Computer Special Examination Guide

Author: Huang Wei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Many readers may be unfamiliar with the GRE Subject Test, especially the GRE Computer Science Subject Test (GRESUBCS), but for a large number of science majors applying for overseas studies, particularly those in computer science and related fields, the GRE Computer Science Subject Test is a crucial hurdle to overcome. Computer science and related fields are among the most competitive majors in overseas study applications. The competition is fierce, and successful applicants are few. This is not only because applicants must take the GRE General Test and TOEFL exam, but also because 80% of universities in the U.S. and Canada require or strongly recommend that applicants submit their GRE Computer Science Subject Test scores, and NUS (National University of Singapore) also has such a requirement. Therefore, for students applying to computer science and related fields, the GRE Computer Science Subject Test is a key factor in determining the success of their overseas study applications, with equal importance to the GRE General Test and TOEFL exam.
The GRE Computer Science Subject Test measures the examinee's undergraduate level of computer science expertise. Due to significant differences in teaching content and exam difficulty across regions, undergraduate grades from different schools are difficult to compare. As a result, U.S. and Canadian universities use the standardized GRE Computer Science Subject Test to evaluate applicants' computer science knowledge. The test covers a comprehensive range of fundamental computer science topics, including discrete mathematics, numerical analysis, data structures, operating systems, principles of compiler design, computer architecture, and digital logic circuits. The questions span a wide range, emphasizing the application of knowledge and the horizontal connections between different subject areas.
Although books related to the GRE General Test are readily available, publications specifically for the GRE Computer Science Subject Test are virtually non-existent. This leaves candidates facing numerous challenges. This book recommends only a few original textbooks as supplementary resources for systematically reviewing specific subjects. For isolated knowledge points, the book provides explanations to reduce the reader's need to consult external materials. For simple knowledge points not covered in the book, readers are advised to refer to Chinese textbooks on computer science and the recommended original textbooks. While extensive reading of original textbooks can improve professional English skills and broaden knowledge, it requires a significant time investment.
Typically, undergraduate computer science courses in China have already established a solid professional foundation for students, covering most of the content tested in the GRE Computer Science Subject Test. The new content from original textbooks is rarely included in the exam. If candidates are interested in a particular area, they can focus on it during graduate studies without mixing this process with the demanding preparation for overseas study exams. Additionally, after mastering the exam content, performance depends more on factors such as attention to detail, on-the-spot performance, and test-taking skills (e.g., time management) rather than the amount of time spent reading original textbooks.
This book not only provides problem-solving guidance but also serves as a comprehensive guide to the GRE Computer Science Subject Test. Candidates are responsible for all aspects of the test, from registration and preparation to sending score reports. Due to limited experience, the author encountered some setbacks, and this book carefully summarizes all overseas study-related issues concerning the GRE Computer Science Subject Test. It explains everything from registration to potential challenges in the exam room and how to apply the scores in the overseas study application process, especially offering advice on unexpected situations. The author has also compiled all the information that candidates are concerned about but would otherwise spend a lot of time gathering (e.g., requirements of different schools for the test), saving readers from redundant efforts. Therefore, this book is also a unique guide for computer science majors seeking overseas study.
As a comprehensive English problem-solving collection for computer science majors, this book can also provide valuable insights for higher education teaching in China.