Miller Analogies Test
MAT Practice Test 2025
What is the MAT Test?
The MAT or the Miller Analogies Test is an exam that assesses the analytical ability of candidates for graduate school. It is a test that is often used by graduate programs as a requirement for admission. It measures the analytical skills of candidates to determine the relationships between different subject areas, or it measures the ability of your brain to make connections. It also measures your cultural literacy.
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What is an analogy?
An analogy is a statement that suggests that two terms are related to each other in a similar way that two other terms are related to each other. The MAT is an analogy test that makes use of such items to test the candidate’s capabilities.
What is the structure of MAT analogies?
In the test, the analogy questions are written in the equations “A : B :: C : D.” It can be read in two ways: A is related or similar to B in the same way that C is related or similar to D, or A is related or similar to C in the same way that B is related or similar to D.
What are the advantages of taking the MAT?
- It will help test your analytical reasoning, which is an ability that is vital for success in your graduate school and in your professional life.
- It will help graduate schools determine whether a candidate has knowledge that goes beyond memorizing.
- It has been proven as a reliable IQ or assessment test.
Studies have acknowledged the correlations between a candidate’s MAT scores and success in graduate programs.
| What is the MAT test? | The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is a standardized assessment measuring analytical thinking through analogies. It evaluates your ability to recognize relationships between concepts across various disciplines. Graduate schools use it for admissions decisions and scholarship considerations. |
| What is MAT examination? | The MAT examination assesses higher-order thinking skills required for graduate-level work. Unlike tests focusing on memorization, it evaluates your capacity to identify complex relationships between seemingly unrelated concepts across multiple academic domains. |
| What is the MAT test used for? | Graduate programs use the MAT for admissions screening, particularly in psychology, education, and business fields. Some schools accept it as an alternative to the GRE, and it may also determine eligibility for assistantships and scholarships. |
| Who created the MAT test? | Dr. W.S. Miller created the Miller Analogies Test in 1926. It's one of the oldest standardized graduate admissions assessments. The test has evolved over decades but maintains its core focus on measuring analytical reasoning through complex analogies. |
| How hard is the MAT test? | The MAT is challenging due to its emphasis on recognizing subtle relationships across diverse subjects. Success requires broad knowledge and strong analytical skills. Most test-takers find the time constraint of 60 minutes for 120 questions particularly demanding. |
| How long is the MAT test? | The MAT is exactly 60 minutes long with no breaks permitted. You'll answer 120 multiple-choice analogy questions during this time. The entire testing appointment, including check-in procedures and tutorial, takes approximately 90 minutes total. |
| What does the MAT test consist of? | The MAT consists of 120 partial analogies in the format "A : B :: C : D" where you identify missing terms. Questions span humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics, requiring broad interdisciplinary knowledge. |
| What subjects are covered on the MAT? | The MAT covers literature, history, philosophy, science, mathematics, and general cultural knowledge. Questions integrate multiple disciplines, testing your ability to recognize relationships across varied content areas. No single subject dominates the test composition. |
| Where can I take the MAT test? | The MAT is offered at over 500 Controlled Testing Centers nationwide and internationally. You can locate centers through the official Pearson website by entering your location. Many centers offer flexible scheduling throughout the year. |
| How much is the MAT test? | The MAT registration fee is typically around $120, though prices may vary slightly by location and testing center. This fee includes score reporting to your designated institutions. Additional score reports can be purchased separately after testing. |
| When can you take the MAT? | The MAT is available year-round at Controlled Testing Centers with flexible scheduling options. Most centers offer appointments Monday through Saturday, allowing you to choose a date and time that fits your preparation timeline and graduate application deadlines. |
| How do I register for the MAT? | Register for the MAT through the Pearson testing website by creating an account, selecting a testing center, and choosing your preferred date and time. You'll need valid identification and payment information to complete registration. |
| What is a good MAT score? | A good MAT score typically falls in the 400-500 range, representing the 50th-90th percentile. Top graduate programs often seek scores above 425. However, acceptable scores vary by institution and program, so research specific requirements carefully. |
| What is a passing score on the MAT? | There's no universal passing score for the MAT since requirements vary by institution and program. Most graduate schools accept scores of 388 or higher, representing approximately the 25th percentile. Check your target program's specific minimum score requirements. |
| How long does it take to get MAT results? | Official MAT scores are typically available within 15 business days of testing. You'll receive an unofficial score report immediately after completing the exam. Official reports are sent electronically to your designated institutions within the same timeframe. |
| How long are MAT scores valid? | MAT scores remain valid for five years from the test date. Most graduate programs accept scores within this timeframe. If your scores expire, you'll need to retake the test to submit current results with your application. |
| How to study for the MAT test? | Effective MAT preparation involves reviewing vocabulary, practicing analogies, and strengthening knowledge across multiple disciplines. Focus on identifying relationship types such as synonyms, antonyms, part-to-whole, and cause-and-effect. Regular practice with timed questions builds essential speed. |
| What is the best way to prepare for the MAT? | The best preparation strategy combines broad reading across subjects with focused analogy practice. Use official study materials, take full-length practice tests under timed conditions, and review missed questions to understand relationship patterns thoroughly. |
| Are there practice tests for the MAT available? | Yes, official MAT practice materials are available through Pearson, including sample questions and full-length practice tests. Third-party test prep companies also offer comprehensive study guides, practice questions, and online resources specifically designed for MAT preparation. |
| How much time should I spend preparing for the MAT? | Most test-takers benefit from 4-8 weeks of preparation, studying 1-2 hours daily. Your timeline should account for your baseline knowledge across subjects and analogy-solving skills. Consistent daily practice proves more effective than cramming. |
Format and Content
The MAT contains 120 analogy questions out of which 20 are experimental questions. The time limit for the exam is 60 minutes. Each of the analogy question or item has two objectives. The first objective is that it has a specific type of analogical relationship. The second one is that it has a particular subject matter or content area.
