Should You Take The Miller Analogies Test? (MAT)

The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is one of many post-graduate examinations, such as the GRE and GMAT, used to make admissions decisions for graduate schools. Many programs in business, the hard sciences, and engineering will not accept the MAT.

Instead, these programs prefer the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for business. If you plan to pursue a Master of Arts in the humanities or education, however, the Miller Analogies Test will most likely be a viable option.

I plan to take the MAT sometime this year. I chose it instead of the GRE for three reasons: time, format, and cost. As for time, the MAT only takes about an hour to complete. The GRE will have you at the testing center for at least 3.5 hours. The MAT format is simply 120 analogies, whereas the GRE has several different sections. Finally, the GRE would cost me twice as much money.

One reason somebody might prefer the GRE to the MAT is vocabulary. One is required to have a very broad education to comprehend the more difficult analogies. The GRE also has an overt math section, which some may prefer. Though the MAT has some math oriented analogies, math is definitely not given as much weight by the MAT as is the case with the GRE.

Since the MAT is entirely analogy-based, it is more difficult for which to prepare than the GRE. Here is a free study guide for the MAT.

Format

The MAT can be taken either on a computer or as a pen-and-pencil based test. There are many more computer-based testing centers than pen-and-pencil, so be prepared to commute if you prefer to test without a computer.

Cost

The test fee varies depending on your testing center. My school charges $70 per exam. Two official MAT practice tests are available, but they cost $23.99 each. [MAT fee information.]

Scoring

The MAT is now scored on a scale from 200 to 600 with a 400 being considered an average score. This does not mean, however that a score below 400 will preclude you from being admitted. [Further MAT scoring information.]

Signing Up

To sign up, contact a college or university near you and see if they offer the test. You may have to fill out a form. Be prepared to choose two different test dates since one may already be full. [Comprehensive MAT Testing Center List.]

Depending on how I score, I may take the GRE at some point in the future. If you have already taken the MAT, feel free to offer any advice.