Sixth Term Examination Paper

Sixth Term Examination Papers in Mathematics, often referred to as STEP (or as STEP papers through RAS syndrome), are university admissions tests for undergraduate 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.

Candidates applying to study Mathematics at the University of Cambridge and the University of Warwick are required to take STEP papers as part of the terms of their conditional offer. In addition, a number of other UK universities encourage their applicants 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.

Before 2003, STEP papers were available for a wide range of subjects, including, for example, Chemistry and Biology, but the Mathematics STEP paper is the only one now in use. Three STEP Mathematics papers are set each year.

The number of candidates taking STEP Mathematics papers by 2013 had more than doubled since 2005:

The test consists of up to three paper-based examinations: STEP 1, STEP 2 and STEP 3. In all three STEP papers, candidates have 3 hours to complete at most six questions from a choice of 13 (eight Pure Mathematics questions, three Mechanics questions, and two Probability and Statistics questions).

No restrictions are placed on the number of questions that may be attempted and all questions carry the same weight. A candidate’s grade will be based on the six questions best answered.

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