Scoring High on the MAT
ABOUT THIS BOOK AND TESTWARE®
This book and the accompanying software provide a complete and accurate representation
of the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Our comprehensive review details
specific strategies for attacking analogy questions, and glossary-style subject reviews
provide the information you will need to achieve a high score on this unique and challenging
exam. REA’s tests contain every type of question you can expect to see on the
actual exam, and following each practice test are detailed explanations of every analogy
to help you better understand the test material.
In addition to the printed tests in this book, Practice Tests 1 through 4 are also
included on CD-ROM as part of our special interactive MAT TestWare®. We strongly
recommend that you begin your preparation with the TestWare® practice exams.
The software provides the added benefits of instantaneous, accurate scoring, and enforced
time conditions.
ABOUT THE TEST
Who takes the test and what is it used for?
The Miller Analogies Test is a graduate admissions and scholarship exam required
by over 2,300 schools in both the United States and Canada. In addition, some
corporations use the test to place their executives.
Who administers the test?
Pearson Education’s PsychCorp unit administers the Miller Analogies Test.
When should the MAT be taken?
The MAT is usually taken shortly after a candidate graduates from college. You
may be applying to a number of graduate schools that require the MAT, or a prospective
employer may ask that you take the test. You should determine whether or not the
exam will be required of you so that you have enough time to prepare. You may also
wish to allow yourself time to take the MAT again, in case you are not pleased with
your initial score. Give yourself enough time to carefully study our review material,
and familiarize yourself with the format of the exam. This will spare you the anxiety
of having to learn about the MAT during the actual exam.
When and where is the test given?
The MAT is administered through a network of Controlled Testing Centers licensed
by Pearson Education, Inc. These testing centers comply with Pearson’s rigorous
standards for test administration; however, they are free to set their own fees and
schedules. To apply for the test, you must apply directly to the testing center.
For more information regarding Controlled Testing Centers, their fees, and
schedules, you may contact:
Pearson Education, Inc.
Miller Analogies Test
Attn: Customer Service
19500 Bulverde Road
San Antonio, Texas 78259-3701
Phone: (800) 627-7271
Website:
www.milleranalogies.com
Is there a registration fee?
Yes, you must pay a fee to take the MAT. As stated above, fees are set by individual
testing centers. A complete list of Controlled Testing Centers is available in the Miller
Analogies Test registration bulletin, which is available from Harcourt Assessment.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students needing extra time, large-print or audio editions, or other special accommodations
for taking the MAT will be given a non-standard administration of
the test and must notify their chosen Controlled Testing Center several weeks before
their test date. Submission of an Accommodations Request Form is required. See the
Miller Analogies website for more information.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
What should I study first?
Your first step to a high score on the MAT is a comprehensive understanding of
the analogy format and the challenges it presents. For this reason, a careful reading of
our main analogies review is essential. When you have completed this section, take
the first practice test. This will help you get a clear idea of those areas that are most
challenging to you. From there, you will be able to devise the plan of study that will
be most beneficial to you.
When should I start studying?
It is never too early to begin studying for the MAT. Do not procrastinate! Lastminute
studying and cramming are not effective ways to learn. The more time you allow
yourself to study for the MAT, the better your chances of achieving a high score.
Give yourself enough time to become familiar with the format of the test and the material
it covers. This will allow you to arrive at the testing center with confidence.
FORMAT OF THE MILLER ANALOGIES TEST
The format of the MAT is very straightforward. You are given 60 minutes to
complete 120 analogies. Twenty of the analogies are for experimental purposes and
will not be scored. The practice tests in this book contain 100 questions to be completed
in 50 minutes, maintaining the correct time available per question.
The test is given in a single session; there are no breaks and no divisions between
different types of analogies. You’ll be presented with three of the four elements
of an analogy; you must complete the analogy by choosing the best answer from the
four multiple-choice options provided.
The MAT is available in either the traditional paper-and-pencil version or a
computer-based version. In either format, the content is the same. The only difference
is that with the computer-based test you receive a preliminary score report as soon as
you finish.
ABOUT THE REVIEW SECTIONS
There are two main sections to our MAT review material. The first section covers
the nature of an analogy itself and specific strategies for answering problems
posed in the analogy format. This section is very important because unless you have a
very clear understanding of the analogy format, you may mistakenly choose answers
that seem correct, but are actually only meant to confuse you. Verisimilitude, in fact,
will be your greatest challenge when taking the MAT.
The second section of the MAT review material contains numerous glossarytype
quick study lists, designed to provide as much information as possible to prepare
you for the wide variety of subject matter that you are likely to encounter on the
Miller Analogies Test. The MAT is unlike most other standardized tests in that it not
only tests your ability to critically analyze the relationships between given items, but
also how you apply knowledge of the world around you. Thus, nothing will be more
helpful to you in preparing for the MAT than a well-rounded education.
SCORING AND SCORE REPORTS
Approximately 10 to 15 working days after you take the MAT, you will receive
your personal score report. This report will list your name, address, and social security
number as you entered them on your answer document, your raw score, your
percentile scores, and your score recipient codes. When you take our practice tests,
you will only be able to determine your raw score, because your percentile scores are
based on your performance compared to other MAT candidates. One percentile score
will be based on the current normative data of the general population of MAT candidates.
The other percentile score is based on current normative data of MAT candidates
with whom you share an intended major.
There is one important difference between your personal score report and the official
score report submitted to those institutions that you specify when you take the
MAT. The official score report will list your MAT...