MAT or GRE - Comparison Guide

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Gelato

MAT and GRE differ in format, content focus, and question types. MAT uses a single question type—analogies—and covers broad topic areas such as geography, history, vocabulary, art, science, math, modern events, letter/word sequences, literature, and grammar. It is administered as a 120-question test within 60 minutes, requiring speed. GRE is longer and includes verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections, with scoring across these areas. The document explains how to choose based on strengths in math, writing, and reading comprehension, and outlines key practice and administration considerations.

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CategoryExam

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Reading Time5 min

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MAT or GRE: Core Differences

MAT Test Format and Question Type

GRE Test Structure and Question Types

Choosing Between GRE and MAT

Testing Centers for GRE and MAT

MAT or GRE? The MAT has only one question type—analogies. The analogy questions on the MAT test a broad range of topics and concepts including geography, history, vocabulary, art, science, math, modern events, sequence of letters and words, literature, and grammar. Students with a well-rounded humanities background tend to do well on the MAT. Here is a sample MAT question--BACH : MUSIC :: MONET : (a) painting (b) architecture (c) design (d) dance The correct answer is (a) because the composer BACH is associated with MUSIC in the same way that MONET is associated with (a) PAINTING. The MAT is a paper format exam that features 120 questions administered in a 60 minute time period. Thus, you must work quickly to complete all of the questions. An on-line study guide is available at: [http://www.pearsonassessments.com/NR/rdonlyres/17D54A0A-EEB2-4D23-A4A8-](http://www.pearsonassessments.com/NR/rdonlyres/17D54A0A-EEB2-4D23-A4A8-)[DFF536495A5B/0/TheMAT.pdf](DFF536495A5B/0/TheMAT.pdf) The GRE is a longer test with a wider variety of questions types. The GRE is composed ofthree different sections which test students on their math, verbal, and writing ability: ● The Verbal section ofthe GRE consists of antonyms, analogies, sentence completion, and reading comprehension. Like the MAT, much of the Verbal section’s antonyms, analogies, and sentence completion, much, tests students’vocabulary skills. ● The Quantitative section ofthe GRE focuses on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and word problems. ● The Analytical Writing section of the GRE provides two prompts; one prompt asks the student to analyze an issue and the other asks the student to take a position on an issue and present an argument for the issue. GRE scores are composed ofthree different scores: one for the Verbal section, one for the Quantitative section, and one for the Analytical Writing section. The MAT and GRE are very different tests. The most important factor in deciding whether to take the GRE or MAT is determining which exam will produce the best score for you. The GRE has math and writing sections, and therefore, ifyou are weak in math or writing the MAT may be the better option. If you are strong in reading comprehension or math (which on the GRE is at the high school level) the GRE gives you opportunity to pick up some easy points. Keep these considerations in mind: ● Are you a good writer or strong in math? If so, the GRE may be better test for you. ● Are you a poor writer or weak in math? If so, the MAT may be better test for you. ● Do you become easily fatigued when testing? Since the MAT is considerably shorter than the GRE, the MAT might produce a better result.a *Adapted from [http://www.powerscore.com/gre/help/gre_vs_mat.htm](http://www.powerscore.com/gre/help/gre_vs_mat.htm)[http://www.powerscore.com/gre/help/gre_vs_mat.htm](http://www.powerscore.com/gre/help/gre_vs_mat.htm) [http://www.powerscore.com/gre/help/gre_vs_mat.htm](http://www.powerscore.com/gre/help/gre_vs_mat.htm) [http://www.powerscore.com/gre/help/gre_vs_mat.htm](http://www.powerscore.com/gre/help/gre_vs_mat.htm) Testing Centers for the GRE & the MAT For the GRE, see: [https://mygre.ets.org/greweb/action/RegPortal](https://mygre.ets.org/greweb/action/RegPortal)[https://mygre.ets.org/greweb/action/RegPortal](https://mygre.ets.org/greweb/action/RegPortal) [Local testing centers include:](Local testing centers include:) Raleigh-Spring Forest Road--APCN-0027 3200 SPRING FOREST ROAD SUITE 212 RALEIGH North Carolina United States of America Raleigh-Spring Forest Road--APCN-1602 3200 SPRING FOREST ROAD SUITE 212 RALEIGH North Carolina United States of America ETS-NC CENTRAL UNIVERSITY--APCN-7578 1801 FAYETTVILLE ST. L.T. WALKER COMPLEX ROOM C304 DURHAM North Carolina United States of America Local testing centers for the MAT are listed below. For additional testing centers, see [www.milleranalogies.com](www.milleranalogies.com) M

FAQs

What question type does the MAT use?

The MAT uses only one question type: analogies.

What sections make up the GRE, and what skills do they test?

The GRE includes Verbal (antonyms, analogies, sentence completion, reading comprehension), Quantitative (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, word problems), and Analytical Writing (two prompts focused on analyzing an issue and presenting an argument).

How should a student decide whether to take the GRE or the MAT?

The choice depends on which exam is more likely to produce a better score. The document suggests GRE may be better for students stronger in writing or reading comprehension, while MAT may be better for those weak in math or writing, and that MAT’s shorter length can suit students who fatigue during longer tests.

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Gelato