How are my chances for Cambridge Maths with A*A*AA achieved?

I'm planning to apply for Sidney Sussex college (on a sidenote, is it competitive for Maths, ie. moreso than other colleges, I really don't want to get pooled as it would be super stressful so I would rather apply for a different one if so)

For context, here's some details on my application: (post A2, predicting my results, but should be accurate as I know my classes)
> A-Levels: Maths (A*, Year 12) ; Further Maths (A*) ; French (A, I think I was put in for an A* but moderated down - should have this explained on my reference as my college has historically few A*s in French) ; Chemistry (A, will hopefully get an A* in the Autumn series)
> GCSEs: 999999888655a (a in Add-Maths, no a* available ; 5s in Drama and RS and 6 in English)
> Gold in SMC, Distinction in BMO1 (only one to qualify in my college)
> Personal statement should be the best part of my application as I've done quite a lot, including extra maths classes, maths projects, STEP practice, maths competitions, etc. Same story with my reference.
> As for my interviewing skills, probably relatively good but I will have months to practice for that.

I recognise that my application will be very good compared to most people. I know the stereotype of TSR, but I also know that most post-A2 applicants for Maths at Cambridge will have A*A*A* or A*A*A*A* for A-Level, which, alongside STEP, is what Cambridge seem to care more about (rather than GCSEs etc).

I just want to know to what degree my As will affect my chances. I know these are good grades but realistically, these A-Level grades are worse than the average post-A2 applicant, and I'd rather people would be brutally - or pleasantly if it's good - honest with me about how I would be affected.

You've got to perform on the step exam. That's all there is to it at this point tbh

Actually your biggest problem is your gap year which Cambridge maths are very clear that they don't like. How are you planning on keeping up with your maths?

The STEP exam should be okay, I'm getting good mileage with it and have tons of time to practice - it's more just getting the offer that worries me.

Yeah. But what I saying is, doesnt the step make up your application too? If you do well on there, then you'll get an offer, simple as that

Actually your biggest problem is your gap year which Cambridge maths are very clear that they don't like. How are you planning on keeping up with your maths?

I was planning on doing STEP I, but it was cancelled. It will make up part of my offer, so I would have to do it in June 2021 if I got the offer, but the issue for me is getting the offer. I am not too worried about getting my STEP.

The college to which I'm applying is neutral towards gap years (I guess because I'd have to redo STEP regardless in the year of entry). I'm doing a whole bunch of MOOCs, undergraduate maths and hopefully Physics A-Level so I should be okay with regards to that front, it's more just getting the offer that I'm worried about.

I was planning on doing STEP I, but it was cancelled. It will make up part of my offer, so I would have to do it in June 2021 if I got the offer, but the issue for me is getting the offer. I am not too worried about getting my STEP.

STEP wasn't cancelled - or do you mean you weren't allowed to do it?

Only students who had offers from Cambridge and Warwick (any unis who required it as part of the offer) this year were allowed to do it

Yeah. But what I saying is, doesnt the step make up your application too? If you do well on there, then you'll get an offer, simple as that

I'm planning to apply for Sidney Sussex college (on a sidenote, is it competitive for Maths, ie. moreso than other colleges, I really don't want to get pooled as it would be super stressful so I would rather apply for a different one if so)

For context, here's some details on my application: (post A2, predicting my results, but should be accurate as I know my classes)
> A-Levels: Maths (A*, Year 12) ; Further Maths (A*) ; French (A, I think I was put in for an A* but moderated down - should have this explained on my reference as my college has historically few A*s in French) ; Chemistry (A, will hopefully get an A* in the Autumn series)
> GCSEs: 999999888655a (a in Add-Maths, no a* available ; 5s in Drama and RS and 6 in English)
> Gold in SMC, Distinction in BMO1 (only one to qualify in my college)
> Personal statement should be the best part of my application as I've done quite a lot, including extra maths classes, maths projects, STEP practice, maths competitions, etc. Same story with my reference.
> As for my interviewing skills, probably relatively good but I will have months to practice for that.

I recognise that my application will be very good compared to most people. I know the stereotype of TSR, but I also know that most post-A2 applicants for Maths at Cambridge will have A*A*A* or A*A*A*A* for A-Level, which, alongside STEP, is what Cambridge seem to care more about (rather than GCSEs etc).

I just want to know to what degree my As will affect my chances. I know these are good grades but realistically, these A-Level grades are worse than the average post-A2 applicant, and I'd rather people would be brutally - or pleasantly if it's good - honest with me about how I would be affected.

I know - I was just correcting the OP who said it was 'cancelled' which is not true

STEP 1 was cancelled!

STEP wasn't though so the post was misleading.

The quote was "I was planning on doing STEP I, but it was cancelled" which is entirely correct, and I don't think it is misleading.

A perhaps more complete explanation would be "I was planning on doing STEP I, but it was cancelled, and you could only do STEP 2 or STEP 3 is you already had an offer requiring it".

Oxbridge in general is always competitive, did you come from a state school? Your grades are decent, but nothing will stand out from the rest of the applicants, as virtually everyone successful I know has a track record of straight 9s or A*s in GCSE and A-Level, but that’s not set in stone. They may get you part way through the application process, but you must understand that should you make it through the rest, and it’s them selecting who gets a place, they will prioritise those with higher grades if that’s the only thing that sets you apart.

By extra maths classes, do you mean tutoring? And with the STEP practise, many many applicants will have done plenty of that, as well as all the competitions and projects. Do you have anything that is unusual or particularly difficult that would make you stand out here? Keep in mind that your personal statement needs backing, and so you will need to explain how all of these have helped you in some way, which is why many people consider extra curricular activities important as it shows the ability to multitask and persevere with other hobbies and talents of your own.

Your achievements in the SMC and BMO1 will hold you in good stead, so that’s worth putting more emphasis on. Regarding interview ‘skills’, I don’t think any particular skills can be learnt to help you, as they will give you a question that is university standard, and ask you to work through it and explain your thoughts. It will be application of prior knowledge that gets you through that, and then the rest will be asking you about your experience etc and love for maths I assume?

The biggest problem here is STEP. I’m not saying that you aren’t capable, but it is constantly underestimated. It is very difficult. Students in my school have perfect results and great personal statements and fly through the interview, and then miss out on the top STEP grade by 1-2 marks.

Good luck!

STEP wasn't cancelled - or do you mean you weren't allowed to do it?