What is Physics gre: Definition and 187 Discussions

The GRE physics test is an examination administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test attempts to determine the extent of the examinees' understanding of fundamental principles of physics and their ability to apply them to problem solving. Many graduate schools require applicants to take the exam and base admission decisions in part on the results.
The scope of the test is largely that of the first three years of a standard
United States undergraduate physics curriculum, since many students who plan to continue to graduate school apply during the first half of the fourth year. It consists of 100 five-option multiple-choice questions covering subject areas including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, wave phenomena and optics, thermal physics, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, laboratory techniques, and mathematical methods. The table below indicates the relative weights, as asserted by ETS, and detailed contents of the major topics.

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  1. H

    GRE book reviews for: Physics: A Student Companion by Lowry Kirkby

    GRE book reviews for: "Physics: A Student Companion" by Lowry Kirkby Hey Everyone, First off I know you don't put book titles in quotes, but it makes the formatting more comprehensible. You can skip my sob story and read the last paragraph for the main gist of this post. My Background: I...
  2. R

    Testing What resources can help me prepare for logic gate problems on the Physics GRE?

    I viewed previous tests on the internet. There are logic gate problems in a test. What subject do this logic gates problems belong to? What book do you recommend for understatnding this subject?
  3. X

    Testing What are my chances of getting into a PhD program with a poor Physics GRE score?

    So first let me explain my background in studying Physics. Currently I go to Stevens Institute of Technology and will have a bachelors in applied physics this coming may. My GPA is almost perfect, around 3.93. I have an excellent knowledge of Physics and mathematics, in fact I tutor other...
  4. T

    Testing How Can I Effectively Prepare for the Physics GRE?

    Hi all, I am starting to plan my Physics GRE studying... I will probably take the test next September or October. I have a lot of reading to do between now and then. I would like to hear about any and all strategies that worked for you, what you believe was most important. I have tons of...
  5. K

    Testing How important is physics GRE for applicants?

    Hello, I would like to know whether universities that ask for a PGRE score would eliminate an application outright if I have not appeared for the exam
  6. F

    GRE physics question need explained

    Homework Statement See image. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Here is the solution provided and the answer is B, but I disagree with this explanation. I agree that g(x)=1 and g(x)=e^(0)=1 makes a continuous function, however I don't see how one would ever be able to use x=0...
  7. D

    Testing Physics GRE - optimum # of questions to attempt?

    Just to put this question in context, I have been preparing for the GRE for months now, I've been developing a strategy to maximize my score regardless of what my knowledge of physics is or isn't. I'm not asking for basic advice. The only part of my analysis that is lacking is trying to...
  8. A

    Testing Physics gre question: checking relationships with graphs

    question: "In laboratory experiments, graphs are employed to determine how one measured variable depends on another. These graphs generally fall into three categories: linear, semilog (logarithmic vs linear), and log-log. Which type of graph listed in the third column below would NOT be the best...
  9. W

    Schools What schools accept mid level Physics GRE scores?

    I'm applying to grad school this season. I've been preparing for the October PGRE for a few weeks non-stop and my scores are basically hitting a brick wall in the 50th percentile. I basically spend all my free time studying and I'm getting tired. Know I've got a good shot at the top schools...
  10. S

    Testing Best way to prepare for physics GRE?

    I am hoping to take the GRE physics test soon in order to apply to US grad schools.. I would be very interested to hear advice from people who have taken this test in relation to their opinion on how best to prepare for it and if they used any textbooks designed specifically for physics GRE...
  11. N

    Testing Is the GRE Physics a sensible test? What does it test for?

    Hello, I'm currently at the graduated undergrad level concerning physics and I'm considering eventually doing a PhD in America. Usually this requires a Physics GRE test, which is meant to check whether you have absorbed the necessary knowledge from the undergraduate studies. Good. Well, I...
  12. D

    Does the regular GRE matter for physics?

