STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper)
This is the hardest admissions test of the three. The questions in these papers can be both structured and unstructured. Often there is a common theme in a question that you need to spot and apply in various contexts.
You can find more information on the STEP here. Also summarised below:
Two 3 hour papers.
Only University of Cambridge requires you to complete both papers, some universities (e.g. University of Warwick) may only require one paper. However, you can enter for both papers to give yourself double the chances.
No calculators allowed.
12 questions in total, each question is worth 20 marks. You can complete any question in any order you like and are marked on the 6 highest scoring questions.
Content coverage varies depending on paper. Full details can be found here.
STEP 2: Y13 Maths and Y12 Further Maths
STEP 3: Y13 Maths and Y13 Further Maths
The outcome of the papers is always part of the conditional offer for the University of Cambridge.
Key Dates (for 2025 sitting):
Registration opens: 1st March 2025
Registration deadline: 4th May 2025
STEP 2 test date: 11th June 2025
STEP 3 test date: 16th June 2025
Preparation
A good place to start preparing for STEP is through the support programme, starting from the foundation modules. These are mini assignments designed by the University of Cambridge to help students through their STEP 1, 2, and 3s. Note that STEP 1 has been discontinued. The foundation modules are much more structured than STEP 2 and 3 ones to help with the transition at the beginning.
For past STEP papers, see here from OCR and here from Physics and Maths tutor. Note that not all papers have complete hints and solutions.
Despite having been discontinued, it is still recommended to start from STEP 1 because of the difficulty. Slowly build yourself up to STEP 2 and eventually STEP 3.
You should start preparation in September of year 13, if not earlier.
The AMSP also runs online sessions to help students prepare for STEP. Please see this link for more information. Keep an eye out on the AMSP Events website for STEP preparation sessions.