The choice between the GRE General or Subject test depends entirely on your target graduate program’s requirements. Most master’s and PhD applicants need only the GRE General or Subject test that their department specifies—rarely both.
The GRE General Test is required by the majority of graduate programs. It assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. If you’re applying to business, public policy, engineering, social sciences, or humanities programs, you almost certainly need the GRE General Test—not the Subject Test.
In contrast, the GRE Subject Tests (offered in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology as of 2025) are content-specific exams. They are typically required only by highly competitive PhD programs that want to evaluate deep disciplinary knowledge. For example, a PhD in theoretical physics at a top university may require the Physics Subject Test.
How to Decide Which to Take
Start by reviewing the official admissions page of every program you plan to apply to. Look for explicit language:
- “GRE General Test required”
- “Physics Subject Test recommended”
- “GRE optional”
If a program does not mention a Subject Test, do not take one. Submitting an unnecessary Subject Test score may not help—and could distract from your core application.
Also consider logistics. The GRE General Test is offered year-round via computer. GRE Subject Tests are paper-based and administered only three times per year (April, September, October), requiring advanced planning.
Unless you’re applying to a research-intensive PhD in math, physics, or psychology, you likely only need the GRE General or Subject test that aligns with standard admissions norms—almost always the General Test.
When in doubt, contact the program’s admissions coordinator directly.
Your test choice should reflect institutional expectations—not assumptions.