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Maths admissions tests explained: STEP, TMUA and MAT

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    • Maths admissions tests explained: STEP, TMUA and MAT
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by Ellie Darlington, Senior Assessment Manager
19/07/2021

Are you planning to study Maths or a Maths-related subject at university? You might be thinking about taking a Maths admissions test as part of your application.

Why do I need to take a Maths admissions test?

Mathematics is a competitive and demanding subject, and therefore universities use admissions tests as a way to ensure they have the right applicants on their course. Typically, tests are used for one of three reasons:

  • Shortlisting
  • Universities use them to shortlist applicants for interviews.
  • Offer reduction
  • Universities might give you a lower A Level offer if you do well in the test.
  • Final selection
  • Universities might require you to achieve a certain grade in a test (as well as A Levels) to meet your offer.

The tests

From looking at universities’ websites or speaking to teachers and friends, you may already be aware of some of the Maths admissions tests. We’re going to take a look at the following three:

  • STEP: Sixth Term Examination Paper
  • TMUA: Test of Mathematics for University Admission
  • MAT: Mathematics Admissions Test

It is important to check the details of the course(s) you’re thinking of applying to, to see which ones are accepted or required.

STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper)

STEP is used by the University of Cambridge, the University of Warwick and Imperial College London. Other universities sometimes ask candidates to take STEP.

There are also a number of candidates who take STEP as a challenge.

What’s in the test and how is it scored?

There are two STEP papers; each takes 3 hours and is based on different A Level knowledge:

  • STEP 2: A Level Maths + AS Level Further Maths
  • STEP 3: A Level Maths + A Level Further Maths

The papers are graded on a 5-point scale. For more information, visit the STEP ‘Scoring and results’ web page.

When do I take STEP?

STEP papers are typically taken in June. See key dates and costs for STEP.

How do I prepare for STEP?

We provide free STEP preparation materials on our website, including past papers. We recommend starting your preparation by downloading the STEP specification as it provides a detailed overview of the test content.

To download all of our free materials and access others from the STEP Support Programme, visit the STEP preparation web page.

TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission)

TMUA is used by 10 UK universities: University of Bath, University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, Durham University, University of Nottingham School of Mathematical Sciences, Lancaster University, University of Sheffield, London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Southampton and University of Warwick. Some of these universities make reduced offers to applicants who have done well on TMUA. Check their websites for details.

For most of the courses the test is not compulsory, however you’re encouraged to take TMUA when applying to study Mathematics and Mathematics-related courses.

What’s in the test and how is it scored?

TMUA is based on AS Level and Higher Level GCSE Mathematics. There are two TMUA papers; each takes 75 minutes and has 20 multiple-choice questions:

  • Paper 1: Questions assessing pure Maths in new unfamiliar situations
  • Paper 2: Questions assessing mathematical reasoning and logic

You are given a score based on your overall performance on both papers, which is given on a scale of 1.0 to 9.0. For more information, visit the TMUA ‘Scoring and results’ web page.

When do I take TMUA?

TMUA is typically taken at the end of October/beginning of November. See key dates and costs for TMUA.

Your results are sent directly to you. It is then up to you whether or not to share your results with universities. Therefore, it’s risk-free – you have nothing to lose by taking TMUA because, if you’re not happy with your result, your universities will never need to know.

How do I prepare for TMUA?

The test uses Mathematics you’ve already learned in your school studies, so there’s no need to take a preparation course or to do much preparation beyond familiarising yourself with the test format and style of questions.

We provide the test specification, notes on Logic and Proof, and past papers with explained answers. To access all our free resources, visit the TMUA preparation web page.

MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test)

MAT is the University of Oxford’s admissions test for undergraduate degree courses in Mathematics, Computer Science and their joint degrees. In conjunction with your UCAS application, Oxford uses MAT scores to shortlist applicants for interviews.

Imperial College London also uses MAT for all of its undergraduate Mathematics courses. Other universities also consider MAT.

What’s in the test and how is it scored?

MAT is based on AS and A Level Mathematics and takes 2 hours 30 minutes.

Raw marks are given for MAT, which you can request from the universities as part of their feedback processes.

When do I take MAT?

MAT is typically taken at the end of October/beginning of November. See key dates and costs for MAT.

How do I prepare for MAT?

You will find everything you need to prepare for MAT on the universities’ websites. Ensure you are familiar with the syllabus and test format by downloading specimen tests and past papers.

Which test should I take?

Ultimately, it depends on the universities you apply to.

Some universities require you to take a specific test, while others recommend tests that they accept, and therefore it’s up to you which one you take. If you have the choice, you should consider which assessment will work best for you. However, you can take multiple tests if you want to.

Make sure you check the entry requirements of the course with the university you plan to apply to.

What if none of my universities mention a test?

If your chosen university doesn’t require you to take a test and doesn’t make reduced A Level offers, then there’s no need to take any of these tests.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t take one, and there are plenty of reasons why you should:

  • It allows you to demonstrate your aptitude and potential to study Maths and can therefore strengthen your university application, helping you to stand out from the crowd.
  • If you take TMUA, remember you don’t have to share your results with your chosen universities unless you want to, so it’s risk free!
  • It gives you the opportunity to experience what university Maths might be like.
  • It’s a chance to challenge yourself!

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