The GRE vs. The MAT
graduate school programs, some students discover that the program
of their choice will accept scores from either the GRE or the Miller
Analogies Test (MAT). Because the two tests are very different,
you may find that taking one test is more advantageous for you.
Below we discuss the differences between the two tests.
The MAT, unlike
other exams, has only one question type—analogies. The analogy
questions on the MAT test an extremely broad range of topics and
concepts including geography, history, vocabulary, art, science,
math, modern events, sequence of letters and words, literature,
and grammar. Students with a well-rounded humanities background
tend to do well on the MAT, but the MAT’s wide subject range
can be intimidating and lend a degree of uncertainty to your test
Here is a sample
BACH : MUSIC
:: MONET :
answer is (a) because the composer BACH is associated with MUSIC
in the same way that MONET is associated with (a) PAINTING. Overall,
this question is considered to be on the easier end of the MAT spectrum.
The MAT, unlike
the GRE, is a paper format exam that features 120 questions administered
in a 60 minute time period. Thus, you must work quickly to complete
all of the questions. MAT scores are reported in 3 ways:
- The raw
score (the number of questions answered correctly);
score in relation to other test takers in your intended major;
score in relation to all MAT takers.
the GRE is a longer test with a wider variety of questions types.
The GRE is composed of three different sections which test students
on their math, verbal, and writing ability:
- The Verbal
section of the GRE consists of antonyms, analogies, sentence completion,
and reading comprehension. Like the MAT, much of the Verbal section’s
antonyms, analogies, and sentence completion, much, tests students’
- The Quantitative
section of the GRE focuses on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and
- The Analytical
Writing section of the GRE provides two prompts; one prompt asks
the student to analyze an issue and the other asks the student
to take a position on an issue and present an argument for the
GRE scores a
provided in three different scores: one for the Verbal section,
one for the Quantitative section, and one for the Analytical Writing
section. The way the GRE reports scores is helpful for students
who are applying to programs that are more interested in either
your Verbal or Quantitative score.
the MAT and GRE share the analogy question format, they are very
different tests. The most important factor in deciding whether to
take the GRE or MAT is determining which exam will produce the best
score for you. The GRE obviously has math and writing sections,
and therefore, if you are weak in math or writing the MAT may be
the better option. If you are strong in reading comprehension or
math (which on the GRE is at the high school level) the GRE gives
you opportunity to pick up some easy points.
If you have
the choice of taking one test or the other, keep these considerations
- Are you
a good writer or strong in math? If so, the GRE may be better
test for you.
- Are you a
poor writer or weak in math? If so, the MAT may be better test
- Are you weak
at trivia, especially trivia that can be difficult and require
knowledge of a variety of disciplines? If so, avoid the MAT.
- Do you become
easily fatigued when testing? Since the MAT is considerably shorter
than the GRE, the MAT might produce a better result.
- Are you applying
to programs that only require proficiency in one specific area?
The GRE is probably the better test since it reports individual
Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing scores.
- Would you
like an organized study plan and the option of live classes and
tutoring if needed? If so, the GRE is the far better choice since
there are very few options for MAT preparation beyond a few books
on the market. For the GRE, on the other hand, there are many
choices, including live preparation
courses and tutoring.
whether you decide to take the GRE or MAT, contact each school you
intend on applying to for information on required exams for admission.
You may find that one of the tests gives you an edge that you can
use to your advantage!