MAT Test

The school I'm applying to accepts the GRE or the MAT. The test looks easier than the GRE and I was just curious to know if anyone here has taken it?

[catcolalex]

make sure that you take the test for a good reason. either one may work for that school, but the gre will get you into many more schools that wont accept the MAT

ps Another plug for Kaiser in Pasadena, we didnt have to take either one.

[Dixielee, BSN, RN]

From what I understand, the GRE tests actual knowledge, and the MAT tests critical thinking skills. Most grad schools want someone who can think critically and learn. I took the MAT and did very well. I did take a one day prep course offered by the University. I think it was well worth it because it taught you how to take the tests. Some of the analogies are not easily understood, and they tell you what to look for. The last math class I took was 20 years ago, and I knew that I would not do well on the GRE because of that.

[CRNAsoon]

make sure that you take the test for a good reason. either one may work for that school, but the gre will get you into many more schools that wont accept the MAT

ps Another plug for Kaiser in Pasadena, we didnt have to take either one.

Thanks for the advice; however, I do feel like I can get a better score on this test. If I don't get in then I may have to go back and take the GRE. Wish I didn't have to take either one like you :-)

[ldkrn]

The school I'm applying to accepts the GRE or the MAT. The test looks easier than the GRE and I was just curious to know if anyone here has taken it?

I took the MAT after doing some practice tests and scored well. It just depends on which schools you're looking at what test you take, if any. I think they're a waste of time myself. My friend who also hadn't taken math for years took a prep course for the GRE and scored well within what she needed to to get into her program.

[heartICU]

The school I'm applying to accepts the GRE or the MAT. The test looks easier than the GRE and I was just curious to know if anyone here has taken it?

Not sure of the minimum requirements for the MAT, but Case Western wants to see a combined score of 1000 and 4 on the GRE. (500 on each section and 4 on the analytical). Good luck with whichever you choose!

[Isuhd8u]

if the school you wish to apply to accepts either test then take the mat. as you know, for the mat you will only have to focus on analogies. it will take less prep time and test time overall as compared to the gre. however if you wish to apply to other schools the gre should cover you in all of them. i took both of them. good luck!

[Brenna's Dad]

I took both. The MAT test is purely analytical. I scored very well on the analytical part of my GRE, probably because I had taken the MAT before.

Both tests are probably not that useful in determining your ability to succeed in a CRNA program, but simply a one of many hoops o jump through.

[TennRN2004]

Hmm...I think no math on the MAT is a good thing for me since math is not my strongpoint. I've been looking at some of the review books for MAT with the CD roms. Anyone bought any of those and know if they're helpful?

[CRNAsoon]

Thanks to all who supplied information regarding these tests. I am going to take the MAT and try to get into my first choice school; however, if don't get accepted then I may have to take the GRE and expand my application process.

[CRNAsoon]

Hmm...I think no math on the MAT is a good thing for me since math is not my strongpoint. I've been looking at some of the review books for MAT with the CD roms. Anyone bought any of those and know if they're helpful?

I would also be interested to know what review books anyone has used for MAT prep.

[krinklesRN]

I would also be interested to know what review books anyone has used for MAT prep.

i think the one thing that can make the MAT a real challenge is its focus on vocabulary. i ended up taking the GRE ((since i thought i'd fair better with some math...and some vocab/analogy))...but did study like crazy the vocab and analogy review.

i used kaplan review books...and 'word smart for the GRE.' all of them improved my general vocab base...and utimately my strength within the analogy portion of the GRE. :)

~ krinklesRN ~