at-home option. Register at least 2-3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and location.
GRE Subject Tests are only offered in September, October, and April at physical testing centers. Registration deadlines are approximately 3-4 weeks before each test date. Plan your Subject Test timeline carefully to ensure scores arrive before application deadlines.
Both tests can be taken multiple times, and ETS's ScoreSelect option allows you to choose which scores to send to programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use GRE General Test scores for MBA programs? A: Yes. Most top MBA programs now accept both GRE and GMAT scores. Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Wharton, and virtually all other top programs accept GRE scores. See our GRE vs GMAT guide for a full comparison.
Q: How long are GRE scores valid? A: GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. Subject Test scores are also valid for 5 years.
Q: Is the GRE Subject Test harder than the General Test? A: They test different things. The Subject Test requires deep content knowledge in a specific field, while the General Test tests broadly applicable reasoning skills. Most students find the Subject Test more demanding if they have not recently studied the subject material.
Q: Do law schools accept GRE scores? A: An increasing number of ABA-accredited law schools now accept GRE scores, including Yale, Harvard, Columbia, and many others. However, the LSAT remains the standard for law school admissions. See our LSAT prep rankings for more information.
Q: Which GRE prep course is best for the General Test? A: For quant-focused preparation, Target Test Prep GRE is the top choice. For balanced comprehensive preparation with live instruction, Manhattan Prep GRE leads the field.