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k0be36 · Oct 20th, 2009, 12:31 AM

I am trying to apply to graduate school for a Masters of Social Work for Boston University. They required you to either take the GRE or the MAT exam. I took a practice exam for the GRE and got horrible in my math section but did relatively well in my verbal section. Should I just take the MAT instead? Is the Mat as hard as the GRE?? Do you guys know if schools placed more emphasis on one test over another ?? I mean would a higher score on the GRE weighs more than a high score on the MAT? ??

Any help would be appreciated !! :)

Nico3327 · Oct 20th, 2009, 08:32 AM

Definitely wait for other answers, but it is my understanding that the GRE is a measure of your level of general knowledge from undergrad and that the GMAT is geared more towards business. I know a lot of people who took the GRE right out of college just to have a score, and then took the GMAT if they needed it.

When I applied to grad school to get my MBA the schools would only accept GMAT scores (not GRE), but when I looked into just getting a MS degree in Accounting most schools would accept either.

I don't think a higher score on the GRE is "better" when compared to someone who took the GMAT - they are different tests. However, I think in your case you would be fine with taking the GRE.

redney · Oct 20th, 2009, 01:07 PM

Actually the MAT is a completely different test than the GMAT; the GMAT is required for graduate business schools only.

The MAT measure student's analytical thinking vs. the GRE which measures this plus mathematical abilities and writing too.

I don't know too much about the MAT since all of the grad schools I applied to required the GRE exclusively. Perhaps another poster has more information on the MAT.

Nico3327 · Oct 20th, 2009, 01:34 PM

Ooops, sorry! I'm dating myself I guess, but I've never even heard of the MAT.

k0be36 · Oct 21st, 2009, 12:01 AM

bump???

I bought a MAT review book at the bookstore today and it looks relatively easier than the GRE as it doesn't require you to do math problems (which is the thing I am having trouble with). I am still not sure if this is the way to go. but I would like more comments, experiences, anything ??

i<3bags · Oct 21st, 2009, 10:20 AM

There is a thread about the MAT test floating around here, Miller Analogy Test

twin53 · Oct 21st, 2009, 06:30 PM

GMAT is for graduate schools in business. i've always referred to it as GMAT not MAT. GRE is for other masters programs as others have stated.. DH took the GRE for his masters in computer science; i took it for my masters in library and information science. my niece took the GMAT for her MBA. DH and i found the GRE math more geometry involved but not hard. your definitve answer would be from the previous posters who took both.

k0be36 · Oct 22nd, 2009, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by i<3bags

There is a thread about the MAT test floating around here, Miller Analogy Test

thank you. i've decided I am going to take the Mat and see how i do and go from there. For the lack of response on the board, I don't think that the MAT (miller analogies test) is very popular but my friend says that since the school gives u the option, a high score on either should weigh the same. i mean they wouldn't give u the option unless it is, right ?? so i've decided to go with the mat as it seems like more of a well rounded test and easier test for me

i<3bags · Oct 22nd, 2009, 11:47 PM

^^ You're welcome! Yes, the tests weight the same. Some schools are pickier than others which is why they go with the GRE only.

Also, before signing up for either test, take a gander at the reference section of Barnes and Noble. Check out the GRE and MAT study guides, particularly to get a feel for the MAT test.

As I recall, I believe I was able to take the MAT twice and have my score averaged. Then sent to the school. Policies on that more than likely vary by school, so I would check with BU first.

GL!

Oct 20th, 2009, 12:31 AM	#1
k0be36 OP Member Joined: Jan 2009 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 78	MAT vs GRE I am trying to apply to graduate school for a Masters of Social Work for Boston University. They required you to either take the GRE or the MAT exam. I took a practice exam for the GRE and got horrible in my math section but did relatively well in my verbal section. Should I just take the MAT instead? Is the Mat as hard as the GRE?? Do you guys know if schools placed more emphasis on one test over another ?? I mean would a higher score on the GRE weighs more than a high score on the MAT? ?? Any help would be appreciated !! :)
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Oct 20th, 2009, 08:32 AM	#2
Nico3327 Member Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Philly Philly Posts: 779	Definitely wait for other answers, but it is my understanding that the GRE is a measure of your level of general knowledge from undergrad and that the GMAT is geared more towards business. I know a lot of people who took the GRE right out of college just to have a score, and then took the GMAT if they needed it. When I applied to grad school to get my MBA the schools would only accept GMAT scores (not GRE), but when I looked into just getting a MS degree in Accounting most schools would accept either. I don't think a higher score on the GRE is "better" when compared to someone who took the GMAT - they are different tests. However, I think in your case you would be fine with taking the GRE.
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Oct 20th, 2009, 01:07 PM	#3
redney Lovin' Life! Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 6,754	Actually the MAT is a completely different test than the GMAT; the GMAT is required for graduate business schools only. The MAT measure student's analytical thinking vs. the GRE which measures this plus mathematical abilities and writing too. I don't know too much about the MAT since all of the grad schools I applied to required the GRE exclusively. Perhaps another poster has more information on the MAT.
redney Lovin' Life! Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 6,754

Oct 20th, 2009, 01:34 PM	#4
Nico3327 Member Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Philly Philly Posts: 779	Ooops, sorry! I'm dating myself I guess, but I've never even heard of the MAT.
	__________________ Please PM me if you see any of the following: CL Yellow Satin Lady Gres 36.5, CL Green Paillette Very Prive 36.5, Jimmy Choo Orange Patent Lawson Wedge 36 (the shoes in my avatar).

Oct 21st, 2009, 12:01 AM	#5
k0be36 OP Member Joined: Jan 2009 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 78	bump??? I bought a MAT review book at the bookstore today and it looks relatively easier than the GRE as it doesn't require you to do math problems (which is the thing I am having trouble with). I am still not sure if this is the way to go. but I would like more comments, experiences, anything ??
	__________________ My WishList: Everything !!!

Oct 21st, 2009, 10:20 AM	#6
i<3bags Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,354	There is a thread about the MAT test floating around here, Miller Analogy Test
i<3bags Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,354	__________________

Oct 21st, 2009, 06:30 PM	#7
twin53 Member Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 4,184	GMAT is for graduate schools in business. i've always referred to it as GMAT not MAT. GRE is for other masters programs as others have stated.. DH took the GRE for his masters in computer science; i took it for my masters in library and information science. my niece took the GMAT for her MBA. DH and i found the GRE math more geometry involved but not hard. your definitve answer would be from the previous posters who took both.
twin53 Member Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 4,184	Last edited by twin53; Oct 21st, 2009 at 06:39 PM.

Oct 22nd, 2009, 11:47 PM	#9
i<3bags Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,354	^^ You're welcome! Yes, the tests weight the same. Some schools are pickier than others which is why they go with the GRE only. Also, before signing up for either test, take a gander at the reference section of Barnes and Noble. Check out the GRE and MAT study guides, particularly to get a feel for the MAT test. As I recall, I believe I was able to take the MAT twice and have my score averaged. Then sent to the school. Policies on that more than likely vary by school, so I would check with BU first. GL!
i<3bags Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,354	__________________

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