MAT scores

rninme · Aug 8, 2006

Hi everyone,
I just got my MAT scores back and sad to say that I didn't do well. I have contacted my first choice program to see if I need to retest. They asked me to send copies of transcripts and my resume with the scores and they would review and let me know. I am wondering how everyone else did and their experiences with these awful tests. I am really not looking forward to retaking them at all. I understand that that the test ar used to test reasoning skills and advanced thinking, but there was sooo much humanities and non science and math stuff that I really didn't find it great exam for pregrad nursing students. Sorry I needed to vent a little.

Oh dear!! The program that I am entering requires the MAT instead of the GRE....was going to post on here and ask what the heck it was. Don't think I am going to like it at all. One of my friends looked at me with absolute horror when I asked her about it....what did you use as a study guide....sorry to ask a silly question, but I haven't really researched what the MAT is yet. I have awhile yet before I have to take it, since this program is an RN to MSN program...sounds like I am going to have to start studying for it now.

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Aug 8, 2006

MAT is the Miller Analogies Test. I took it for my program (I had the choice between that and the GRE) because I always did very well with analogies. I used study guides by ARCO, Barron's and Peterson.

I totally liked the option of having a shorter exam with no reading comprehension, math, or writing.

I am sorry that you didn't do too well - I hope that you do get into your program of choice.

NHRNmomof3 · Aug 9, 2006

I used the same study guides. Thanks for listening. I heard from the dean today of my program of choice and she said to continue with my application and once they got everything then they would give me a decision and that they looked forward to receiving my completed application. I think it is a good sign, but still a little nervous. The thing is that I have great grades, 4.0, excellent references, excellent resume, and probably will have a decent goals statement, but I still worry that my test score is going to hold me back.

MAT is the Miller Analogies Test. I took it for my program (I had the choice between that and the GRE) because I always did very well with analogies. I used study guides by ARCO, Barron's and Peterson.
I totally liked the option of having a shorter exam with no reading comprehension, math, or writing.
I am sorry that you didn't do too well - I hope that you do get into your program of choice.

rninme · Aug 9, 2006

Sounds like you have a lot going for you. Hopefully your grad school of choice will look at your entire portfolio....and not just the results of one set of tests. Everyone can have a bad day and not excel on a test. Good luck to you....sending prayers your way.

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Aug 9, 2006

I'm sure you'll do just fine! The rest of your application requirements sound great - the MAT will only be one thing that they take into consideration. Try not to worry too much! :)

NHRNmomof3 · Aug 9, 2006

Thanks evreyone. I just heard from someone at my first choice college who said that they thought that if I wanted to I could still get into this fall's program if I finished the rest of application. Unfortunatley I have to fininsh my BSN, but it does sound encouraging since they have seen my grades, resume, and poor MAT scores. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed. I'm feeling better about it.

ak127 · Aug 9, 2006

I took the MAT and thought it much easier than the GRE, though truth be told, I chose it this time because it was cheaper and shorter! Everyone is different and NONE of these standardized tests really measure how good of a person/nurse/underwater-basket-weaver you are!

If they are going to over look one thing, the test score is going to be it. Good grades and everything else are much better predictors of how you ARE as a student, not just how you TESTED on one day.

For instance, in highschool I took both SAT and ACT. ACT I got a 33, thats like 99th %ile. The day of the ACT, I had a migraine and was throwing up the whole time. I did NOT do as well but come time to apply to schools and scholarships it didn't matter.

j-bird · Aug 30, 2006

How do you interpret the MAT scores. The program I have applied to said that they required a 50 or above. When I got my results, I got three different scores. Which one do I look at?

NHRNmomof3 · Aug 31, 2006

I looked at the percentiles for total and major, both were just slightly below 50. Fortunately my school doesn't think I should worry about it too much.

nursetim, NP · Aug 31, 2006

Go for it anyway, fortune favors the bold. The school I got in wanted 400+ I had 409 and a so-so gpa 2.94, and I still got in. I still don't know how, but I got in. If I can get in , and I'm not extraordinary, you can to. Get out of your own way and go for it any way you can.:yelclap:

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Aug 31, 2006

How do you interpret the MAT scores. The program I have applied to said that they required a 50 or above. When I got my results, I got three different scores. Which one do I look at?

I wonder if the program you applied to is using the old scoring method. The way the MAT is scored has changed in recent years so you will see your scaled score reported in the hundrends now (e.g. 400) vs. being reported as a raw score (e.g. 50). The other numbers show how well you did compared to all other test takers in general and also how well you did compared to all other test takers in your indicated major (nursing). So, let's say you have an 075 on your score report in percentile for total group. That means you did better than 75% of all other test takers.

If you go to their Web site, they will explain how to interpret your scores.

www.milleranalogies.com