So, you’re thinking about taking the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

Well, that’s awesome!

Let us cover all the important information related to the MAT so you can get a better understanding of what you’re getting into.

After all, we are talking here about your first steps towards a great career in your chosen field. That is exciting and nerve-racking at the same time.

Let’s get to it then.

What is the Miller Analogies Test?

The Miller Analogies Test (or MAT) is a high-level test of analytical ability that requires solving problems stated as analogies. The test measures your ability to recognize relationships between ideas, your fluency in the English language, and your general knowledge of the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, and social sciences.

The MAT is designed and administered by Pearson Inc. under its PshychorpTM brand.

Who takes the MAT?

The MAT is a standardized test that is used both for graduate school admissions in the United States and entrance to high I.Q. societies, like Mensa, the Triple Nine Society, and the Prometheus Society.

Some graduate programs require MAT scores compulsorily as part of a candidate’s admission application. However, most graduate programs accept either MAT or GRE scores. The likelihood of MAT scores being asked for compulsorily or as an alternative to GRE scores is higher for humanities or social science courses than it is for natural science courses.

MAT scores are also used, sometimes, to support financial aid applications for graduate study and by counselors to make course placement decisions.

When and where is the MAT offered?

The MAT is offered year-round at designated centers called Controlled Testing Centers (CTCs). CTCs are located throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as in some countries outside North America. CTCs are generally located at college and university campuses. The entire list of CTCs can be seen at the official MAT website.

Each CTC determines its own registration procedure, testing dates, and MAT fees. You must contact a CTC directly to register for the MAT or for information on dates and fees.

What are the eligibility requirements for taking the MAT?

There are no eligibility criteria, as such, for taking the MAT. Anyone who registers with a CTC after paying the exam fee can take the test. Since MAT scores are generally used to consider graduate school program applications, the test is mostly taken by senior undergraduate students in the final year of their course.

How much does it cost to take the MAT?

The exam fee for the MAT depends on the controlled testing center (CTC) and cost anywhere from $70 to $100. This test fee, to be paid to the CTC, covers one official score report and up to three official transcripts sent directly to the schools specified by you when taking the MAT.

The fees for additional services, to be paid to Pearson, are as follows:

  • Alternative testing site fee – $149
  • Replacement score report fee – $25 per report
  • Additional transcript fee – $25 per transcript
  • Score verification fee – $35

How many questions are on the MAT?

The MAT consists of 120 questions based on partial analogies. An analogy is a statement that two items are related to each other in the same way that two other items are related to each other. Of the 120 questions, your responses to 100 will count toward your score. The other 20 are experimental items that are being tested for use on future MAT test forms.

What are the Categories on the MAT?

Each MAT analogy item addresses one of the analogical relationships and one of the content areas shown below. The percentage of MAT items meeting each objective varies somewhat from test form to test form.

Analogical relationships

  • Semantic – Meaning, definition, synonym, antonym, contrast, degree, intensity, word parts, expressions
  • Classification – Hierarchy, classification, category, membership, whole/part
  • Association – Object/characteristic, order, sequence, transformation, agent/object, creator/creation, function, purpose
  • Logical/mathematical – Mathematical equivalence, letter or sound patterns

Content areas

  • General – Culture, work, business, life experience
  • Humanities – History, fine art, literature, philosophy, religion, music
  • Mathematics – Numerical, quantitative, computation
  • Language – Vocabulary, word meanings, grammar, usage
  • Natural sciences – Biology, chemistry, physics, ecology, astronomy
  • Social sciences – Psychology, sociology, economics, political science, anthropology

How long does the MAT typically last?

The total time allotted to each candidate taking the MAT is 60 minutes.

What is the passing grade needed for the MAT?

You will get a scaled score and a percentile rank derived from your raw score. The MAT scaled scores range from 200 to 600 with a mean of approximately 400. Percentile ranks are calculated separately for candidates from each intended major field as well as for the entire MAT norm group.

There is no pass or fail grade for the MAT. Score recipient schools and institutions have their own standards, and these standards vary. In addition, the weight that schools place on MAT scores varies from institution to institution.

How many times can you take the MAT?

There is no limit on the number of times you can take the MAT. In order to retake the MAT, you must make a new appointment and pay the appropriate fee, as determined independently by each CTC.