Which Graduate Schools Require the MAT?

More than 500 graduate programs across the United States accept or require the miller analogies test as part of their admissions process. Unlike the GRE, the MAT is a single 60-minute exam consisting of 120 analogy questions scored on a 200–600 scale. Most programs set their minimum requirement in the 380–420 range, while competitive programs in psychology and education typically look for scores of 430–480 or higher. Understanding which programs use the MAT — and what scores they expect — helps you decide whether to sit for the MAT, the GRE, or both.

🔴 Psychology (MA/MS/PhD)

Many counseling psychology, school psychology, and general psychology master's programs accept MAT scores. Competitive programs typically require 400–450+. Some PhD programs in clinical psychology prefer GRE but accept MAT with a strong GPA.

🟠 Education (M.Ed / EdD)

Education is the largest single user of MAT scores. Teacher preparation, educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, and special education programs widely require or accept MAT results. Typical minimum: 380–410.

🟡 Counseling & Human Services

CACREP-accredited counseling programs frequently list the MAT as an acceptable admissions exam. Mental health counseling, school counseling, and substance abuse counseling programs commonly use a 400 minimum.

🟢 Library & Information Science (MLIS)

MLIS programs at several ALA-accredited schools accept MAT scores. Library science values verbal reasoning and cultural knowledge — competencies directly measured by the MAT analogy format.

🔵 Social Work (MSW)

Some MSW programs accept the MAT, especially at institutions with large education colleges where the MAT is already processed for other departments. Score minimums typically range from 370–400.

🟣 MBA and Business Administration

A smaller number of MBA programs, particularly regional and part-time programs, accept MAT scores. These programs often provide a GRE-to-GMAT concordance table and apply a similar conversion for MAT percentiles.

🩵 Nursing (MSN) and Allied Health

Some MSN and health administration programs accept the MAT. Pearson's score recipient list includes nursing schools and public health departments, particularly at institutions with active education college partnerships.

🩷 Humanities (English, History, Philosophy)

Graduate humanities programs are less uniform, but some smaller MA programs in English, history, and philosophy accept MAT scores in lieu of GRE scores, especially at institutions where the education college has established MAT processing.

Start Free MAT Practice Test

MAT vs GRE: Which Should You Take?

The decision between the MAT and GRE depends on three factors: what your target programs accept, your academic strengths, and test cost and availability.

Choose the MAT if: Your target programs accept it, you have strong verbal reasoning and broad cultural knowledge, you want a shorter exam (60 minutes vs 3.5 hours), and you prefer to avoid quantitative sections. The MAT costs approximately $85 and is available at Pearson testing centers.
Choose the GRE if: Your target programs require it exclusively, you are applying to STEM-adjacent programs, or you have strong math skills that can boost your composite score. The GRE General Test costs $220 and has a more complex structure.
Both exams if: You are applying to programs that vary — some require GRE, others accept MAT. Some applicants take both and submit whichever score is stronger. GRE and MAT scores are not interchangeable on a raw-score basis, but programs that accept both typically use percentile concordance tables.
Key structural difference: The GRE tests quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing in separate scored sections. The MAT tests only analogical reasoning — no math section, no essay. For applicants whose strength is verbal and humanistic thinking, the MAT format is often a better fit.
Score validity: Both MAT and GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. If you took the MAT several years ago, check that your score will still be within the validity window when your application is reviewed.

Register at the official Pearson MAT website and designate up to three score recipient institutions at registration — this is the lowest-cost option

Confirm each program's institution code in the Pearson score recipient directory before exam day to avoid sending scores to the wrong department

Request additional score reports through your Pearson testing account after your results are released — allow 10–15 business days for delivery

Verify each program's score submission deadline — many graduate school deadlines are earlier than the application portal deadline for test scores

Check whether each program requires the official <a href="/mat/mat-score-ranges">miller analogies test scores</a> report or accepts self-reported scores for initial review

Confirm score validity — MAT scores are valid for 5 years; programs will not accept scores older than their published validity window

Contact each admissions office directly if a score report is delayed — Pearson can provide delivery confirmation documentation

Use <a href="/mat-practice-test-exam">mat practice test</a> tools to reach your target score before committing to official score sends

Free MAT Miller Analogies Test Practice Questions

How many graduate programs accept the MAT?

Over 500 graduate and professional programs in the United States accept or require the Miller Analogies Test as part of their admissions process. Education, counseling, psychology, library science, and some MBA programs represent the largest share. The number changes each year as programs update their test policies.

What is the minimum MAT score for graduate school?

Most programs set a minimum scaled score in the 380–410 range, which corresponds to roughly the 25th–50th percentile among graduate school applicants. Some programs conduct holistic reviews with no published minimum, while competitive psychology and education doctoral programs may require 440 or higher.

Can I submit both MAT and GRE scores to graduate programs?

Yes. If a program accepts both, you may submit both scores. Programs typically use the score more favorable to your application, or the one specified in their admissions rubric. Check each program's policy before submitting multiple test scores.

How long does it take to receive MAT score reports?

MAT score reports are delivered to institutions within 10–15 business days after your test date. You receive an unofficial score immediately after testing. Score reports for institutions designated during registration are sent automatically; additional reports must be requested separately through your Pearson testing account.

How long are MAT scores valid for graduate school applications?

MAT scores are valid for 5 years from the date of testing. Programs check validity as of the application deadline date. If your score is approaching the 5-year mark, confirm with each program whether it will still be accepted during their admissions review cycle.

Is the MAT easier than the GRE?

The MAT is shorter and tests only analogical reasoning rather than quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing separately. For applicants with strong verbal and cultural knowledge but weaker math skills, the MAT format is often considered more favorable. Both exams require significant preparation to achieve competitive scores.

Take a Free MAT Practice Exam