GRE Mathematics Subject Test

Workshop
MSRI-UP 2013
Is the GRE Important?
Yes, the GRE general test (similar to SAT, but
harder) is required by essentially all grad
programs. Prepare for it!
Yes, the GRE Mathematics Subject Test is
also very important.
Many programs and most top 25
mathematical sciences graduate programs
require it, and thus, use it as part of their
acceptance and financial aid decisions
Take it seriously and prepare for it!
GRE Mathematics Subject Test Basics
Paper-based test given at various test centers
Register online, costs $150
www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/
Three test dates per year
next three: 28 Sept 2013, 19 Oct 2013, 05 April 2014
Registration deadline 5 wks before test
(late deadline 1 wk later for $25 more)
Scores online/phone 1 mo after test;
mailed to grad schools 5 wks after test
Only 3-4 sharpened No. 2 or HB pencils and a
good eraser allowed (i.e., no calculator)


Content Overview
The test consists of approximately 66 multiple-choice
questions drawn from courses commonly offered at the
undergraduate level. Test time is 170 minutes (i.e., 2:35
per question).

Approximately 50% of questions involve calculus and its
applications subject matter assumed common to the
backgrounds of almost all mathematics majors.

About 25% of questions are in elementary algebra,
linear algebra, abstract algebra and number theory.

The remaining questions deal with other areas of
mathematics currently studied by undergraduates in
many institutions.

Calculus, 50%
Differential and integral calculus of one and of
several variables includes calculus-based
applications and connections with coordinate
geometry, trigonometry, differential equations
and other branches of mathematics.
Algebra, 25%
Elementary algebra: basic algebraic techniques and
manipulations acquired in high school and used
throughout mathematics

Linear algebra: matrix algebra, systems of linear
equations, vector spaces, linear transformations,
characteristic polynomials and eigenvalues and
eigenvectors

Abstract algebra and number theory: elementary
topics from group theory, theory of rings and
modules, field theory and number theory
Additional Topics, 25%
Introductory real analysis: sequences and series
of numbers and functions, continuity,
differentiability and integrability, and elementary
topology of R and R
n

Discrete mathematics: logic, set theory,
combinatorics, graph theory and algorithms

Other topics: general topology, geometry,
complex variables, probability and statistics, and
numerical analysis
Preparation Tips
Become a calculus tutor
Say Yes if asked to tutor linear algebra
Help friends with their math courses
Download official practice book today
www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/practice_book_math.pdf
Start preparing at least 2 months before test
Find a study buddy for the test and establish at
least 2 weekly 60-minute meeting times
Establish a problems/week goal
Preparation Tips (contd)
Do a minimum of two practice tests in test-like
conditions, i.e., by yourself in 170 minutes.
There are three other old exams on Western
Michigan Universitys Math Club website
www.wmich.edu/mathclub/gre.html
Princeton Review has a prep book (mixed
reviews b/c not enough problems) for $13.73
on amazon (ISBN: 0375429727).
There is another prep book (mixed reviews) for
$12.53 on Amazon (ISBN: 0738608386). Book
has 6 practice made-up exams.

Test-Taking Tips
Go to practice book
Other tips from those in the room that are
good at taking standardized tests?
Lets do some problems!
Questions/Comments
Email me (hmedina@lmu.edu)
or Dr. Rubio to get a copy of
this presentation