Miller Analogies Test

The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is often required by colleges for admission to graduate school. The MAT test is a standardized high-level exam that assesses your ability to solve problems presented as analogies, two terms that relate to each other in some way. How well a student performs on the MAT test can demonstrate her level of analytical thinking and logical reasoning. Unlike other types of tests, the MAT does not assess your ability to memorize or repeat facts. It is difficult to study for this type of test because there are no terms or concepts to memorize.

If the MAT test is required for your school of choice, you will need to register for it at a controlled testing center. Each center has its own fees, schedule, registration, and testing procedures. You will need to contact the center directly for more information. The fee typically ranges from $65-$100. The testing fee includes one score report and three official transcripts.

On the day of the MAT test, plan to arrive early at the testing center. You will not be allowed to take the test if you arrive after the testing session begins. You will be required to provide your social security number, signature, and two forms of valid ID, one of which must contain both your signature and photograph, while the other, such as a credit card or utility bill, must just show your name. You will not be allowed to bring anything into the testing area.

The MAT test contains 120 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in one hour. The test is computer-based only. The questions follow four types of relationships: association, classification, logical/mathematical, and semantic. The MAT test includes six content areas: general, math, humanities, language, and natural and social sciences.

After you complete the MAT test, you will immediately receive an unofficial score report, and you will receive your official results within 15 days. This report shows your scaled score as well as a percentile rank that is taken from your raw score – the number of questions correctly answered. Scores range from 200 to 600, with the average being 400. You will not know your pass or fail status, since there are no guidelines to determine whether or not you passed the MAT test. The school receiving your score will have its own standard and will determine whether or not you meet it.

If you feel you did not do as well as you should have on the MAT test, you can retake it as many times as you would like, as long as you re-register and pay another fee each time. However, some schools may have policies regarding the maximum number of times you are allowed to take the MAT test, so you should check with them before re-registering. If you feel you need some help with the studying process, online practice MAT tests are available for a fee. Each practice test contains 100 questions, and you will also receive an answer key so you compare your answers to the correct ones. There is also a free downloadable study guide available that helps familiarize you with the format of the MAT test and gives you tips and sample questions to help you prepare.