The Student Room Group

TMUA January - The Final Stretch

Hi all,
Having just bombed the Oxford MAT (Max possible mark is 65), I was wondering how to best "not bomb" the TMUA.
For the MAT, my most significant problems were:
- I did the PPQ's so many times that I didn't get much other experience doing UNFAMILIAR Problems
- I didn't do enough practice under TIMED PRESSURE
- I didn't build a very structured mental framework, everything is a bit all over the place.

While I have a good baseline understanding of the topics, I believe my understanding is insufficient to guarantee success - would it be a good idea to go back and derive all TMUA concepts from the ground up?

Where can I find further timed practice material for the TMUA? Also would doing something like Senior Kangaroo be useful to further develop mathematical thinking?

Reply 1

Original post
by JZend1017
Hi all,
Having just bombed the Oxford MAT (Max possible mark is 65), I was wondering how to best "not bomb" the TMUA.
For the MAT, my most significant problems were:
- I did the PPQ's so many times that I didn't get much other experience doing UNFAMILIAR Problems
- I didn't do enough practice under TIMED PRESSURE
- I didn't build a very structured mental framework, everything is a bit all over the place.
While I have a good baseline understanding of the topics, I believe my understanding is insufficient to guarantee success - would it be a good idea to go back and derive all TMUA concepts from the ground up?
Where can I find further timed practice material for the TMUA? Also would doing something like Senior Kangaroo be useful to further develop mathematical thinking?

It's fantastic that you have recognised your MAT problems! In contrast, the TMUA prioritises quick and precise application of standard material rather than extensive proof. The quickest way to "not bomb" the TMUA is as follows: Give Up Deriving: Your solid base knowledge is indicated by your $4\text{A}$ forecasts. Prioritise quick application over re-derivation. Concentrate on Timed, Unfamiliar Practice: This is your greatest shortcoming. Complete Mocks: Complete all necessary TMUA paperwork within the allotted time. Specific Practice: To increase your speed on new problems, use the Senior Kangaroo and the brief questions from previous STEP I papers. Structure: For each topic, use the official TMUA curriculum as a checklist for confidence rather than derivation.

Reply 2

Original post
by mycalsuite
It's fantastic that you have recognised your MAT problems! In contrast, the TMUA prioritises quick and precise application of standard material rather than extensive proof. The quickest way to "not bomb" the TMUA is as follows: Give Up Deriving: Your solid base knowledge is indicated by your $4\text{A}$ forecasts. Prioritise quick application over re-derivation. Concentrate on Timed, Unfamiliar Practice: This is your greatest shortcoming. Complete Mocks: Complete all necessary TMUA paperwork within the allotted time. Specific Practice: To increase your speed on new problems, use the Senior Kangaroo and the brief questions from previous STEP I papers. Structure: For each topic, use the official TMUA curriculum as a checklist for confidence rather than derivation.
Thank you, this really helped clear my mind and give me direction! Ill make sure that I practice applying principles quickly to unfamiliar problems!

Quick Reply

How The Student Room is moderated

To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.