Should I take STEP 2 or STEP 3?

STEP is a notoriously challenging maths exam, traditionally used in Cambridge admission

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Prerequisite Knowledge

The first factor to consider when deciding which STEP papers to take is the prerequisite knowledge required. STEP is designed with A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics syllabi in mind: the prerequisite knowledge for STEP 2 is the same as A Level Mathematics and AS Level Further Mathematics, whilst the prerequisite knowledge for STEP 3 is the same as A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics.

Students following IB Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) at Higher Level should be familiar with the majority of the STEP specification, though it is worth going through the STEP specification point-by-point since it is primarily designed to overlap with the A Level. Students following other international courses will likely find that their courses overlap with the STEP syllabus substantially, but it would be wise to consult with an expert to ensure that any gaps in knowledge are addressed.

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Which STEP paper should I take?

If you are taking STEP to meet an Imperial offer, or to take advantage of a reduced offer from Warwick, Durham, or UCL, you might only be required to take one STEP paper. In this case, the typical offer condition/requirement is grade 2 in either paper. Visit this article to learn more about the STEP requirements of different universities.

If your offer conditions do not specify which paper to take, you should first consider sitting both papers, because it provides an additional chance to meet the offer condition. Aside from paying an extra registration fee, there is no disadvantage to sitting both papers. STEP is just an exam, so you don't have to declare your result on your academic record like you would a GCSE or A Level qualification. STEP is always unpredictable, and one paper might simply go better than the other on the day. You might also find that one of the papers happens to be particularly straightforward and plays to your strengths.

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It is a misconception that STEP 3 is harder because it requires more content from A Level Mathematics, but the grade boundaries are set based on the cohort's performance, so a harder paper simply corresponds to lower grade boundaries. We generally advise students to prioritise

Ife recommend trying some past papers for each exam initially to see which you prefer. Some people suit STEP 3 better than STEP 2, despite the fact that it tests more content from A Level Further Maths.

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endeavour to take both papers because it gives more of a change. Random effect in terms of which goes better (because the exam is unpredictable - one year STEP 3 is a particularly easy paper, or you might just do better on one). Misconception that STEP 3 is harder - both exams boundaries are done on a curve. Some people suit STEP 3 more - don’t assume. If taking 4 A levels for example, might choose to sit only one. 

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Cambridge

Cambridge offer holders don't usually have to decide between the two exams because the typical STEP condition is grade 1 in both STEP 2 and STEP 3. This might vary slightly depending on specific factors; for example, reapplicants who have had a gap year tend to be asked for S,1, and some colleges occasionally only require 1,2.

A small number of aspiring Cambridge mathematicians take STEP in Year 12 (i.e. a year early) because it is excellent preparation for studying mathematics at undergraduate level, and it shows that they are very serious about their Cambridge application! In this case, students usually need to self-teach some content in order to answer the questions (or enrol on a dedicated STEP preparation course). STEP 2 usually requires less self-teaching than STEP 3, so students sitting a year early may decide to take STEP 2.

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Need more advice?

You are welcome to book a free consultation to discuss STEP preparation. All consultations are held with Rowan Wright, founding director of Vantage Admissions, who is a past STEP examiner and specialist tutor.