MAT Tutoring with Ronald - for Oxford University Entrance
I’m Ronald — a qualified maths teacher, Oxford graduate, and full-time online tutor.
For the last few years, I have specialised in tutoring for University Applicants who are planning to take the Oxford MAT exam - the Mathematics Admissions Test.
I work with my students to get the highest possible scores. In 2025, my past students are now studying for Oxford degrees in:
- Mathematics
- Maths and Computer Science
- Computer Science and Philosophy
(That's not to mention students at Cambridge, Imperial College, LSE via my TMUA tutoring!).
My process is tailored to each individual student, but it will usually involve: getting used to the different style of the MAT questions compared to A-Level and sixth form studies, building confidence and skills to tackle the problems, preparing fully for the unusual exam situation, and figuring out how to write your arguments and logic in the Long Questions. It's most useful for me to do this alongside your A-Level Maths work, so that I can get a real sense of what you are doing well, and where you might benefit from more support.
If you'd like to book online lessons with me, let's set up a session right-away: ronald@mathswithronald.com or +31682589013 (WhatsApp available)
TMUA Tutoring with Ronald
The first time doing a MAT paper can be a shock - the questions dive straight into subtle points of AS-Level Mathematics that you may have missed or may not have been fully taught.
When you arrange MAT tutoring with me, we'll start by looking at where you currently are, working together and using your knowledge to figure out how to deal with the questions. We'll use this as a guide for where to go next - diving deeper into comprehending the questions, using both graphical and algebraic techniques at the same time, figuring out quicker and more effective methods, and finally reaching the correct answers - and then checking them so you can move on confidently.
It also makes sense for us to work together on more general aspects of your university applications, whenever you find this useful. Depending on where you are in the process, this can include support for: university and course selection, UCAS Personal Statement Three Questions, super-curriculars and continuing to develop an interest in your subject, Cambridge CSAT, the TMUA exam, college selection, mock interview practice, and of course A-Level Maths, Further Maths and Computer Science. In the end, your A-Level grades are probably the most important element of your application. We will think together about time management and organisation, helping you to keep up with your other commitments and get the most value out of our sessions.
I will act as your guide and we'll work together on what is best for you - my students always report fast improvements. I will mark work that you do outside the session, and I offer you complete feedback that identifies where you can improve.
It's best to start this work early, so let's begin as soon as you are ready: ronald@mathswithronald.com or +31682589013 (WhatsApp available)
MAT General Information
Sixth Form students applying to Oxford for Maths-related and Computer Science-related degree courses will need to take the MAT and will need a high score to get the chance of an interview and a place. Complete information can be found on the website of the Oxford Mathematical Institute and I have summarised the most important details here:
The test sessions for 2026 entry are scheduled:
- Wednesday 22 October and Thursday 23 October 2025
Registration is from Wednesday 18 June 2025 to deadline Friday 19 September 2025 at 6pm. You will be able to book a test date after registering and may be able to change your test location up to Friday 26 September 2025. Note: This acts as an effective application deadline. You will need to have started a UCAS application and received a UCAS ID before registering for the test.
The test takes place at Pearson VUE centres (in the UK and internationally). It is worth it to register and book as early as possible, in order to guarantee a place at a convenient time and location for you, and to avoid any last-minute registration issues. Students who normally have access arrangements, such as extra time or rest breaks, will need to submit supporting documentation for this, in accordance with Oxford's Access Arrangements policy.
The exam is displayed and answered on the screen, with no calculator and no equipment - only centre-provided pens and laminated paper for your own working, which can be super-awkward to write on. There are 25 multiple-choice questions (worth 2-4 marks each for 70 total), and 2 long questions requiring typed answers (worth 15 marks each for 30 total).
The Multiple Choice questions since 2024 are not being made public, but you will find:
- Long Questions 2024
- Older Past Papers 2007-2023
- these contain 10 Multiple Choice questions and 5 or 6 Long Questions.
- Extra Multiple Choice Question Papers 2020-2023.
The syllabus content and style of questions of the older papers is similar to current tests and these are the best available practice. The extra papers from 2021-2022 have some generally harder multiple choice questions, so these should be done later in your revision.
The MAT questions come from a syllabus which requires a deep and thorough knowledge of the AS-Level Mathematics content. I think of it as A-star-star questions from AS-Level. The long questions also require excellent question comprehension, and an understanding of how to write your ideas and logical arguments in words which extends beyond the usual A-Level requirements.
Scores are given out of 100. Scores vary per year according to the difficulty of the test, but in 2024, for Maths, Maths and Stats, and Maths and Philosophy courses:
- Successful 'offer-holder' applicants scored an average of ~77/100
- Applicants who were invited to interview scored an average of ~72/100
- The average score of all candidates was ~54/100
- Mathematics and Computer Science offer-holders had a slightly higher average score of ~83/100.
- Computer Science and Philosophy offer-holders had a slightly lower average score of ~61/100: the Philosophy department's perspective will also be taken into account here.
That's from a high-quality pool of great candidates who have chosen to spend time working towards this exam, so an average (or lower) score already shows great mathematical ability. In 2025, the MAT result is not officially considered other universities in their application process, but it could still form supporting evidence, and taking the test shows a true interest in studying maths. It's very typical for successful students to start their revision with a lower score than this, and work hard to build their score up. We can work together to super-charge your score 😃.
MAT scores are considered as one part of your whole application - alongside your Personal Statement, Teacher References and (Predicted) A-Level Grades - so there is no specific cut-off score which guarantees acceptance or rejection. MAT scores are used to help Oxford make decisions about inviting candidates to interview, and again to make offers to the best candidates.
Don't Delay! Start Today
Ready to get to work? Let's book in your first session: ronald@mathswithronald.com or +31682589013.