Candidates applying to study math at Cambridge and Oxford universities are required to write the mandatory MAT test. The Math Aptitude Test (MAT) is an important aspect of the admission process required to test and evaluate the depth of A-level mathematical knowledge of the applicants. In the end, students that aced the test will be selected and allowed to study maths at the prestigious Oxbridge.
Writing the MAT test poses some challenges to prospective Oxbridge students. I had a similar perception, but I found the whole process less overwhelming with the aid of MAT past papers. I found lots of materials on the site of an online tutorial service that enabled me to do MAT revision to ace the MAT test and scale through the subsequent stages of the application process.
Studying MAT past papers is one of the ways to excel in the maths aptitude test. I got lots of MAT Oxford past papers from Oxbridge, which I studied and got familiar with the real test. With the right preparations, students can get into Oxbridge.
How Can I Prepare For the MAT?
To tackle MAT, there are certain procedures one has to adhere to. I stuck to them during my time, and they proved highly resourceful in making me get an offer from Oxbridge. These steps, if applied correctly, will secure you a place at Oxbridge. Let us examine each of them below.
Develop the Right Attitude
First off, you have to accept that the MAT is going to be difficult. Oxbridge won’t be testing their application candidates easily and will have them have a walk in the park. You have to etch this fact into your mind. The MAT is solely based on A-level mathematics, and the questions are constructed in such a way that a strong A-level math student will not be able to solve it without being creative.
You do not have to panic but accept the fact that your creative-thinking ability is about to be put to the test. Another benefit of accepting that the MAT will be difficult is that it will help you avoid becoming overconfident in your math-solving ability. You will rather work hard and prepare for the challenge that will be thrown at you.
You will be tempted to think hard about the test, which is tiring. This can tire you out before the test. You do not need to worry if you follow the next step.
Practice All the Oxford MAT Past Papers
MAT is not an ordinary exam that you can write without making preparations beforehand. You have to prepare! Practicing MAT past papers will give me an idea of what to expect in the actual MAT test papers.
I studied the MAT past papers chronologically. From the days I practiced, I discovered that the style of questions subtly changed over the years. I think they got a bit harder. Start with the earlier past papers and ease yourself into the most recent papers.
When you are marking the papers, keep an eye out for the areas where you are losing marks. This could be time management and complex mathematical problems. Work hard on the time you allocate to each question. One of the reasons students find MAT very difficult is their inability to utilize time properly to attend to the questions. In your next paper, keep these challenges in mind and work hard to overcome them.
Get a Mentor
I suggest that you need a mentor to guide you through the application process of getting into Oxbridge. The mentor should be someone or a body that has sufficient experience in the application process. They have enough experience helping students prepare for admission tests and the other stages of the admission process.
Many of tutors have studied at the Master’s or Ph.D. level and are highly familiar with the admissions process to study Mathematics at Oxbridge. More so, they can help you structure a plan to prepare.
Work On Your Thinking Style
Different styles will be required to attend to the MAT questions. This is geared towards testing your creative-thinking ability. The more past papers you study, the more differently styled questions you will encounter.
If you are stuck on a question during the test, a good place to start is to consider what you know. Find related mathematical concepts of the problem you are faced with and try to make a connection. Before solving a question, take a second look before diving in. Ensure that you are using the best approach to the question.
How Can I Register For Oxbridge’s MAT?
You can register for admission either at your school or a local test center. If your school is not eligible to register you, they can register to become a test center. You cannot register for the exam by yourself.
Why is the MAT Necessary?
The mathematics aptitude test is mapped out by Oxbridge to evaluate and ascertain that the applicants they will be selecting have a deep A-level mathematical knowledge which will be pivotal to their excelling in the course.
FAQs
What is the average MAT score?
The average MAT score for Oxbridge is between 74.8.
What MAT score do you need for Oxford?
A score between 45% and 60% is considered a good score for your application to be considered at Oxford. The MAT is designed so that the average score hits around 50/100.
How do I practice for the MAT exam?
Taking practice tests is the best way to prepare for MAT. The more you practice past papers, the more conversant you become with the structure of questions of the actual test.
How many attempts MAT in a year?
MAT is conducted four times a year in February, May, September, and December.
Is one month enough for MAT preparation?
MAT preparation is possible in one month