    I plan to begin studying for the physics GRE no later than the beginning of August, but I hardly have any plans on studying for the regular GRE. After three years of physics I really can't imagine memorizing history dates and whatever other crap is on the regular GRE. Do grad schools really...
  13. H

    Testing When to start prepping for/take the Physics GRE?

    Hello, I'm going to be a freshman this coming year, and hope to be double majoring in physics and math (I still have to solidify that at my orientation). I've been doing some research on the physics GRE, and it seems that a lot of material tested is covered within the first 2-3 years of...
  14. W

    Testing Top Recommended GRE Prep Books for General and Physics Exams

    The first thing I want to ask for is some recommended GRE prep books. It would help if you'd recommend books that don't try to push a gimmick way of taking the test. I notice Kaplan and Princeton Review like to do this. "Oh the test is designed to make you fail and using our method you can beat...
  15. G

    Testing Physics GRE GR0877 Score Distribution & Scaling

    I'm very surprised no one (that I know of) has plotted the score distribution of the Physics GRE form GR0877. The data comes from the table in http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/GRE/pdf/Physics.pdf. Sample size = 14,395 exams between July 1, 2007, and July 30, 2010. Score Scaling Cummulative...
  16. M

    Testing Prepare to GRE Exam in physics

    Hi, I want tp prepare to GRE Exam in physics, please give me some titles to male sure that i will get score over able me to continue at Stanford, Cornell..
  17. S

    Testing GRE physics: Evaluation of my abilities

    Dear Friends, I am planning to take physics GRE test in October, between October and now I have nothing to do but to study physics. I have a three year Bachelor degree in Natural Sciences (i.e. equal emphasis on Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics). So here is what I know: I understand although...
  18. L

    Testing Do I need to take the Physics GRE for a Ph.D program if I have a Master's?

    Hi all, So, I'm finishing up my master's degree in applied physics (not much different from a master's in physics if you choose your courses correctly) and am looking into Ph.D programs. One thing I haven't seen much information about is the requirements if you are coming into the program...
  19. T

    Testing Anyone else called to find out your November Physics GRE score?

    Anyone else called to find out your November Physics GRE score? So in case you didn't know, today is the day you can start calling and give 12 dollars to ETS(...) to find out your GRE score before the 23rd when you can see it online. I still haven't finalized my list of schools so I called...
  20. M

    Testing Where Can I Find Previous Physics GRE Exams in PDF Format?

    Hi guys, I'm a first-semester junior seeking some quality study resources relevant to the physics GRE. I've heard that ETS has released a few exams from past years... Where (if anywhere) can I find the previous exams in some reasonable format, like PDF? The best I can find is this website...
  21. D

    Grad School in Cognitive Sciences: Junior Wants to Know if Possible & GRE Qs

    (sorry for the title, I ran out of room) Is it possible to go into Cognitive Sciences for graduate school even though I am earning my undergraduate in [applied] physics? I'm a Junior, and I know I want to go to graduate school, I'm just not positive in what yet, and I feel like I'm...
  22. M

    Testing Yet another general GRE scores question thread-and physics GRE nightmares

    Yet another general GRE scores question thread--and physics GRE nightmares Sorry about that. I've done some searching, though, so I'm not too sorry. I haven't found anything that quite fits what I'm looking for. Namely, I'm wondering if physics grad schools might look highly upon high...
  23. C

    Testing Physics GRE Prep: Topic Areas & Books for Success

    What are the main topic areas you would stress on to be prepared for the Physics GRE? What are the books you would suggest?
  24. M

    Lowish Verbal GRE Score and Top Physics Grad Programs

    Hi Everyone, I just finished up the GRE with with a Verbal:530, Q:780, A:5.5 and was wondering how much that low verbal score would hurt my chances at top grad schools in astrophysics. I know a lot of averages are ~600ish, but I have the following on my resume which I think is rather...
  25. C

    Testing GRE Physics Syllabus: Depth & Lab Methods

    Hi I'm studying for the GRE exam and time is not on my side. So I wanted some idea of how much depth I need to go into in some of the more complex areas. The syllabus mentions the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation, noninertial reference frames and mathematical methods like Fourier...
  26. E

    Testing What Are Some Recommendations for Studying for the Physics GRE Exam?

