The median score of a modern Miller Analogies Test (MAT®) score is 400, on a scale of 200 to 600. A score of 500-600 would be extremely rare, so anything above 400 is considered above average. A good MAT® test score is used by graduate schools to determine the worthiness of applicants. Also, certain intellectual societies may use a good MAT® test score in order to determine acceptance of those applying.
The MAT® test score is based upon a series of 120 questions in the form of analogies. An example of an analogy question is “Bach is to Composing as Monet is to blank,” and the answer would be “painting”. Analogies are thought to be a comprehensive measure of a person’s analytical and vocabulary skills. Topics for questions contained within the MCAT® test range from math and science to art and history.
Scores for the MAT® are given in actual numbers and percentiles. A score of 420 reflects the actual number of questions answered correctly. A percentile of 65% means that 65% of test-takers scored lower than 420.
Only 100 of the 120 questions on the 60-minute test count toward the final score. This is because 20 of the questions are considered to be experimental. There is no way for a test-taker to differentiate between a legitimate question and an experimental question.
Prior to October of 2004, an MAT® test score was on a scale of 1 to 100. Then the test became computer-based, and the scoring system changed. The new method grades on a scale of 200 to 600, with a standard deviation of 25 points from 400, the median score.
It may behoove an applicant to re-take a test, although a particular graduate school may have rules about the submission of scores after an original score is submitted. In order to prepare for the MAT®, there are two sample tests available at the MAT®’s official website. Both are 100 questions and there is a fee to take the practice tests.
Some graduate schools require high scores on standardized tests in order to accept applicants. A person must check with their potential graduate school to determine which standardized tests are accepted for entry into the school. Other standardized tests include the Graduate Record Examination (GRE®), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT®), Law School Admission Test (LSAT®) and Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT®). Of these, the GRE®is the most common.