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The Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) for Oxford is considered a challenging exam because it tests your ability to apply mathematical principles and techniques to solve problems. You cannot clear this paper by simply remembering formulas. Your problem-solving skills and your mathematical creativity are tested. Therefore, you need to prepare well for the MAT exam. Oxford MAT exam preparation requires at least 6 months of study. In this blog, we have covered the steps you can take to prepare for the exam.
This Blog Includes:
- 5 Tips for Oxford MAT Exam Preparation
- 1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- 2. Use the Official Resources for Preparation
- 3. Get the Right Books to Practise Mock Tests
- 4. Create a 6-Month Preparation Timeline
- 5. Get a Mentor or Join a Study Group
- Where Can I Get the MAT Oxford Past Papers?
- Is the Oxford Mat Test Hard?
- FAQs
5 Tips for Oxford MAT Exam Preparation
The MAT examination is a 2-hour and 30-minute exam conducted by Pearson VUE for admission to computer science and mathematics courses at Oxford. These are the steps you can take to prepare for the MAT exam. Following these steps will ensure that you are thoroughly prepared for the examination.
1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The first step for Oxford MAT exam preparation is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus. The test consists of 27 questions. Out of these questions, 25 questions are MCQ-based, and 2 questions require long-form answers (where you have to justify your answer or explain your reasoning for the answer). The MAT exam syllabus covers the following topics:
- Polynomials
- Algebra
- Differentiation
- Integration
- Graphs
- Logarithms & Powers
- Transformations
- Geometry (2D)
- Trigonometry
- Sequences & Series
You have to prepare each topic.. Remembering the formulas is not enough. Learning how to apply it is.
Also Read: Learn the MAT Test Date 2025: Key Deadlines for Oxford University Applicants
2. Use the Official Resources for Preparation
Oxford University provides you with the best preparation material you can find. At the Oxford University page, you can find MAT exam papers from 2007 to 2023 with solutions! Moreover, you will find Specimen Papers 1 and 2. These official resources will give you a general idea of the kind of questions that will be asked. You can use these papers for the Oxford MAT exam preparation. For example, you can use it for mock tests.
3. Get the Right Books to Practise Mock Tests
The proper preparation for the Oxford exam cannot be done without the right books. A few materials are available online for purchase. Some of the most popular ones are provided below.
| S.No | MAT Oxford Preparation Books | Author Name |
| 1. | The Ultimate MAT Guide: Maths Admissions Test Guide | Rohan Agarwal |
| 2. | Master the MAT 2022 | Excel in the Maths Aptitude Test: Oxbridge Mind | Ahsan Al Mahir |
| 3. | Mastering Oxford MAT: Polynomials: Your Ultimate Guide for Oxford MAT Preparation | Rishabh Kumar |
| 4. | Discrete Mathematics (Oxford Higher Education) | S. Chakraborty |
Note: Apart from these books, you can also use STEP prep, Underground Mathematics, and focused problem banks to polish your problem-solving skills.
4. Create a 6-Month Preparation Timeline
As we have mentioned before, the Oxford MAT examination preparation requires at least 6 months of solid preparation. You need to dedicate study time to yourself. Once you have arranged all the necessary materials, it’s time to learn. First, let’s make a study plan. The study plan given below will help you prepare well.
First month:
Get an understanding of the format of the paper. Try to do at least one previous paper with no time limits to learn about the question types, review the syllabus, and use it as your topic checklist. Go online and search for insights from past test takers.
Second month
Revise A-level topics and ensure that all topics are covered. Use the additional resources, like MAT workbooks, advanced textbooks, and video tutorials. Under timed conditions, try to solve a previous year’s paper.
Third month:
At this stage, you need to intensify your Oxford MAT exam preparation. Use practice questions and focus on the MCQ questions to build accuracy and speed. Compare your answers with the detailed answers (particularly for questions 26 and 27).
Fourth Month:
Revise what you have learned. Thereafter, increase the volume of practice papers you were solving. You need to work through mixed sets of MAT-style questions, not just full papers.. Use books where complete solutions are available to learn how to work through a problem.
Firth Month:
Strictly time both the sections (MCQ and 2 long questions) and practise weekly or fortnightly. Review your answers in the mock test, and identify the recurring mistakes. If you find certain topics to be difficult, polish your understanding of the subject. For example, if you find that you are repeating mistakes from algebra and geometry, practise more in these sections
Sixth Month
Last month, try to solve papers in a timed manner. Stimulate the real test environment for the same. Thereafter, ensure that you have the necessary logistics required for the examination, like your pen, ID, water bottle, and calculator. Learn the dos and don’ts of the exam centre. Ensure that you are getting short study breaks and a full night’s rest before the exam. Do not learn new topics in the last month.
5. Get a Mentor or Join a Study Group
Once you have made your study plan, ensure that you are sticking to it. However, learning by yourself is not enough. You need guidance, as the mathematics paper can be difficult and complex. The books won’t solve everything. Therefore, getting a proper mentor (mathematics expert) to guide you is essential. This can be your school teacher or your tutor. Another way to get guidance is to join study groups. Students who are preparing for the exam are more likely to help you solve your maths problems. Moreover, they are more keen to solve such equations.
To learn more tips on clearing the MAT exam, watch this video:
Where Can I Get the MAT Oxford Past Papers?
The Oxford University’s official website consists of the previous year’s papers. These are the most reliable papers you can find. The papers from 2007 to 2023 are all available along with the solutions. To view the previous year’s papers, follow the steps below:
- Visit the official website of Oxford University (MAT page)
- Select the test preparation and practice materials option
- View the practice materials.
- Download the papers you need for the Oxford MAT exam preparation
Otherwise, you can also visit Oxford University’s Mathematics Institute page to view the previous year’s papers. Download all papers and start learning.
Also Read: Oxford University Acceptance Rate for International Students
Is the Oxford Mat Test Hard?
Yes. The Oxford University’s Mathematics Admissions Test is considered a difficult exam. You cannot clear the paper with just mathematical knowledge. You need to know how to apply it or solve complex and unfamiliar problems. The MAT exam questions are tricky. You will have to creatively solve questions. Moreover, there is a time constraint. Therefore, proper MAT exam preparation is required.
Oxford University ranks 3rd in the world. This means many students worldwide sit for this exam. Hence, it is considered competitive. The examination is not for those with no mathematical skills. Instead, it is for those who already possess it. The University wants to choose the best students for admission. Out of all the candidates, only three candidates from each region are selected for the interview. This showcases the fierce competition.
The good news is that questions are taken from the A-level Maths syllabus itself. Therefore, if you prepare all the topics well, you can clear the exam.
Watch this video where the Oxford University Mathematician TORTURES a Physicist with the MAT Entrance Exam. This will help you understand the difficulty level of the paper:
FAQs
After completing the 12th exam became serious and started preparing for the MAT. You need at least six months of solid preparation to clear the paper.
The University hasn’t provided the score they need. Instead, based on the test results and your overall application strength, you will be called for an interview. Those who score between 70-80 are considered to be strong applicants. Offer holders usually have a score of 75 or above.
The MAT exam is solely for Oxford. Therefore, it is the only university that will accept your scores. Previously, Imperial College London and Warwick University used to accept the MAT exam results. However, now they have shifted to other exams.
To prepare for the Oxford MAT examination, go through the syllabus, use official materials, books, and create a timetable, and follow through. Take mock tests and prepare well.
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