How the GRE Subject Test Score Calculator Works

This tool maps your raw scaled score to a percentile rank based on ETS published data for each GRE Subject Test. Percentiles show what percentage of all test takers in that subject scored at or below your score during the most recent three-year reporting period.

The GRE Subject Test is different from the GRE General Test. Subject Tests measure achievement in a specific academic field, not general verbal and quantitative reasoning. The population of test takers is smaller, more specialized, and generally more academically strong, which means percentiles behave differently than in the General Test.

GRE Subject Tests: What Each One Covers

GRE Biology

The Biology Subject Test covers three main areas: Cellular and Molecular Biology (33 to 34 percent), Organismal Biology (33 to 34 percent), and Ecology and Evolution (33 to 34 percent). It is approximately 190 questions taken over 2 hours and 50 minutes. This test is most commonly required for PhD programs in Biology, Ecology, Genetics, Neuroscience, and Biochemistry.

GRE Chemistry

The Chemistry Subject Test covers Analytical Chemistry (15 percent), Inorganic Chemistry (25 percent), Organic Chemistry (30 percent), and Physical Chemistry (30 percent). It consists of approximately 130 questions. PhD programs in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering sometimes require or strongly recommend this test.

GRE Literature in English

The Literature in English Subject Test covers literary analysis, identification of quotations, and questions on literary theory and history across all periods from ancient texts to contemporary writing. It is most commonly required for PhD programs in English, Comparative Literature, and related humanities fields at top research universities.

GRE Mathematics

The Mathematics Subject Test covers Calculus (50 percent), Algebra (25 percent), and additional topics including Number Theory, Combinatorics, Probability, and Topology (25 percent). PhD programs in Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at top institutions frequently require or strongly prefer this test. A score at or above the 75th percentile is generally considered competitive.

GRE Physics

The Physics Subject Test covers Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Optics and Wave Phenomena, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Atomic Physics, Special Relativity, and Laboratory Methods. PhD programs in Physics and Astrophysics at competitive institutions often still require this test, even after many programs dropped the General Test requirement.

GRE Psychology

The Psychology Subject Test covers Biological (17 to 21 percent), Cognitive (17 to 24 percent), Social (12 to 14 percent), Developmental (12 to 14 percent), Clinical (15 to 19 percent), and Measurement/Methodology (15 to 19 percent) areas. Some Clinical Psychology PhD programs and research-intensive Psychology departments still list this test as preferred.

Table of Truth: GRE Subject Test Score Reference

Which PhD Programs Still Require the GRE Subject Test?

United States

The GRE Subject Test requirement dropped significantly after 2020. However, a meaningful subset of top-10 programs still require or strongly recommend it. MIT, Caltech, and several other leading Physics PhD programs still list the Physics Subject Test as required or preferred. Harvard, Princeton, MIT, and Stanford Mathematics PhD programs still list the Math Subject Test as preferred. Top Chemistry programs at MIT, Caltech, and Berkeley mention the Chemistry Subject Test in their admissions guidance.

Programs in Literature and Psychology have moved away from requiring the subject test more uniformly than STEM fields, though selective departments at Yale, Harvard, Columbia, and Berkeley may still use it as a differentiator for strong candidates.

Canada

Canadian PhD programs rarely require GRE Subject Tests. The University of Toronto, McGill, and UBC generally do not list GRE subject scores as required, though some joint programs with US institutions may accept them as supplementary evidence.

United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand

UK, Australian, and New Zealand universities do not require GRE Subject Tests. These markets rely on undergraduate degree classification, transcripts, references, and research experience for PhD admissions rather than standardised test scores.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Treating the Subject Test score like a General Test score. The scales are completely different. A 750 on the GRE Subject Test is a strong score in most subjects. A 750 on the General Test Verbal or Quant section does not exist (the scale is 130-170). Always clarify which test you are reporting when discussing scores with programs.

Mistake 2: Not checking whether the program still requires it. Many programs quietly dropped the GRE Subject Test requirement after 2020 and have not restored it. Check each program’s current admissions page. Spending time and money preparing for a test the program no longer uses is a common and avoidable mistake.

Mistake 3: Underestimating preparation difficulty. The GRE Subject Tests are content-heavy and require solid mastery of the specific field, not just test-taking strategy. The Biology test, for example, covers cellular biology, ecology, and evolution at a level comparable to upper-division undergraduate coursework. Plan 3 to 4 months of dedicated preparation for any Subject Test.

Mistake 4: Submitting a weak score to an optional-test program. If the program is test-optional and your score is below the 50th percentile, do not submit it. A below-average Subject Test score does more harm than no score at all in a test-optional environment. Only submit scores that strengthen your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the GRE Subject Test scored?

The GRE Subject Test uses a scaled score ranging from 200 to 990, reported in 10-point increments. Some tests also report subscores. The scaled score is calculated from the number of correct answers minus one-quarter of the number of incorrect answers (a guessing penalty). This means random guessing is not advantageous; only guess when you can eliminate at least one or two options.

When is the GRE Subject Test offered?

GRE Subject Tests are offered twice per year, typically in September and October. Unlike the GRE General Test, which is available year-round at computer-based test centres, the Subject Test is only offered on paper at specific testing dates. Book early, as seats fill up quickly at popular centres.

Can I retake the GRE Subject Test?

Yes. There is no limit on the number of times you can take the Subject Test, and ETS ScoreSelect allows you to choose which scores to send. Most programs accept your best score if you send multiple sittings. However, with only two test dates per year, retaking requires waiting at least a year for the same test window.

What is the difference between GRE General and GRE Subject Tests?

The GRE General Test measures general academic aptitude: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. It is required by a broad range of graduate programs across all fields. The GRE Subject Tests measure mastery of a specific discipline and are only relevant to PhD programs in that specific field. Many applicants take the General Test; far fewer take a Subject Test.

Percentile data is based on ETS published GRE Subject Test score tables and is updated periodically as ETS refreshes its three-year rolling population data. Program benchmarks shown are approximate and based on publicly available admissions information. Always verify current requirements with each specific graduate program. SabiCalculator is not affiliated with ETS or any university.