← Back to UK Blog
MAT Overview
The Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) is Oxford University's admissions test for Mathematics, Computer Science, and joint courses (Maths & CS, Maths & Stats, Maths & Philosophy). It is taken in November, around 4–5 weeks after UCAS applications are submitted.
The MAT is notably different from A-Level exams: it tests mathematical creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to think about unfamiliar problems. The syllabus is limited to AS-Level content (roughly Year 12 Maths), deliberately excluding A2 topics so that gap year students and international applicants are not disadvantaged.
2026 MAT date: The MAT is typically held in late October / early November 2026. Since 2023, it has been administered as an online computer-based test at authorised test centres. Check Oxford's admissions website for the exact date and registration deadline (usually August–October).
Who Takes the MAT?
- Oxford: Mathematics, CS, Maths & CS, Maths & Stats, Maths & Philosophy
- Imperial College London: Mathematics (also accepts TMUA for some courses)
- Warwick: Some mathematics courses use MAT scores
The MAT is a 2.5-hour test consisting of two parts:
| Part | Questions | Format | Score |
|---|
| Part A (Multiple Choice) | 10 questions | 5 options, 1 mark each | 10 marks |
| Part B (Long Answer) | 2 questions (from choice) | Multi-part problem-solving | 15 + 15 = 30 marks |
Total: 40 marks. Both Part A and Part B are sat without a calculator.
Part B question choice: There are 5 long-answer questions. Mathematicians answer Q2 and one of Q3/Q4/Q5. CS applicants answer Q1 and two others. Know your course's required questions — the correct choice can significantly impact your score.
Topic Coverage
The MAT syllabus is officially limited to AS-Level Mathematics (Y12). Key topics:
| Topic | Typical in Part A | Typical in Part B |
|---|
| Polynomials, algebraic manipulation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Differentiation (basic, product, chain rule) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integration (definite, areas, simple substitution) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sequences, series, and induction | ✓ | ✓ |
| Trigonometry (identities, solving equations) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Coordinate geometry (lines, circles, conics) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Combinatorics and counting | ✓ | sometimes |
| Graph sketching and transformations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Probability (basic) | sometimes | sometimes |
Note: Logarithms, exponentials, and basic probability ARE in the MAT syllabus. A2 content like integration by parts, complex numbers, and vectors are NOT officially tested — but deep understanding of A-Level content helps.
Score Targets
Oxford does not publish a minimum MAT score for interviews. However, based on historical statistics and applicant reports:
- ~60–65% (24–26/40) is roughly the interview threshold for Mathematics in competitive years
- ~70–75% (28–30/40) represents a strong application likely to receive an offer
- ~80%+ (32+/40) is exceptional — in the top decile of applicants
Average scores are lower than you expect. The median MAT score for all applicants is typically around 40–50%. The test is designed to be hard. Focus on accumulating marks efficiently in Part A and securing solid partial credit in Part B.
Preparation Strategy
Core Principle: Depth over Breadth
You will not be able to prepare for every possible problem type. Instead, develop deep fluency in the core topics (polynomials, calculus, coordinate geometry) and strong problem-solving habits that transfer across novel situations.
Part A Strategy (10 MCQs)
- Aim to answer all 10 correctly — these are shorter and less open-ended than Part B.
- Many Part A questions reward clever substitution, special case checking, or quick algebraic manipulation.
- If an expression is messy, try specific values (e.g., n=0, n=1) to eliminate wrong answers.
Part B Strategy (2 long-answer questions)
- Each Part B question has 5–6 sub-parts that build on each other. Even if you cannot solve part (iii), state your result and use it to attempt part (iv).
- Show full working. Partial credit is awarded — markers cannot give marks for steps they cannot see.
- Aim for 75%+ on at least one question, and 40–50%+ on the other. Marks are unevenly distributed — the final parts are often very hard and worth few marks relative to the first parts.
Recommended Practice
- Work through all MAT past papers from 2007–2023 (available on the Oxford Maths website)
- Review mark schemes closely — understand what earns each mark in Part B
- Time yourself: aim for ~12 minutes per Part A question and ~60 minutes per Part B question
- Our MAT preparation resources include worked examples from past papers with full solutions
Expert MAT Tutoring
Our MAT tutors have studied mathematics at Oxford and know exactly how Part B marks are awarded. We specialize in building the problem-solving instincts that the MAT rewards.
Book a MAT Session
Related Posts