The MAT practice test is one of the most fun filled tests you could enjoy and is probably one of the most useful. It is something you would be doing in preparation for the Miler Analogies Test which is a test measuring an individual’s logical and reasoning abilities through the use of partial analogies. And here in lies the fun part because the test is not designed so that it can be passed through a simple nuanced vocabulary but it also requires a good knowledge of a varied mass of subjects from science to music, from literature, philosophy and art to mathematics and history. So although the MAT practice test is a good tool in preparation for the MAT exam it is also a fun way to spend a quiet afternoon.
Just like the actual testing environment the MAT practice test can be done in either a pen and paper format or in an online testing environment. There are 120 questions that need to be answered within 60 minutes. While the pre 2004 test only counted the correct answers of the 120 and gave back a simple number which made out the raw data or the score, the post 2004 test use a statistical score range from 200 to 600 with a median score of 400 and a standard deviation of 25. And the fun fact about that is that if you were to score in the 500 to 600 range you would be 4 standard deviations above the norm which would qualify you as a one in 100 people high IQ person. So the MAT practice test can be your gateway to such reputable groups as the Prometheus Society.
However, just because the scoring has changed doesn’t mean that the MAT practice test has become obsolete because all collages still accept the pre 2004 tests and their initial scoring. So if you are using a pen and paper form of taking the test you can still get the old scores and used them to scale your progress and learn in which areas you still need to develop. You need to make sure you are over or at least close to the 80 points mark which corresponds to the 400 median score. And you also need to take into consideration that out of the 120 questions 20 do not add in to your final score but are actually placed there for improvement of future tests. There is no way to differentiate between the test questions and the real questions so you should focus all your energy on answering all of the questions in the fastest time possible even if you are using the MAT practice test.
Still the best use for the MAT practice test is to evaluate your learning curve because it is one of the most fun and un-intrusive methods of learning. Its purpose is not to banter or to make you feel like you are not ready but rather to help you objectively measure your chances of actually taking the exam and to point out in what areas you still need to focus and develop.