Author: Rishabh Kumar | Mathematics Elevate Academy
(Specialist Tutor for IB, A-Level, STEP, MAT, TMUA, and Global Olympiads)
📌 What is STEP?
The Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) is a university admissions test for Mathematics, primarily used by:
- University of Cambridge
- University of Warwick
- Imperial College London
It assesses deeper mathematical thinking, creativity, and your ability to solve unseen, advanced problems — well beyond standard A-Level or IB content.
🗓️ STEP 2025 Exam Structure
As of 2025, candidates typically sit for STEP 2 and STEP 3.
| Paper | Duration | Format | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEP 2 | 3 hours | Choose 6 out of ~12 questions | Pure + Mechanics + Statistics |
| STEP 3 | 3 hours | Choose 6 out of ~12 questions | Pure + Mechanics + Statistics |
STEP 1 has been discontinued since 2021.
🎯 Who Should Take STEP?
You should take STEP if:
- You’re applying to Cambridge (Maths/CompSci) or Warwick/Imperial
- You want to strengthen your UK university application
- You enjoy Olympiad-style thinking or plan to major in quantitative fields
🧠 What Makes STEP So Challenging?
- Unstructured, Open-ended Problems: Unlike A-Level or IB, most STEP questions have no obvious method.
- Depth Over Breadth: The exam tests your reasoning, not memorization.
- Heavy on Rigor: Requires strong algebraic manipulation, proof, and integration skills.
🧪 How to Start STEP Preparation (Even from Scratch)
✅ 1. Master Core Concepts First
Make sure your foundation is rock-solid in:
- Functions, Polynomials, Algebra
- Trigonometry, Geometry, Vectors
- Calculus (Differentiation + Integration)
- Mechanics & Probability (if attempting these)
Recommended books:
- STEP Past Paper Solutions (Stephen Siklos)
- Advanced Problems in Mathematics (Stephen Siklos)
- Oxford/Cambridge STEP prep materials
✅ 2. Solve STEP Past Papers Weekly
Start with:
- 1–2 questions per week (early stage)
- Focus on full written solutions with explanations
- Keep an error log
📘 Download STEP past papers here (official site)
✅ 3. Simulate Exam Conditions Monthly
- Set 3-hour timer
- Attempt 6 full questions
- Write with pen + paper (like real exam)
This builds stamina, clarity, and time management.
✅ 4. Join a Structured Mentorship Program
Most students struggle not because of talent, but because they don’t know how to approach these questions.
That’s where expert guidance matters.
At Mathematics Elevate Academy, I provide:
- Weekly 1-on-1 sessions
- Personalized study plan for STEP 2025
- Past paper discussions and mock tests
- Feedback + deep explanation of errors
📩 Want to discuss your STEP journey?
👉 Book a free consultation here or message me directly on WhatsApp.
🧠 Common Mistakes in STEP Prep
- ❌ Memorizing tricks instead of solving deeply
- ❌ Ignoring Proofs and detailed explanations
- ❌ Not reviewing mistakes systematically
- ❌ Starting too late (STEP needs ~9–12 months serious prep)
🧭 Ideal STEP Prep Timeline (2025 Entry)
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| June–July 2024 | Master A-Level / IB concepts |
| Aug–Oct 2024 | Start STEP past paper questions |
| Nov–Jan 2025 | Full solutions under guidance |
| Feb–April 2025 | Simulated mocks & timed writing |
| May–June 2025 | Final revision + focused mocks |
🎓 Why Learn from Me?
🔹 Alumnus of IIT Guwahati and the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)
🔹 6+ years of teaching experience, mentoring students globally
🔹 Deep expertise in international curricula: IB, A-Level, STEP, MAT, TMUA, Olympiads
🔹 Proven strategies that build intuition, structure, and exam confidence
🔹 Personalized mentorship focused on depth, clarity, and elite success
📥 Free Public Resources & Direct Help
- Download free STEP resources, PDFs, and insights here:
👉 mathematicselevateacademy.com/downloads - DM me for free solutions and strategy tips on STEP problems
- Connect professionally on LinkedIn:
👉 linkedin.com/in/rishabh-kumar-iitg-isi
💬 Final Words
The STEP exam isn’t just about being good at math — it’s about learning how to think.
With the right strategy, deep practice, and mentorship, students can crack even the toughest problems and unlock doors to Cambridge, Warwick, and beyond.
Let’s build that journey together.
