STEP Background & Research

Why use STEP?

In the past the University of Cambridge set STEP papers as admissions tests for a range of subjects. Other STEP papers have been replaced by different entrance requirements but STEP Mathematics has continued to be used for this purpose.

From the point of view of admissions to a university mathematics course, STEP has three purposes. First, it acts as a hurdle: success in STEP is thought to be a good indicator of potential to do well on a difficult course. Second, it acts as preparation for the course, because the sort of mathematics found in STEP questions is similar in style to undergraduate mathematics. Thirdly, it tests motivation. It is important to prepare for STEP (by working through old papers, for example), which can require considerable dedication. Those who are not willing to make the effort are unlikely to thrive on a difficult mathematics course.

Background

In the past the University of Cambridge set STEP papers as admissions tests for a range of subjects. Other STEP papers have been replaced by different entrance requirements but STEP Mathematics has continued to be used for this purpose.  Cambridge Assessment took over the administration of STEP in 2008, previously the OCR exam board had overseen STEP.

Number of candidates sitting each STEP paper by year
Table: Number of candidates sitting each STEP paper by year

Year

STEP Paper I

STEP Paper II

STEP Paper III
2005 353 565 430
2006 389 614 451
2007 565 712 483
2008 697 851 552
2009 908 917 528
2010 1098 980 554
2011 1181 1031 635

Who's using STEP already?

Test Summary

Institutions currently using STEP
University of Cambridge
www.cam.ac.uk
University of Warwick
www2.warwick.ac.uk

Research

There is no research published on STEP at the current time.

Need More Information?
Email: STEP Support Team
Call: +44 (0)1223 55 84 55
Opening Hours: 0900 - 1700 GMT

STEP Background & Research


About the Test
Details about the format and content of the STEP


Results
Information about STEP results