What are these papers?
STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper) was developed in Cambridge to provide university applicants with the opportunity to demonstrate a greater depth of understanding than is required for A-Level Mathematics. Advanced Extension Awards (AEAs) were introduced by the Government for the same purpose.

Why does Warwick require them?
A-Level provides a good foundation in algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and so on. At university, mathematics students learn to formulate and solve complex problems by putting together ideas from such different parts of the subject in a series of logical steps. Warwick requires Mathematics applicants to sit a STEP paper or Mathematics AEA, because it prepares you for this advanced mathematical thinking and, at the same time, deepens your understanding of the A-Level material.

What form do they take?
They are not as scary as you might think! Try a past paper from one of the links below, and have fun. The Mathematics AEA has a single 3-hour paper based entirely on the core pure mathematics syllabus of the Mathematics A-Level; there are some shorter questions to get you started, but no choice of questions. STEP papers include some questions on Mechanics and Statistics and you only attempt 6 questions out of 13.

Can anyone take them?
Yes. Cambridge Assessment administers STEP I, II, and III. The exam board Edexcel conducts AEA.

Which paper do I need to sit?
Any of the three STEP papers is acceptable for the purpose of satisfying the entry requirements for the courses offered by the Mathematics Department at the University of Warwick, and Distinction in AEA is accepted instead of grade 2 in a STEP paper. You should decide which paper(s) to sit after having worked through some of the different past and specimen papers and in consultation with your teacher. If you sit more than one of these papers, we will take the best grade.

Where and when?
These papers are usually timetabled for the end of the A-Level period in late June. The examination centre where you sit the Mathematics A-Level should be able to arrange for you to sit these papers. Please consult the Cambridge Assessment and Edexcel websites for precise dates and, if necessary, to find out how to enter these examinations. Applicants overseas (or their schools) may also be able to get this advice from their local office of the British Council (click on 'Our locations').

How should I prepare?
The best way to prepare for STEP and AEA (and also to decide which papers to sit) is to work through past and specimen papers, starting as early as possible, preferably at least four months before the examination. The STEP specification and past papers are available from Cambridge Assessment, where you can also find links to helpful resources like nrich and meikleriggs and the opportunity to download Advanced Problems in Mathematics and Advanced Problems in Core Mathematics, both by Dr S. Siklos, with extensive discussion and solutions of practice STEP questions. On its website, Edexcel provides past AEA papers and mark schemes. See also here for extended solutions to some AEA papers. MEI offers online tuition for AEA and STEP, in particular for those whose school is unable to prepare them for these examinations.

How are the papers graded?
The Grades awarded for STEP are S (Outstanding), 1 (Very Good), 2 (Good), 3 (Satisfactory) and U (Unclassified). Those for the AEA are D (Distinction), M (Merit) and U (Unclassified); Warwick will accept Distinction in AEA in place of grade 2 in STEP. The websites provide information about the grade boundaries for the various STEP papers and the AEA.