What’s in the Chem GRE?

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The GRE Chemistry test covers analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry with 130 multiple-choice questions. Test takers have 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete the test and must pre-register and pay fees. Practice tests are available to identify areas for additional study.

The Chemistry Graduate Record Examination (GRE) includes questions related to four different chemistry subjects. These disciplines are analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. The GRE Chemistry consists of 130 multiple-choice questions.

GRE tests are taken by students who want to pursue postgraduate study in specific fields. A general GRE test is offered, and subject-specific tests are also available. These subject-specific tests provide candidates with the ability to demonstrate knowledge in a specific field such as chemistry, mathematics or biology.

Candidates taking the GRE Chemistry test, or any GRE test, are subject to strict restrictions and deadlines. Test takers are limited to two hours and fifty minutes to complete the GRE chemistry test. Students must also pre-register and pay the required fees prior to the test date.

Analytical chemistry questions make up approximately 15% of the test questions. This section includes questions based on the use of statistics, various instrumental methods, and homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria. Test questions may relate to applying this knowledge to environmental or radiochemical processes.

Inorganic chemistry accounts for approximately 25% of the test questions. It includes subjects such as general chemistry, covalent molecular structures, and the concepts of acids and bases. Test questions can be based on various elements, compounds and nuclear chemistry.

Comprising approximately 30% of the test, organic chemistry questions focus on various principles related to the specific field of organic chemistry. This includes test questions related to alkenes, alkanes and dienes. The test questions in this section will also focus on organometallics, reactive intermediates and polymers.

The final 30% of the test is the physical chemistry section. The physical chemistry questions on the GRE chemistry test deal with thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, and dynamics. This includes chemical potential, atomic and molecular structure, and chemical kinetics.

Those taking the test can find several useful tools in the test booklet. A periodic table is provided for review and reference. Calculators should not be necessary as the test questions are structured so that candidates rely primarily on basic mathematics. If logarithms are required, they will be included in the question text.

Practice tests are available and must be taken before trying the actual GRE chemistry. The practice test booklet can also give advice for answering difficult questions. These practice tests can also identify areas where additional study may be needed before attempting the actual test.




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