Miller Analogies Test (MAT): What Does It Measure and Who Should Take It?

The MAT, also known as the Miller Analogies Test, is a standardized examination administered by Pearson Assessments. It assesses an examinee’s analytical thinking ability by solving analogies. It also measures one’s ability to understand relationships among ideas, English fluency, and general knowledge of social sciences, humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences are also examined. This test is primarily used for postgraduate school admissions along with the GRE.

Contents

What does the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) measure?

The analytical thinking ability of prospective graduate school students is measured by the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). This ability is important for achieving success in both graduate school and professional life.

What is the MAT used for?

The MAT is used by graduate schools to pick out applicants who possess knowledge and abilities that exceed only memorizing and repeating information.

What are the contents of the MAT?

Word analogies are mostly the contents of MAT. It can also include analogies that are numbers, symbols, or word parts. These items were deduced from everyday topics like transportation, education, food, clothing, common expressions, and tools. Knowledge of different academic subjects which are taught to American undergraduate students is also included.

It may be helpful to be familiar with the following subject areas that are represented on the MAT, even though there are no specific pointers that can be studied to raise the MAT score. The subject areas in the MAT are the following [2]:

Language and vocabulary
Humanities
Social Sciences,
Natural Sciences
Mathematics

What are the formats of the MAT?

Computer-based and pencil-and-paper are the test administration formats of the MAT. Questions in both formats are similar and the sole difference is the kind of test administration chosen. Note that not all testing centers offer both formats. Each testing center decides whether to deliver a paper-based or computer-based MAT.

Can I take the MAT online?

No, the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) must only be taken at accredited testing centers.

How long can you answer the MAT?

60 minutes is given to answer the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

How many items does MAT have?

120 partial analogies must be completed in the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

How to register for the MAT?

To register for the Miller Analogies Test, follow these steps:

Call the chosen testing center and ask which among the following options they would prefer you to do.
1. Phone Registration
2. through their official website, www.ets.org.
3. Registration via Email
You will be asked to provide some of your identifying information before a slot can be reserved for you.
Pay a fee that ranges from US$70.00 to US$100.00 depending on the testing center.
Some testing centers may give you a form to confirm your registration. It is a good idea to bring this along with your ID on the test day.

Listed above are the steps to register for the MAT. To choose which option to do, it is best to call the testing center near you and inquire.

How do I apply for the MAT online?

To register for the MAT online, follow these steps:

Go to www.milleanalogies.com and look for the “Find a MAT Testing Center.” This lists all the testing centers by location.
Look for the testing center near you from the list.
Contact the testing center with the information listed. It may be via email or an external website.
The testing center will then send you more of the details and steps on how to apply.

Listed above are the steps to register online for the MAT. It is best to contact the testing site near you and ask what their registration process is.

Where can I take the MAT?

At controlled testing centers all over the United States, Canada, and some countries outside of North America can the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) be taken. These testing centers are usually at colleges and universities. You may view the complete list of Pearson testing centers at www.milleranalogies.com.

When can I take the MAT?

Available test dates for MAT vary. You may schedule the date when to take your Miller Analogies Test (MAT). To set a date, you should contact the testing center near you and inquire of the available dates.

How much does the MAT cost?

US$70.00 to US$100.00 is the test fee range of the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). The fee varies depending on the testing center.

How many times can you take the MAT?

The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) may be taken up to 8 times per 12-month period.

What is a good score on the MAT?

A score between 410 and 425 is a good MAT score. This score range falls on the high side of average. However, remember that the score you should aim for is the score your prospective school requires. Score requirements differ depending on the university and program to be taken.

What is a passing score on the MAT?

There is no definite passing score set for the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). To decide whether to admit a student or not, universities rely on scaled scores and percentiles.

How is MAT scored?

The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is scored electronically. You will be provided with a scaled score and percentile ranks which were derived from your raw score. Scaled scores range from 200 to 600 with an average of roughly 400 whereas the percentile ranks can range from 1 to 99. These scores are then presented on the Official Score Report from Pearson Assessments.

What is a raw score?

Raw score is the number of questions answered correctly.

What is a scaled score?

Scaled scores are raw scores that are converted to a common scale.

What are percentile ranks?

Percentile ranks show the percent of test takers in the norm group that got a score lower than you.

How do I get my MAT scores?

Scores will be mailed for about 10 to 15 business days after your test date. Your scores on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) will be presented as The Official Score Report and Official Transcripts.

When is the release date of MAT test results?

10 to 15 business days after the testing date, your Miller Analogies Test (MAT) results will be mailed.

How do you prepare for the MAT?

To prepare for the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), follow these tips:

Be familiar with the exam. It is important to know what the test format, test structure, contents, subject areas, and type of analogies will be on the exam.
Take a diagnostic exam. Taking a diagnostic exam will help you understand which areas you need to improve on. This way, you can focus more on specific subject areas.
Look for a study guide. Using a study guide will help you have a clear picture of what materials you need to have for your test preparation. This will also contribute to your knowledge of test-taking strategies.
Answer practice questions. Take full-length practice tests but make sure to cover all the subject areas.
Study using different resources. There are numerous downloadable books, tests, and study materials available online. Use these to expand your knowledge and be open to different approaches in analyzing analogies.
Be consistent. Each day, take practice tests and study why some items were marked wrong. Consistency is the key to raising the MAT score.