    I tried searching for posts about the Physics GRE but couldn't find anything, did I not look hard enough or is there a reason why nobody talk about it? I tried to see if there was a rule against posting questions about it on this forum but I didn't find anything that ruled out asking general...
  27. Simfish

    Testing How Can I Score 900 or Above on the Physics GRE with Limited Study Time?

    Okay, so, if you want to get a score that's 900 or above, do you have to go beyond the basic books like Halliday, Tipler's "Modern Physics", Schroeder's "Thermal Physics", HyperPhysics, Griffiths QM, Griffiths EM, and a brief chapter on positronium? What about a score of 950 or above? Also, is...
  28. B

    Another GPA, GRE and getting into a (physics) graduate program thread

    I made the mistake of actually graduating. I had a low GPA at the time but was planning to go overseas anyways and didn't realize just how much such a low GPA would affect me. I now have a BS in Physics with a GPA of 2.9 in a no-name state university. What are my options? My goal hasn't...
  29. S

    Schools Help undergrad freshman with GRE Physics, Mathematics, Graduate school plans

    Please read the essay it is relevant. I just finished high school.. I am going to start Electrical and Electronics Engineering course in a crap university, I neither like the university nor the subject, but this is the best I can get as there is no other option in my country and I don't have...
  30. U

    Testing I just failed the Physics GRE, now what?

    So I know you can't technically "fail" the Physics GRE, but I came about as close as you can- so low that I really wish I didn't take it at all, like I wish the schools were left to wonder what I might have made instead of knowing what I made on this. So low that I'd rather not even mention it...
  31. C

    Testing Anyone else take the physics GRE today?

    I thought it was a bit harder than 0177. time got called when i still had 8 problems left. I still answered 92 questions, but a lot were guesses can't wait until i see my score. it'll be a long month.
  32. C

    Testing GRE physics - need advice studying material

    So, a friend and I are writing the GRE physics in two months. We are both studying in Sweden where almost NOBODY ever writes the GRE, and none of my fellow students know what it is. There is therefore a great shortage of advice, experience, tips, standardized courses and material. Are...
  33. Q

    Testing Retake Physics GRE? Evaluating Options for Physics PhD

    I'm sure this has been posted by, like, a gazillion other people, but I'd also like an evaluation. Goal: Physics PhD (the PhD is primarily for my own personal benefit...I know that I could work with just a Masters, but I really, really, really want my PhD). Overall undergrad GPA...
  34. B

    Testing Fall 2010 Physics GRE - no date (yet) on ETS site

    Hi all, does anyone happen to know when the Fall 2010 physics GRE is? I tried to register for it, but ETS's website said "Registration closed for 2010 year". I thought there was a Fall offering of the Physics GRE, typically? Does anyone know about that? I have to plan my study time for this...
  35. D

    Comparing GRE and Physics GRE: Tips and Book Recommendations

    Hi all, I'm sure this subject has already been posted before, so please forgive me if this seems like a rehashed post. I know from google searches what the GRE is, but how exactly is it different from a physics GRE? And do I have to take both? I know that probably depends on what grad...
  36. G01

    Fourier Series from old Physics GRE

    Homework Statement Hi everyone. I have a Fourier series problem from an old Physics GRE that I would like to discuss. Here is a link to the problem and a solution. The answer they get is correct, but their explanation is not: http://grephysics.net/ans/9277/39Homework Equations Fourier...
  37. Q

    Testing Can You Solve Physics GRE Problem #28 Using an Oscilloscope?

    GRE GRE GRE... I need some help :blushing: this question is kinda of experimental question, dealing with oscilloscope, I tried to work it by calculating the beat, but it didn't work out... may I provide the link to the question, because there is figure that follows it, it is page 26...
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