Topic outline
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Oxford MAT Preparation
Useful Reading
Entrance exams are a different way of thinking about Mathematics. These 2 guides are intended to help students think about questions in a different way and are great preparation for any Oxbridge course.
Advanced Problems in Mathematics
Advanced Problems in Core MathematicsIt is also useful to read around the subject. The list below has many books which you may enjoy reading and will help you to know more about the subject.
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Key dates
Beginning of October: You need to have registered for the MAT (late registrations are not accepted). In order to register, please talk to Mrs Henderson
Early November: You will sit the MAT.
Early December: Around this time you are told whether you have been shortlisted for interview or not, on the basis of your MAT score and UCAS form.
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Past Papers
Specimen papers
Test papers
Test10 (average score amongst all applicants 49, amongst shortlisted applicants 61.4, amongst successful applicants 69.3) Test11 (average score amongst all applicants 50.3, amongst shortlisted applicants 63.3, amongst successful applicants 71.3) Test12 (average score amongst all applicants 52.1, amongst shortlisted applicants 63, amongst successful applicants 68.2) Test13 (average score amongst all applicants 44.8, amongst shortlisted applicants 54.2, amongst successful applicants 60.6) Test14 (average score amongst all applicants 48.4, amongst shortlisted applicants 63.1, amongst successful applicants 71.5)
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How to prepare for the MAT
We strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with the format of the MAT. The test will be in a similar format as it was in 2007-14, with the modification (introduced in 2014) that there will be 5 answer choices for each multiple choice question, rather than 4. The test lasts 2½ hours.
The mathematical knowledge and techniques required to do the questions are taken from a syllabus roughly corresponding to the C1 and C2 modules from A-level maths, though the questions are set more variously than A-level questions.
The first question on the test is multiple choice and contains 10 parts each worth 4 marks. Note, as above, that there will be a change to the number of answer choices for each part from 2014 from 4 possible choices to 5. Marks are given solely for the correct answers, though applicants are encouraged to show any working in the space provided. Questions 2-7 are longer questions, each worth 15 marks, and candidates will need to show their working. Candidates should each attempt 4 questions from 2-7, the selection depending on the degree for which they are applying. Details of precisely which questions you should attempt are given below, in the rubric on the front page of the test and throughout the paper.
- Mathematics, Mathematics & Statistics, Mathematics & Philosophy applicants should attempt questions 1,2,3,4,5
- Mathematics & Computer Science applicants should attempt questions 1,2,3,5,6
- Computer Science, Computer Science & Philosophy applicants should attempt questions 1,2,5,6,7
You should practice doing the test under exam conditions, as time management is an important skill. Before the test you should be very familiar with C1 and C2 material - some students also find that looking at STEP can help them to prepare (although the questions are quite different in style).
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Important things to note
- No calculators, formula sheets or dictionaries are permitted during the test.
- Only answers written in the booklet will be marked. There are spare blank pages at the end of the test paper.
- Further credit cannot be gained by attempting questions other than those appropriate to the degree applied for.