Maths Admissions Test
About the test
Why is there a test?
We can't interview all our applicants in the time available, so we shortlist around three applicants for every place to interview. To help us decide who to shortlist, we set the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) which all applicants for Maths, Computer Science, or joint honours courses must take. There is no "pass" mark for the MAT; we use the information from the test, together with all the details of your UCAS application and information about school background to decide who to shortlist.
What does the MAT test?
The MAT aims to test the depth of mathematical understanding of a student in the fourth term of their A-levels (or equivalent) rather than a breadth of knowledge. It is set with the aim of being approachable by all students, including those without Further Mathematics A-level, and those from other educational systems (e.g. Baccalaureate and Scottish Highers).
The MAT syllabus is based on the first year of A level Maths, and a few topics from the fourth term of A level Maths which we think students will have covered by the time of the test.
How to prepare for the MAT
The MAT syllabus contains the mathematics that we expect you to know by the time of the test.
For practice resources, see the Oxford MAT Livestream.
You might also like the following resources to practice problem-solving;
The AMSP organises Problem Solving Matters, hosted at universities around the UK. This problem-solving course aims to help students prepare for university mathematics.
Key dates
Please note that in early 2024, the University is reviewing arrangements for all tests. The MAT syllabus is not changing. Past questions are still good practice. The MAT format (length of test, number of questions, etc) may change. Please see www.ox.ac.uk/tests for updates.
MAT past papers
The table below contains past papers and solutions, as well as general feedback on the admissions round for each year from 2010 onwards. Three averages are given for each year; $\mu_1$ is the average score of all Oxford applicants for Maths / Maths & Stats / Maths & Philosophy, $\mu_2$ is the average score of those applicants who were shortlisted for interview, and $\mu_3$ is the average score of those applicants who were made offers. Similar statistics for Maths & Computer Science, Computer Science, and Computer Science & Philosophy applicants are available on the Computer Science departmental website.
Please note that the syllabus for the MAT was updated for the 2018 test; the current syllabus is available here.
The Notes for the past papers are intended for candidates using the past papers to prepare for MAT, and they mostly refer to syllabus changes.
Additional Multiple-Choice Questions
In 2020, 2021, and 2022, the department organised a multiple-choice test in the style of Q1 on the MAT. This was arranged for a small number of candidates in each year who had been shortlisted without a MAT score, and the test was administered just before interviews. In 2023, the department organised a multiple-choice test in the style of Q1 on the MAT for candidates affected by technical disruption in the MAT, and the test was administered before shortlisting. The test papers and solutions are available in the table below for those who wish to see more multiple-choice questions in the style of Q1 on the MAT.
Test paper | Solutions |
Test 2023b | Solutions 2023b |
Test 2022b | Solutions 2022b |
Test 2021b | Solutions 2021b |
Test 2020b | Solutions 2020b |
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Our admissions tutors use MAT scores together with information from the UCAS application to decide who to shortlist for interview.