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 accepted by hundreds of 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, Inc., of San Antonio, Texas, 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. 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
PSE Customer Relations--MAT
19500 Bulverde Road
San Antonio, Texas 78259
Phone: (800) 622-3231
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 Pearson.
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 or call Pearson for further 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! Last-minute 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 glossary-type skills reviews, 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 scaled 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 scores for any administration taken in the last five years. Scores for tests taken longer than five years ago will not be reported.
If, while you are taking the MAT, you decide that you are truly unhappy with your performance, you may exercise the no-score option. How to exercise this option will be explained to you at the Controlled Testing Center. If you choose not to have your exam scored, no score reports will be sent to your specified recipients, and there will be no reportable record of you ever having taken the MAT. However, before you exercise this option, consider the ramifications carefully. No refunds are available to candidates who choose the no-score option, and once this decision is made, it is irrevocable. You will be sent a personal score report; however, it will not show any score. Any future requests to have your test scored and your scores reported will be denied.
STUDYING FOR THE MAT
It is very important that you choose the time and place for studying that works best for you. Some candidates set aside a few hours in the morning to study, while others retain more information by studying just before going to sleep. Some students require absolute silence while studying, and some others are undisturbed by what many candidates would consider intolerable distractions. Only you can determine when and where your study time will be most effective, but you must be consistent and use your time wisely. Work out a routine and stick to it.
You may study our review material under any circumstances you like; however, when you are taking our practice tests, you should try to duplicate the actual testing conditions as closely as possible. Turn off the stereo or television, and sit at a clean table free from distractions. Be sure to time yourself accurately so you can establish a set pace.
As you complete each practice test, score your test and thoroughly review each explanation. You may even want to review the explanations for the analogies you answer correctly because, whenever possible, each analogy imparts up to eight pieces of information. An answer choice that is incorrect for one analogy may turn out to be correct for another, so no bit of knowledge should be wasted.
TEST-TAKING TIPS
While the subject matter of the MAT may be unlike any other standardized test that you have encountered in the past, there are several ways to acclimate yourself to this type of exam that will help alleviate any test-taking anxiety that you may feel. Following are some of the most effective tried-and-true methods to help you master the MAT.
Become comfortable with the format of the MAT. When you take our practice tests, simulate actual testing conditions as close...
