MAT Preparation PDF
Oxford can't interview every applicant, so Admissions Tutors rely on the MAT to shortlist candidates for interviews.
While the content aligns with topics studied in A-level, IB, or equivalent math courses, the MAT is designed to push you further by requiring you to apply familiar concepts in unexpected ways. Oxford uses this test to distinguish among strong applicants with similar grades, making high performance essential for increasing your chances of an interview and, ultimately, an offer.
You can download our free MAT Preparation Handbook here to start your preparation and learn all the essential information you'll need for the MAT.
What is the MAT?
The Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) is a two-and-a-half-hour, computer-based exam with 27 questions: 25 multiple-choice and two extended-response questions with multiple parts. This test assesses both the depth of your understanding and your problem-solving abilities.
Universities, like Oxford, can review your performance on each section to pinpoint your strengths and areas for improvement, providing Admissions Tutors with a clear indication of your fit for the program.
How To Prepare for the MAT
The MAT is designed to assess the depth of your A-level (or equivalent) mathematical understanding, and fortunately, a MAT syllabus is available to guide your preparation.
As well as using our free MAT Handbook, we recommend starting your MAT preparation by familiarising yourself with the syllabus. Once comfortable with the material, work through past MAT papers at your own pace before attempting timed practice tests. Spending ample time on challenging math problems will enhance your skills.
You can further improve your MAT score by working with an expert UniAdmissions tutor who can provide guidance and valuable insights tailored to the MAT.
Which MAT Preparation Programme Is Best For Me?
Our Complete Oxbridge Maths Preparation Programme
Preparing your Mathematics application is a complicated and lengthy process. The success rates are very competitive, Oxbridge and non-Oxbridge, and there are many obstacles to navigate to reach your Mathematics offer. The UniAdmissions Maths Premium Programme ensures you stay on top of your application and triples your chances of gaining an offer.
Alongside MAT preparation, we can teach you how to write a perfect Personal Statement to help you demonstrate your passion for maths, and offer guidance on acing your Interviews. You will have over 150 hours of study time made up of many avenues of learning including expert-led 1-1 Tuition, Intensive Group Teaching and an Online MAT Course. For Computer Science support, we have an Oxbridge Computer Science Premium Programme.
- Personal Statement Support
- MAT Support
- Interview Support
- Weekly Group Workshops
Our MAT Specific Preparation Programme
The MAT exam is a vital component of the Oxford application so scoring highly can mean the difference between an offer or rejection.
The MAT Preparation Programme is the most comprehensive MAT support you will find. Our expert Tutors (who all scored in the top 10% of their MATs) work with you to improve the areas you find most difficult to ensure you score highly. The Programme also offers a reserved space on our Intensive Course and access to online revision support.
However, if you would like support with strengthening your entire application (such as help with Oxford Interviews), then our Complete Oxbridge Maths Programme is perfect for you.
- Personal Statement Support
- MAT Support
- Interview Support
- Weekly Group Workshops
Claim Your FREE Essential MAT Handbook
If you’re applying for Mathematics or Computer Science at Oxford, then you’ll need to be prepared for the MAT. With our Essential MAT Guide, you will find a detailed breakdown of the exam structure and syllabus, preparation tips, practice questions and more. Fill out the form below to gain free access right away!
MAT Posts From Our Blog
Get In Touch
Frequently Asked Questions
All tutors are either current senior students, recent graduates or from a professional background that have taken the MAT and scored in the top 10% in their admissions cycle. Our selection process ensures only the best tutors work for us, in roles most suited to their skill-sets. You can read more about our tutors here.
We work with a limited number of students each year to ensure we can provide the best support suited for their particular needs.
Our Programmes have a structured syllabus, however, we tweak elements of the syllabus so the student is able to gain the most out of our support.
First and foremost, we assess whether the potential student has the right academic capabilities and profile to be realistically accepted to study at Oxford, Imperial or Warwick.
Secondly, we assess whether the student is capable and willing to put in the time required to create a strong application for Oxford, Imperial or Warwick.
Finally, we assess the student’s attitude and reasoning behind applying to their subject, whether it is Computer Science at Oxford or Mathematics at Imperial. This is one of our most important considerations.
If a student has below-average (but still realistic) grades, but the correct attitude, we would consider accepting them onto our Programme. Unfortunately, if the inverse is the case, it’s unlikely the student would be accepted onto the Programme. Admissions Tutors look for passion, not just academic potential.
We do have ideal start times at points throughout the year, however, the syllabus can be adapted to suit your particular start time if you are accepted onto the Programme. Our Admissions Consultants can help you understand the Programme timeline in your specific case – all you need to do is ask.
You’ll get access to all of our online MAT resources, such as online lectures, and paperback books packed with powerful strategies and techniques to help you prepare, improve and boost your score. You will also receive MAT mock papers to put your learning to the test.
The MAT is an important part of your application, but to ensure you give yourself the best chance of receiving an offer, the rest of your application has to be strong too, such as your Personal Statement and Interviews.
For this reason, we provide the complete Premium Programmes.
Our Premium Programmes that offer MAT support are:
These Programmes were created to help you stay on top of your application and triple your chances of gaining an offer.
Yes, we have a lot of valuable information about how to prepare and score highly on the MAT on our website. You can take a look at the articles on this page by clicking here.
The Programme Portal is where you will find all of the support and resources for your Programme.
You can think of the Portal as the hub of all the materials included within your Programme. If you are ever looking for a relevant book, an online course, course dates or anything along those lines, the Portal is very likely to be your answer.
You can also use the Portal to get in touch with our team at any point.
