GRE Lit Subject Test

[meh16]

Hi y'all! I plan to take my GRE subject test in literature in October. I've read about how to prep online and keep being told to take the test in October so I have time to retake in November if need bee. When I tried to schedule my exam today, I noticed that the only available dates for 2016 are in September and October.. Am I missing something? 

 

On that note, any good M.A/PhD programs that DO NOT require the test? 

 

Thanks!

[Dr. Old Bill]

4 minutes ago, meh16 said:

Hi y'all! I plan to take my GRE subject test in literature in October. I've read about how to prep online and keep being told to take the test in October so I have time to retake in November if need bee. When I tried to schedule my exam today, I noticed that the only available dates for 2016 are in September and October.. Am I missing something? 

That won't work, unfortunately. The test is offered in September, October, and April -- three dates, and three dates only. The problem with having a "retake" strategy is that you won't get your September scores in time to register for the October test. In other words, you'll need to schedule the test twice if you think you'll need to take it twice. There isn't enough time to get your September scores back, say "whoops, I'd better retake this...," and actually schedule a retest. I'm not sure what the precise reason for this is on ETS' part, but it's probably got something to do with a cost benefit analysis or something. Certainly money-based. Long story short -- you've got one crack at it for Fall 2017 admissions.

 

8 minutes ago, meh16 said:

On that note, any good M.A/PhD programs that DO NOT require the test?

There are many. More and more all the time, in fact. Brown, UMich, Vanderbilt, Ohio State, UNC-Chapel Hill... Others say they "recommend" the subject test, but apparently won't penalize you if you don't take it (UPenn and Notre Dame are two examples).  In other words, if you have a fairly general field with plenty of scholars across many programs (like 20th century Americanists etc.), you can certainly apply to a dozen or more great programs without having to sit the GRE subject test. For many, however, the subject test is almost essential, simply because certain scholars happen to work in programs at schools that require it.

In other words, don't take it if you don't feel you have to...but depending on your field, it may or may not be to your advantage to take it.