What might also be looked for is that they can balance work and play - bearing in mind the intensive nature of the work and the short terms at Cambridge. It is very difficult to select from a very large number of excellent candidates. Admissions Tutors use all the available information that they have about a candidate, and no one thing will tip the balance . Many Colleges provide written feedback to schools and colleges after decisions have been taken about applications, and all Colleges are happy to discuss the outcome of applications by telephone or letter. If your school or college is new to the Cambridge application procedure, don't hesitate to contact a College for feedback on decisions taken about your students.
Colleges decide individually to ask students to take STEP papers.
Most Colleges require STEP for Mathematics. Papers are based on GCE A-level syllabuses, and require no further knowledge, but the questions are designed to test a candidate's qualities such as insight, originality, their grasp of broader issues and abilities to expand and experiment with what they know. STEP Papers are set after A-levels in July, and taken in the candidate's school or college. STEP requirements vary from College to College and from subject to subject. It therefore might appear more straightforward for a candidate to apply to a College which does not ask for STEP if the school is not familiar with it.