Sixth Term Examination Papers in Mathematics, often referred to as STEP, are university admissions tests for undergraduates Mathematics courses developed by the University of Cambridge.
STEP papers are typically taken post-interview, as part of a conditional offer of an undergraduate place. There are also a number of candidates who sit STEP papers as a challenge. The papers are designed to test ability to answer questions similar in style to undergraduate Mathematics.
Each year, over 2,800 students take at least one STEP paper. As of 2014, candidates applying to study Mathematics at the University of Cambridge and the University of Warwick may be required to take STEP papers as part of the terms of their conditional offer. In addition, the University of Bristol, the University of Bath, the University of Oxford and Imperial College London encourage candidates to take STEP papers.
The university the candidate is applying to may specify which of the papers need to be taken. For example, for applicants to the University of Cambridge who are taking Mathematics A Level, it is usually STEP 1 (necessary for single Mathematics candidates) and/or STEP 2 (depends on the College) or STEP 2 and STEP 3 if they are also taking Further Mathematics. STEP grades are also occasionally required for other courses at the University of Cambridge, such as Computer Science and Engineering.
Where can I find more?
Admissions test support: www.admissionstestingservice.org/help
About STEP: www.admissionstestingservice.org/step
We provide tuition for all the STEP syllabus. In particular we cover
MATHEMATICS I (9465) and MATHEMATICS II (9470)
Section A: Pure Mathematics
- Algebra
- Functions
- Curve sketching
- Trigonometry
- Coordinate geometry
- Calculus
- Vectors
Section B: Mechanics
- Force as a vector
- Centre of mass
- Equilibrium of a rigid body or of several rigid bodies in contact
- Kinematics of a particle in a plane
- Energy (kinetic and potential), work and power
- Collisions of particles
- Newton’s first and second laws of motion
- Motion of a projectile under gravity
Section C: Probability and Statistics
- Probability
- Distributions
- Hypothesis Testing
MATHEMATICS III (9475)
Section A: Pure Mathematics
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Coordinate geometry
- Complex numbers
- Hyperbolic functions
- Calculus
Section B: Mechanics
- Motion of a particle subject to a variable force
- Elastic strings and springs
- Motion in a circle
- Simple harmonic motion
- Relative motion
- Moment of inertia
- Motion of a rigid body about a fixed axis
Section C: Probability and Statistics
- Algebra of expectations
- Further theory of distribution functions
- Generating functions
- Discrete bivariate distributions
- Sampling
In all cases we take into account the mathematical background of our pupils and design programs of studies tailored to their needs.