Are you aspiring to pursue a course in Mathematics at one of the most prestigious universities in the UK, the University of Cambridge? Then, this might be the most important article for you.
WHAT IS STEP?
STEP is the Sixth Term Examination paper, the most important mathematics exam that is designed to test candidates on questions that are similar in style to undergraduate mathematics. Few universities, like the University of Cambridge, the University of Warwick and Imperial College London use the STEP scores for their admissions to Mathematics courses.
STEP – TEST FORMAT
Until 2021, there were three exams as part of the STEP, namely STEP 1, STEP 2 and STEP 3. However, since 2021, STEP 1 no longer exists and the candidates are required to attend either or both STEP 2 and STEP 3 depending on the course’s requirements and the university’s requirements.
The test consists of up to two 3-hour paper-based examinations: STEP 2 and STEP 3. Graph paper is unnecessary, as the test requires only sketches, not detailed graphs.
The detailed test format of the STEP exams is as below: EXAM FORMAT QUESTIONS TIMING STEP 2 Total 12 questions across three sections: the first contains 8 pure questions, the second contains 2 mechanics questions, and the third contains 2 probability/statistics questions. The questions are based on A Level Mathematics and AS Level Further Mathematics Candidates have to choose any 6 questions to answer 3 hour STEP 3 Total 12 questions across three sections: the first contains 8 pure questions, the second contains 2 mechanics questions, and the third contains 2 probability/statistics questions. The questions are based on A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics. Candidates have to choose any 6 questions to answer 3 hour
- each question will have a maximum mark of 20
- there is no restriction on the maximum number of questions to be answered
- the candidates will be assessed on the 6 best answers
- There is no longer a formulae booklet for STEP Mathematics examinations.
STEP SCORES AND RESULTS
The STEP exam is scored below
S – Outstanding
1 – very good
2 – Good
3 – satisfactory
U- Unclassified
The scores of the candidates are passed on to the institutions through UCAS.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR STEP
| DATE | EVENT |
| 1st March | Registration opens |
| 5th May | Registration Closes |
| 9th June | STEP 2 exam |
| 20th June | STEP 3 Exam |
| 18th August | Declaration of Results |
| 25th August | Last date for results enquiry |
Disclaimer: Please note the above dates are indicative based on the dates applicable in 2022. For updated dates for 2023, Please visit our website.
STEP – COSTS
| Description | Cost |
| Registration fee per STEP paper (UK only) | £93 |
| Registration fee per STEP paper (outside the UK) | £129 / €151 / $177 |
| Application for Results Enquiries (per paper) | £46 |
| Application for Appeal (per paper) | £46 |
HOW TO REGISTER?
Please follow the following steps to register for ENGAA.
- If you are attending a school or college, please check with your exam officer to confirm that your school is a STEP centre
- If yes, you may register with your exam officer, providing them with your details such as Name, Date of birth, UCAS Number and the names of the course that you intend to apply for.
- The exam officer will then register and provide you with the Candidate number, which is proof of your registration for the exam.
- If your school/college is not a STEP Centre, then, you may directly apply to one of the authorised centres through the Cambridge Admission assessment testing website.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR STEP?
There are various resources on the STEP website, along with past papers with solutions and marking schemes. The candidates can get access to the same at https://www.admissionstesting.org/for-test-takers/step/preparing-for-step/
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