MAT is an exam taken by applicants to the University of Oxford for mathematics, computer science and related courses. Scores are used together with information on applicants’ UCAS forms to select candidates for interview.
MAT consists of 25 multiple choice questions and 2 long-answer questions, based mostly on the first year of A Level Maths with a few topics from the second year. Despite the fact that the content is not very advanced, MAT questions can be extremely difficult, requiring candidates to think creatively and logically.
MAT requires a lot of effort from students to prepare for, even with the support of a tutor. My role as a private tutor for students taking MAT is threefold: providing guidance to direct this preparation, introducing unfamiliar techniques and concepts, and providing support when students are unable to make progress themselves.
To discuss how best I can support you to success in the MAT, book a free consultation today.
About Me
My Approach
MAT has an extremely extensive banks of past paper questions (unlike for GCSE/A Level) which form the basis of our sessions. I generally alternate between sessions where we focus on a particular concept and questions related to that concept and sessions where we consider a variety of questions, to get used to the idea of choosing applicable techniques. Closer to the test dates, we move to focussing on exam technique and full past papers.
I usually provide questions to look at in advance of each session. There is no expectation that students are able to solve all the questions, and they form the basis of our discussion.
When should I start MAT preparation? In my view, the best time to start intensive MAT preparation is in June of Year 12, after you have completed the internal exams your school uses to determine predicted grades. If you are not yet at this point, you would be better suited to problem solving sessions for university admissions.
What if I am also taking the TMUA? Preparation for the TMUA can be integrated with MAT sessions. Preparation for one is very helpful in preparation for the other, so the extra time required to prepare for both should be manageable.
Timing, Frequency, and Logistics
If you are only taking MAT, I recommend one 60 minute session a week or one 90 minute session every two weeks. If you are also preparing for TMUA, I recommend one 90 minute session a week. Particularly strong students may need less support so we can adjust frequency as required. We will work together to identify what will be most effective following your first session.
Most sessions take place virtually on Whereby, an online video conferencing platform. You will need a graphics tablet to be able to write on. For more information on technology requirements, click here. In-person sessions are available in some parts of Greater London, subject to an upcharge. To discuss this possibility, book a free consultation, providing your postcode in the comments field.
Book a free consultation today to discuss how best I can help you succeed in the MAT.
Onboarding Process
- Book a free consultation session – both the student and their parent/guardian should ideally be present; we will discuss your goals and the best approach for you
- I will send some problems for the student to attempt and return to be marked – this serves as a diagnostic for me to gauge their ability
- Discounted first session – 1hr
- If the student and parent/guardian think we are a good fit, we will discuss what frequency and duration of lessons will work best and arrange a regular slot for lessons
Pricing
Diagnostic Problem Set + Discounted First Session (1hr) – £35
For subsequent lessons, prices are:
- £70 for a 60 minute session
- £100 for a 90 minute session
An automatic discount of 10% applies if paying by direct debit or pre-purchasing a block of 5 lessons.
Additional charges apply for in-person sessions.
