Am I disadvantaged if I start studying for the STEP right now?

I heard most people start studying for STEP around summer of year 12 or even earlier, but by then I wasn't exactly sure what universities I wanted to apply to (I thought I would only be doing the TMUA). I've only recently made a decision that I would like to do the STEP alongside the TMUA and I've started revision for the STEP (although not much). I'm just worried if I might be at a disadvantage compared to other people?

Reply 1

mqb2766

21

Original post by answering-shield

I heard most people start studying for STEP around summer of year 12 or even earlier, but by then I wasn't exactly sure what universities I wanted to apply to (I thought I would only be doing the TMUA). I've only recently made a decision that I would like to do the STEP alongside the TMUA and I've started revision for the STEP (although not much). I'm just worried if I might be at a disadvantage compared to other people?

A few people start in December (y13), so around the time of the cam interview/offer. Personally I think thats late for most candidates and now should be ok if you have a reasonable structure for your step practice, factoring in the practice for interview, exam revision, ... I would have said getting some stuff done over the summer would be ideal, but youve got a chance to catch up if youre organized.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

answering-shield

OP

2

I'll try to organise myself more, but do you know how I could revise for the TMUA alongside the STEP as well?

Reply 3

mqb2766

21

Original post by answering-shield

I'll try to organise myself more, but do you know how I could revise for the TMUA alongside the STEP as well?

Work hard? Tbh, you should create a set of tasks and work backwards to see how you fit them into your time. A rough set of points are below

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Normal a level work revision. Its easy to neglect this and if you receive/expect a step dependent offer its easy to mess everything up by concentrating on tmua/step and neglecting normal a level work and finding out in Aug.

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supercurriculum stuff - so something to back up your personal statement

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tmua. Is this for oct or jan? The multiple choice practice is fairly quick, but the learning behind it can take a time,

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Background to tmua/step so mat livestream, a bit of ukmt, ...

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Step 1 (step foundation modules), 2 and 3. Assuming youre trying for cam, you take 2 & 3, but its worth spending a couple of months going through the step 1 foundation modules which can be seen background. As its maths a level, then it overlaps with tmua/mat background. Then solid practice on 2 and 3 which are maths+further as and maths+further.

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Interview practice, which would overlap with the supercurriculum, tmua background and step 1 foundation modules.

Youll certainly be busy, but think how you schedule the stuff and if youre finding it too much make sure there are fall back options in your ucas application

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 4

melancollege

18

Original post by answering-shield

I heard most people start studying for STEP around summer of year 12 or even earlier, but by then I wasn't exactly sure what universities I wanted to apply to (I thought I would only be doing the TMUA). I've only recently made a decision that I would like to do the STEP alongside the TMUA and I've started revision for the STEP (although not much). I'm just worried if I might be at a disadvantage compared to other people?

You're plenty early enough. Many people don't even start until well into Year 13

Reply 5

mathdiscretely

1

Don't worry - many only start until after they get their offer (January).

Of course, the earlier you start, the better, so it's good that you have started.

Check to see if you're school provides any support.

Fortunately, there are plenty of STEP resources on their website. Some which I would recommend:

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Stephen Siklos's booklet

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Foundation modules (You might want to skip these as they're a bit slow)

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STEP papers 1,2,3. Step 1 has been discontinued but makes a good introduction.

There are also Oxford MAT papers. I would recommend doing the multiple choice questions at the start, as they are good practice for TMUA.

Am I disadvantaged if I start studying for the STEP right now?

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