Listed above are ways to prepare for the MAT. These steps are helpful for test preparation and in improving the MAT score.

What is the best website to study for the MAT?

www.pearsonassessments.com/mat is the best website to study for the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). This is the website of Pearson Assessments, the maker of MAT. They provide MAT preparation materials that are available on the website. Each item is in multiple-choice format, has an explanation, and similar to the actual MAT. They also provide a free MAT Study Guide on the website.

Are there MAT practice tests?

Yes, there are MAT practice tests and practice questions. These are available online and offline. There are also prep course companies that offer study materials at a cost.

Where can I get free MAT practice tests?

You can get free MAT practice questions and tests online. Multiple websites are offering practice tests at zero cost. Even the maker of MAT, Pearson Assessments, provides free practice tests.

Are there free MAT study guides?

Yes, there are free MAT study guides. One of the famous study guides you may download is from the maker of MAT, Pearson Assessments. You may access it at www.pearsonassessments.com/mat.

Miller Analogies Test (MAT) Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the questions asked by MAT test takers:

What are graduate schools that accept MAT scores?

Colleges and universities that accept Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores are listed below:

New York

Buffalo State College
College of New Rochelle
Hofstra University
State University of New York
Utica College

California

Brandman University
California State University
Chapman University
Humboldt State University
Pepperdine University-GSEP
University of California
University of La Verne

Texas

Abilene Christian University
Baylor University
Lamar University
Our Lady of The Lake University
Sam Houston State University
Southern Methodist University
St. Mary’s University
Stephen F. Austin State University
Tarleton State University
Texas A & M University
Texas Tech University
University of Houston
University of Texas

New Jersey

Rutgers University
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Rowan University
Seton Hall University
William Paterson University

North Carolina

Appalachian State University
East Carolina University
Elizabeth City State University
Fayetteville State University
Gardner-Webb University
North Carolina State University
Pfeiffer University
The University of North Carolina
Troy University
Western Carolina University
Wingate University

Georgia

Albany State University
Armstrong Atlantic State University
Berry College
Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Columbus State University
Georgia College & State University
Georgia Regents
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southwestern State University
Georgia State University
Kennesaw State University
Mercer University
North Georgia College & State University
Piedmont College
Troy University
University of Georgia
University of West Georgia
Valdosta State University

Illinois

Bradley University
Northern Illinois University
Quincy University
Southern Illinois University
Trinity International University
University of Illinois at Chicago
Western Illinois University

Massachusetts

Fitchburg State University
Salem State College
University of Massachusetts
Westfield State University

Ohio

Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland State University
Miami University
Ohio State University
Ohio University
University of Akron
University of Dayton
University of Mount Union
Wright State University
Xavier University
Youngstown State University

Pennsylvania

Alvernia University
Arcadia University
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Gannon University
Immaculata University
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
La Salle University
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Marywood University
Millersville University
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University
Temple University
University of Pittsburgh
Westminster College

Michigan

Central Michigan University
Lake Superior State University
Michigan State University
Oakland University
Wayne State University

Listed above are the schools that accept MAT scores. To confirm if your chosen university accepts MAT scores, it is best to go to its official website and check. Some programs require the test, others do not.

What is the validity of MAT?

The 5-year validity period applies to the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

What are the criticisms of MAT?

Bias on test takers’ age is the main criticism of the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). The test appears to under-predict the Grade Point Average (GPA) of people aged 35 to 44 and over-predict those aged 25 to 34.

Is the MAT still accurate and useful?

Yes, the Miller Analogies Test is still accurate and useful. For over 50 years, it has demonstrated to be a valid and reliable test in evaluating applicants for postgraduate admissions.

Is the MAT easier than GRE?

The Miller Analogies Test is viewed by examinees to be easier than the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) because it’s shorter in length.

Does MAT measure intelligence?

No, the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) does not measure intelligence. MAT measures an examinee’s literacy and reasoning ability. This looks into one’s knowledge of specific subject areas including mathematics, art, science, and history.

References:

https://www.pearsonassessments.com/graduate-admissions/mat/about.html
https://www.pearsonassessments.com/content/dam/school/global/clinical/us/assets/mat/mat-study-guide.pdf
https://www.dummies.com/test-prep/how-to-register-for-the-mat-miller-analogies-test/
http://www.west.net/~stewart/mat/test_dates_locations.htm
http://www.rollins.edu/career-life-planning/documents/grad-school-mat.pdf
https://magoosh.com/mat/what-is-a-good-miller-analogies-test-score/
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/how-to-pass-the-mat/
https://www.pearsonassessments.com/content/dam/school/global/clinical/us/assets/mat/mat-scoring-and-score-reporting.pdf
https://magoosh.com/mat/list-u-s-schools-accept-millers-analogies-test/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miller_Analogies_Test#cite_note-10
https://www.pearsonassessments.com/store/usassessments/en/Store/Professional-Assessments/Career-Planning/Miller-Analogies-Test/p/100002027.html
https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/mat-vs-gre/