MAT
The Miller Analogies Test, or MAT for short, is published by Harcourt Assessment and measures a persons analytic ability. The candidate solves problems in the forms of analogies, or “relationships”. The MAT tests the ability to recognize the relationships between general knowledge, English Language, and other concepts. A basic knowledge of the social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and subjects of the liberal arts are required to pass the test.
The MAT is composed of one hundred and twenty questions. One hundred of the questions count towards the test core and twenty are experimental questions are mixed into the other one hundred test questions. The candidates have no way of knowing which questions will count and which will not. The candidate is advised not to try to guess which questions will count towards their score.
The candidate can take a computer based test or a paper and pencil test. The MAT is published in both of these formats and they are equivalent versions. The MAT is only available in English at this time. The use of test aids like dictionaries, notes, calculators, or electronic devices is not allowed. The MAT is used by many graduate schools towards admissions decisions because the MAT tests high level analytical reasoning ability.
Research has this test to be an excellent measure of analytical thinking and verbal understanding. Studies even show a correlation between high MAT scores and success in academics or professional settings. MAT scores help universities identify applicants who have superior cognitive ability. This test has been around and used for over fifty years and is associated with reliability and validity. This test is invaluable for success in graduate school. MAT scores are often predictive of success in graduate school.
The Development of the MAT
Harcourt Assessment, the developers of the MAT, continues to improve the examination by investigating trends in responses and continuously creates new versions of the test. Twenty questions on each MAT administered are used in this research development and actual candidates are actually field testing questions for later editions of the test. By taking the MAT, all candidates are giving permission for their results to be used in research.
The MAT test is great for any student ready for graduate school because it gives a student a definitive edge against other students who may have similar credentials. This test demonstrates a student’s ability to have cognitive reasoning and also evaluates their analytical skills.
