Preparing for the MAT test: Tips from a successful Oxford Maths applicant

Preparing for the MAT Test

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE MAT?

To tackle the MAT exam with confidence, you should first consolidate your learning from the first year of sixth study, whether that be in Maths A Level or another equivalent qualification. MAT test questions tend to focus on familiar mathematical concepts but apply them in unfamiliar, challenging contexts. The MAT is set up this way in order to test a candidate’s understanding of the mathematics, rather than simply their ability to reproduce a memorised method. Students should build their repertoire of tackling such mathematical problems using past MAT papers, materials such as our specially-written MAT papers, and additional problems such as UKMT Maths Challenge and Maths Olympiad.

A SAMPLE MAT QUESTION

To illustrate what we mean, an example from the multiple-choice section of the MAT test might be

“Which of the following graphs represents cos(x)=cos(y)?”

This question relies on an understanding of trigonometric concepts but will probably be a graph that most students haven’t come across before. Students may choose to sketch the graph directly, plug in values or use other deductive multiple-choice tactics to select the right answer.

MAT PREPARATION MATERIALS

In addition to the past MAT papers, we have written a series of additional mock papers. Our students have 33% more questions to practise with. Our mock MAT papers can be found here and are included with our admissions test tuition. All of our MAT tutors are highly-trained Oxbridge graduates who can share their personally insights of having sat the test. You can contact our Oxbridge-graduate Consultants on +44 (0) 20 7499 2394 or email [email protected] to discuss which of our test training would suit you best. We also have an online testing portal for students who want to sit the exam in timed, test conditions.

WHAT IS THE BEST STUDY GUIDE FOR THE MAT?

At Oxbridge Applications, we pride ourselves in providing up-to-date advice and unrivalled expertise. As well as collating information from publicly available sources, we also conduct our own research into the application process; for example, by surveying the thousands of students we support each year. Speak to an Oxbridge Applications expert. 

HOW DO I PASS THE MAT?

Find out how to pass the MAT here