GRE Physics Subject Test

It suits applicants to graduate physics, astronomy, and related programs who have covered the undergraduate core and want an external, standardized measure of subject knowledge alongside GPA, letters, and research experience. Programs set their own requirements, so check each department's admissions page before deciding to register.

The published content outline spans classical mechanics, electromagnetism, optics and wave phenomena, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, special relativity, laboratory methods, and specialized topics. Expect breadth across the undergraduate curriculum rather than deep specialization in one area.

Difficulty comes from breadth and pacing: many items require a fast, confident choice rather than a full derivation. There is no universal passing score. Programs interpret scaled scores and percentiles in context, so ask target departments what range they typically see rather than chasing a single number.

Those details are set by ETS and are not stated in the source material used for this page, so they are not given here. Confirm the current format, timing, and question count on the official ETS GRE Subject Tests pages before you build a practice schedule around them.

Retake limits and score validity are administrative rules that ETS sets and revises. The GRE program's published retake policy and validity period apply, but verify the current terms for the Subject Tests specifically on the official ETS site before you plan a retake or a later application cycle.

Fees differ by test and region and are revised periodically. Check the current Subject Test fee on the official ETS registration pages at the time you register, and review fee-reduction options there as well. Do not budget from figures quoted in older prep books or forum posts.

Start with mechanics and electromagnetism, which carry the largest weight and underpin later topics, then move through waves and optics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and atomic physics. Finish with relativity, laboratory methods, and specialized topics, and interleave timed mixed sets throughout.

Reading passively without timed practice, skipping laboratory methods and specialized topics because they feel peripheral, and over-drilling one favorite subject while neglecting breadth. Another frequent error is memorizing formulas without the order-of-magnitude estimation skills that let you eliminate answers quickly under time pressure.

Take full-length timed sets early to diagnose weak areas, then review every miss by topic and error type: concept gap, algebra slip, or misread question. Retake mixed sets periodically to confirm improvement. Use only legally available practice material and never rely on recalled questions.