I am planning to take the subject test in computer science this Nov. I was looking around for some good books to start my preparation. To my surprise (and dismay) I did not find any good books for the test. Since the subject test is supposed to test one's subject knowledge gained over a long period of time, I think it would be difficult to write a book which covers such a wide range of topics. In that sense I believe the examiners have been very succesful in preparing tests that cannot be reverse engineered.
Update Oct 30 2001 I just started a group on yahoo groups. If you are seriously interested in preparing for the subject test take a look here .
Update Oct 21 2001 Here is a list of books which might be useful in preparing for the subject test.
Anyway here are a few links my initial research led me to
Free from gre.org . Scroll down till you see the heading "SUBJECT TEST". This is pretty much what I have now as far as "official" documents go. Seems to be a good start anyway.
Book for your buck. By far the most useful book if I am to believe the amazon reviews.You can also get it here. Here is an update. When you register for the subject test you will get this book free of cost.
Well that is not very encouraging. I also do not see the point in reading through every undergrad text in computer science. I am going to concentrate on important concepts related to a particular topic. For eg., in Algorithms we have Growth of Functions, in Automata, we have to deal with grammars,TMs and FSAs in math it is functions and relations, graph theory and so on and so forth. My strategy is to identify the key areas in every broad category in the actual subject test (like Systems and Methodology, Theory etc ...
There seem to be five broad categories and a lot of subdivisions for each category. Boy, don't I suck at HTML! Click on each category to find out more.
I. SOFTWARE SYSTEMS AND METHODOLOGY (35% ~ 24 questions)
II. COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND ARCH. (20% ~ 14 questions)
III. THEORY (5% ~ 18 questions)
IV. MATHEMATICAL BACKGROUND (15% ~ 10 questions)
V. ADVANCED TOPICS (5% ~ 4 questions)
TOTAL (100% 70 questions Time ???)
Know Thy Examination Committee
So who are these folks? As this document states, there is an Examination Committee for every GRE. In this document, ETS claims that "Test questions are written by committee members and by other subject matter specialists from ETS and colleges and universities across the country." I think it would be reasonably safe to assume that all the questions will be reviewed by this committee before they get to us. So let us take a look at who these people are.
STEPHEN COOK teaches courses on Computability, Complexity theory and Logic. His research seems to be beyond the scope of normal human beings. I took a look at the courses taught by him but couldn't find links to recommended textbooks. He could be dealing with the sections on Theory and Mathematical Background .
RON CYTRON teaches a slew of courses, from Computer Science 101 to advanced courses in Compiler construction. Worked on research projects related to networking. Has co-authored the book Crafting a Compiler . So I think he will be dealing with portions of Software Systems and Methodology
DIRK GRUNWALD As Dr.Grunwald himself states in his website, "I work in the area of computer systems, broadly defined. This includes Computer Architecture, Operating systems, mobile & wireless and whatever else I feel like (ahh... the joys of tenure)". Seems to be an interesting guy. So make sure your fundamentals in Digital logic and Architecture are really good.
VIJAYA RAMACHANDRAN Dr. Ramachandran has done gigatons of research in the area of algorithm design and computational theory (maybe a little more). So she would also be dealing with Theory. I took a look at the classes taught by her. For her Algorithms Design classes she follows the Algorithms book. Take a look at the class exercises too. They are taken directly from the textbook. Might help in reinforcing fundamentals.
MICHAEL D.SMITH Dr.Smith seems to be the only "core" EE guy in this committee. Takes courses in Digital Design and Computer Architecture. Uses the following books... Well go to his site and find out ;-D.
JOHN TRIMBLE Hmm.. interesting! This guy has a Phd. from the Industrial and Systems engineering department. He is probably dealing with the math section. Oops! I just noticed.. this guy has an MS in CS from Stanford (1973). I wasn't born then!! Anyway let us not waste too much time here.
First Update July 28 2001
Last Update Oct 21 2001