On a scale of 200 to 600, a modern Miller Analogies Test (MAT®) score has a median of 400. Anything above 400 is considered above average, as a score of 500-600 is extremely rare. Graduate schools use a good MAT® test score to determine the worthiness of applicants. In addition, some intellectual societies may use a good MAT® test score to determine acceptance of applicants.
The MAT® test score is determined a series of 120 analogy-based questions. An analogy question might be, “Bach is to Composing as Monet is to blank,” with the answer “painting.” Analogies are regarded as a comprehensive indicator of a person’s analytical and vocabulary abilities. Questions on the MCAT® test cover a wide range of subjects, from math and science to art and history.
Actual numbers and percentiles are used to calculate MAT® scores. The actual number of questions correctly answered is reflected in a score of 420. A percentile of 65 percent indicates that 65 percent of test takers did not achieve a score of 420.
The final score is based on only 100 of the 120 questions on the 60-minute test. This is due to the fact that 20 of the questions are considered experimental. A test taker has no way of knowing the difference between a legitimate and an experimental question.
Prior to October of 2004, a MAT® test score was assigned on a scale of one to one hundred. The test was then computerized, and the scoring system was altered. The new method assigns a grade from 200 to 600 on a scale of 200 to 600, with a standard deviation of 25 points from the median score of 400.
Although a particular graduate school may have rules about the submission of scores after an original score has been submitted, it may be beneficial for an applicant to retake a test. Two sample tests are available on the MATofficial ®’s website to help you prepare for the exam. Both practice tests have 100 questions, and there is a fee to take them.
Some graduate schools require applicants to have high standardized test scores in order to be accepted. Individuals should check with their prospective graduate school to see which standardized tests are accepted for admission. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE®), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT®), Law School Admission Test (LSAT®), and Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT®) are some of the other standardized tests available. The GRE® is the most widely used of these.