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STEP Preparation is essential for students wanting admission to mathematics or related courses in top UK universities. Clearing the STEP exam would mean admission to universities like Cambridge, Warwick, and Imperial College London. However, this examination is considered one of the most difficult mathematics entrance exams. This is not only because of the kind of questions asked, but also because it is difficult to find adequate resources for preparation. In this blog, we have provided you with five excellent and practical tips that you can use to ace the STEP Cambridge-Maths Exam.
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5 Strategies for STEP Preparation You Must Know About
The following are five effective strategies you can use to prepare for the Sixth Term Examination Paper. You must keep these tips in mind while you are preparing for STEP Cambridge. One of the tips also contains information about the best resources you can find online.
Dedicate 1 to 2 Years for Preparation
STEP preparation requires time. To stay ahead, start your preparation as early as possible. Ideally, you must dedicate at least 1 to 2 years to preparation. Most Universities recommend that you start preparing for the examination in Year 12. Year 12 is equivalent to class 11 in the Indian context. Early preparation gives you an advantage to build strong A-level foundations necessary for doing well in the exam. You can develop deep mathematical skills and not just cover the STEP syllabus.
Online Resources for STEP Preparation
STEP preparation can only be started with the right preparation materials. You must have access to the right online resources to prepare for the exam. We have provided detailed of the reputable sources for STEP Cambridge preparation below:
The STEP Support Programme
Cambridge University has launched the STEP Support Programme. This programme is for any student who wants to enrol at Cambridge. Enrolling in the STEP support programme will help you develop your advanced problem-solving skills. The online module is open to everyone. The best part? It is free of cost. Cambridge University recommends that you complete the foundational modules and then focus on clearing the STEP 2 and 3 modules.
STEP into University Mathematics By the University of Warwick
The University of Warwick also provides resources for the STEP preparation. The University conducts a series of ten online courses and additional online resources. However, it is only available to Mathematics and Statistics or Data Science offer holders. The course is usually held between February to May. You have to register for this programme.
NRICH STEP Guides
Norwich (The) Royal Institution, Cambridge (University), and Homerton (College), or the NRICH, also offers support program resources. Their archive provides you with an introduction to advanced mathematical problem-solving. The course is broken down into 24 modules. NRICH is best when you are just starting your STEP Cambridge preparation. The material will ease you into the course. Thereafter, they will introduce you to new techniques. If you practice along, you can build your confidence and speed.
Use Previous Year Papers and Sample Papers
You need to use the previous year’s papers for preparation. Sample papers are also available online for the STEP preparation. Some of the best places you can find the previous papers/sample papers are as follows:
- Oxford, Cambridge, and RSA (OCR): Visit the OCR website, and go to the STEP mathematics page. From there, you can go to the preparing for STEP page. You will find STEP past papers from 2019 to 2024.
- MEI Website: You can visit this website to get access to full solutions to papers from 1996 to 2019! Moreover, they provide guidebooks that will help you if you get stuck.
- STEP Database: The STEP database also consists of all STEP questions (till 2018). You can use it to practise questions that you haven’t come across before.
- Next Step Maths: This website provides you with sample papers. The papers are organised by topic. This can help you choose the right questions you want to focus on.
Also Read: What is the Mathematics Admissions Test for Oxford?
Get the Right Books for STEP Preparation
You need to get the right books to prepare for the Sixth Term Examination Paper. There are only limited books that are available on Amazon and are well-rated as STEP preparation material. They are provided below:
| S. No | Books | Author Name |
| 1. | Advanced Problems in Mathematics | Stephen Siklos |
| 2 | Study material for STEP (Cambridge Assessment) | SOURAV SIR |
Get the Right Mentor, or Join an Online Course/Study Group
While preparing for the STEP exam, you are bound to make mistakes or get stuck. Therefore, having the right mentor is essential for clearing the exam. This is a mathematics paper. You must know not only what the solutions are, but also how you have arrived at them. The STEP exam tests your problem-solving skills. Therefore, you can ask your school teacher to mentor you, or even hire a tutor.
If you cannot find a mentor, you can join a study group. Often, students who are preparing for the exam are likely to help each other. You can also choose to join an online course where you can get the assistance you need from mathematics experts. For example, Vantage offers a STEP preparation online course. No matter what you choose, ensure you have a mentor to guide you through.
To learn more about how you can solve STEP questions step by step, watch this YouTube video:
Is STEP the Hardest Maths Exam?
Unfortunately, yes. STEP is considered one of the hardest mathematics entrance exams. The exam tests your advanced mathematics and problem-solving skills. The questions are designed to be at an undergraduate level! The paper is considered challenging because it is lengthy and demanding. You need to think deeply and apply maths in novel ways. There is a limited time given to answer 6 questions per paper. You cannot clear this paper with surface-level knowledge. The questions are sometimes even ‘out of the box’.You need a deep understanding of the subject. Hence, early STEP preparation is essential.
Also Read: TMUA Exam Explained: Format, Universities Accepting, Fees, and Key Details
FAQs
Yes. The STEP examination is harder than the TMUA examination. The Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) focus on A-level mathematics knowledge. However, questions usually don’t go beyond the syllabus. Moreover, calculators are allowed! To clear STEP, you need a deeper understanding of the subject, and you must also have problem-solving skills. Calculators are not allowed, and advanced mathematics questions are asked.
You can prepare for the STEP examination at least 1 to 2 years in advance. Use the right online resources, use previous year question papers and practise well for the exam. You must also get a mathematical tutor who can guide you.
The STEP programme by Cambridge University is an online module that prepares students for the STEP examination. The online module is designed to polish your foundational skills and prepare you for STEP 2 and STEP 3 papers.
Cambridge University will give you a conditional offer letter. One of the conditions is that you clear the STEP exam for admission! This exam is mandatory for all mathematics and computer science applicants.
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