As mentioned, MAT makes use of analogy items because there are various ways in which two terms can be related. There are four categories that describe the different types of relationships in Miller analogies.
4 Relationship Types Included in MAT Items
Relationship | Description |
Semantic | It includes meaning, definition, synonym and antonym, contrast, parts of words, degree, intensity, and expressions. |
Classification | It includes category, whole or part, classification, membership and hierarchy. |
Association | It includes purpose, sequence, agent, characteristic or object, transformation, creator or creation, order and function. |
Logical/Mathematical | It includes letter or sound patterns and mathematical equivalence. |
- Semantic – this is the type of analogy that involves the definition of the terms. It is about what a word stands for and how it can be connected linguistically to other words. They may be any part of speech.
- Synonym – the words or terms have the same meaning.
- Antonym – the words or terms have the opposite meaning.
- Intensity – a word or term indicates a greater degree of something than the other word or term.
- Word Part/Meaning – a word or term explains what is the meaning of the other word or term.
- Classification – this is the type of analogy that deals with the hierarchy of words and concepts.
- Category – the word or term is a subordinate class of the other word or term. It means that the word is a type or example of the other word.
- Membership – both of the words or terms are parts of the same thing. They can also be members of a bigger category.
- Whole/Part – a word or term is a part of another word or term.
- Association – this is the type of analogy that portrays or illustrates the largest group. It involves relationships between two different but related ideas. They are usually nouns, but they can also be any part of speech.
- Object/Characteristic – a word or term is a characteristic or source of another word or term. The word or term is also an attribute or description of the other word or term.
- Order – the words or terms are in a relationship that is reciprocal or sequential to one another.
- Agent/Object – the word or term causes, uses, relies, etc. on the other word or term.
- Logical/ Mathematical – this is the type of analogy that contains numerical fractions, mathematical or logical equations, negation, letter and sound patterns and multiples.
- A word or term is a multiple or fraction of another word or term.
- The words or terms are similar through a non-semantic change such as homophones, rhyming and other wordplays.
What are the subjects for the MAT exam?
6 Content Areas for the MAT Test
Content Area | Description |
General | It is about cultural literacy in general. It also includes work, business, and other life experiences. |
Humanities | It is about topics such as history, literature, art, music, philosophy, and religion. |
Mathematics | It contains subjects such as quantitative and numerical computation. |
Language | It includes topics such word meanings and usage, grammar and vocabulary. |
Natural Sciences | It covers subjects such as Astronomy, Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Ecology. |
Social Sciences | It consists of Political science, Psychology, Economics, Anthropology and Ecology. |
According to the MAT for Dummies, there are 5 subjects covered on the MAT, excluding the general knowledge part. These are as follows:
- Humanities – analogies of this topic come from popular literature, fine arts, religion, etc. The questions that are often asked are things like the author, literary device or literary genres.
- Mathematics – analogies of this topic will challenge your knowledge of numbers and equations. You must know basic arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry, among others. It will make use of symbols, words and numbers.
- Language – analogies of this topic will test your grammar and vocabulary. You must have a broad understanding of different word meanings. You should also know your sentence structure and rhythms.
- Natural Sciences – analogies of this topic contain the different sciences such as Physics, Chemistry and Biology. You must know a lot of scientific terms.
- Social Sciences – analogies of this topic will include a lot of things. From Economics, Psychology to Geography, you must have some knowledge of these subjects.
What is the scoring for the MAT test?
The applicants will be provided with their Miller Analogies test scores, which will contain their scaled score (200 to 600) and two percentile ranks. One would be their percentile rank in comparison with all of the test-takers. The other one would be their percentile rank in comparison with those of the same major.
