When should I start preparing for the MAT?

“When should I start preparing for the MAT?” is one of the most frequently asked questions by students planning to sit the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT). And rightly so—timing your MAT preparation correctly can provide significant advantages, helping you develop problem-solving skills while ensuring peak performance on exam day.

In this article, I’ll outline the optimal time to start MAT preparation, why starting too early or too late can be counterproductive, and how to structure your study plan effectively.

When Is the Best Time to Start Preparing for the MAT?

From my experience as a MAT tutor, the best time to begin MAT preparation is the summer after Year 12.

Why Not Start Earlier?

While enthusiasm for getting ahead is fantastic, beginning MAT preparation too early may not be as beneficial as you think. Here’s why:

1️⃣ You Need a Strong Foundation in A-Level Maths First
✔️ MAT questions are based on AS Level Maths and some Year 2 topics (such as Sequences and Series). However, they apply these concepts in more complex, problem-solving-focused ways.
✔️ If you start before fully mastering your AS Level content, you may struggle with MAT-style questions.
✔️ Instead, focus on consolidating AS Level Maths first, working through exam questions from different exam boards to develop a deep understanding of the syllabus.
📘Recommended Resource: A Level Maths Revision provides an excellent questions-by-category resource to strengthen core skills before tackling MAT.

2️⃣ MAT Questions Follow Recognisable Patterns
✔️ The more you practise, the more you’ll spot recurring question styles and problem-solving techniques. If you start too early, you risk peaking too soon, meaning you may run out of fresh past papers and have to repeat old ones multiple times just to keep key ideas fresh.

3️⃣ Stronger AS Level Results = Stronger UCAS Application
✔️ Many MAT candidates apply to Oxford, Imperial, and other top universities. Prioritising strong Year 12 grades before diving into MAT preparation ensures you submit a competitive UCAS application.

How to Structure Your MAT Preparation Timeline

🔹 Before Summer (Year 12 Term Time):

  • Focus on mastering AS Level Maths through practice questions and past exam papers.

🔹 Summer After Year 12 (Ideal Start for MAT Preparation):

  • Begin with MAT Specimen Papers (untimed) to familiarise yourself with the question style.
  • Work through past MAT papers, first focusing on understanding questions rather than time constraints.
  • Use additional resources, such as TMUA past papers and MAT-style textbook questions, to broaden your problem-solving skills.

🔹 Autumn of Year 13 (Final Stages of Preparation):

  • Transition to timed past paper practice to develop speed and exam stamina.
  • Refine your exam technique and efficiency by reviewing mistakes and identifying common question structures.
  • If necessary, seek one-to-one MAT tuition for targeted support.

Final Thoughts: When Should You Start Preparing for MAT?

✅ The best time to start preparing for MAT is the summer after Year 12.
✅ Master AS Level Maths first before moving on to MAT-specific preparation.
✅ Starting at the right time allows you to develop problem-solving skills without peaking too early.
✅ Balancing MAT prep with UCAS applications ensures a strong university application.

By starting at the right time and following a structured preparation plan, you’ll maximise your chances of success while staying motivated and confident for the exam. 

For more MAT resources, check out:
📌 MAT Past Papers & Worked Solutions
📌 How to Prepare for MAT – Complete Guide

 

Good luck with your MAT preparation!