Based on the official Miller Analogies test booklet, the mean or standard score for the MAT test is 400. It represents the 50th percentile. Here are some of the rough estimates of the score ranges:
Score Range | Percentile Rank |
400 to 404 | 50th percentile |
405 to 409 | 60th percentile |
410 to 415 | 70th percentile |
416-420 | 80th percentile |
421-425 | 90th percentile |
430-440 | 95th percentile |
450-600 | 99th percentile |
Best Miller Analogies Test Prep Book
Important topics from each part are covered in MAT study books to help students ace the test. These are some of the best MAT study books:
- Kaplan MAT Strategies, Practice & Review
- Barron’s MAT
- MAT Exam Study Guide
- MAT For Dummies
- McGraw-Hill 500 MAT Questions
Miller Analogies Test Tips
You should read the questions and the choices as carefully as you can.
Since it is an analogy test, you have to take your time in choosing the right answer. You can’t just right away pick since it could be confusing. Some answers might fit the question, but with careful consideration, you’ll have to pick the best answer. The purpose of the analogy test is to determine whether you have a high level of critical and analytical skills.
You should reconsider other meanings.
There might be words that have various meanings. You’ll have to think of other terms when you are stuck with an analogy. You should always remember that you have to think critically and analyze the questions so you won’t be tricked. This is a helpful method, especially when you have a hard time finding some relation between the words or terms.
You should answer each question in the exam.
Your score will not be affected if you have incorrect answers. That’s why as much as possible, you should answer everything because your score is taken from the number of questions you answered correctly. You are time-pressured, so it is best to go through the exam as calmly and as quickly as you can.
You should take a MAT Practice Test.
You should practice for the Miller Analogies Test with the help of study materials. You’ll be able to test your capabilities, and through it, you’ll improve more. These MAT test preps will show you what to do when the exam day comes. You’ll know how to approach certain questions. It will help you tackle things that might have been difficult had you not taken a practice test.
Miller Analogies Test Practice PDF
The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is a high-level analytical aptitude test that involves solving analogy-based issues. The test assesses your ability to spot patterns in ideas, as well as your English proficiency and broad understanding of the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, and social sciences. If you intend to take the exam and are looking for miller analogies test PDF, you have come to the right place. For the best preparation, we recommend taking the free miller analogies test 1 and miller analogies test 2.
MAT Questions and Answers
What does MAT stand for? ▼
MAT stands for Miller Analogies Test, named after its creator Dr. W.S. Miller. Developed in 1926, it's one of the oldest standardized graduate admissions tests. The test measures analytical thinking through complex analogies spanning multiple academic disciplines including humanities, sciences, and mathematics.
Who needs to take the MAT? ▼
Graduate school applicants in psychology, education, business, and related fields often need the MAT. Many universities accept it as an alternative to the GRE for master's and doctoral programs. Requirements vary by institution, so verify with your target schools whether they accept or require the MAT for admission.
Is the MAT required for graduate school? ▼
The MAT is not universally required for graduate school admission. Approximately 500 schools accept it, particularly in education and psychology programs. Some institutions require it specifically, while others offer it as an alternative to the GRE. Always check individual program requirements carefully before registering.
Can you use a calculator on the MAT? ▼
No, calculators are not permitted during the MAT. The test focuses on recognizing relationships between concepts rather than complex calculations. Mathematical questions emphasize logical reasoning and pattern recognition. All necessary computations can be completed mentally or using scratch paper provided at the testing center.
What types of analogies are on the MAT? ▼
The MAT features various analogy types including semantic (synonyms, antonyms), classification (category relationships), part-to-whole, cause-and-effect, and degree relationships. Questions span humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. Understanding these relationship patterns is essential for recognizing connections between seemingly unrelated concepts across disciplines.
How many questions are on the MAT? ▼
The MAT contains exactly 120 partial analogy questions that must be completed within 60 minutes. This averages to 30 seconds per question. All questions follow the same format with four answer choices. Effective time management is crucial since you cannot return to previous questions once moving forward.
Can you retake the MAT? ▼
Yes, you can retake the MAT as many times as needed. However, Pearson recommends waiting at least 30 days between attempts to allow time for additional preparation. Each retake requires paying the full registration fee. Graduate schools typically consider your highest score when multiple attempts are reported.
How does MAT scoring work? ▼
The MAT uses scaled scoring from 200 to 600 with a mean score of 400 and standard deviation of 25. Your raw score (correct answers) converts to a scaled score that reflects performance relative to other test-takers. Percentile ranks indicate what percentage of test-takers scored below you.
What MAT score do graduate schools want? ▼
Competitive graduate programs typically seek MAT scores of 400 or higher, representing at least the 50th percentile. Top-tier programs often require scores above 425. However, acceptable scores vary significantly by institution and program. Research specific requirements for your target schools to establish appropriate score goals.
Is the MAT harder than the GRE? ▼
The MAT and GRE assess different skills, making direct comparison difficult. The MAT is shorter but requires broader knowledge across subjects with emphasis on analogy recognition. The GRE tests verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and analytical writing more extensively. Choose based on your strengths and target program preferences.