The end goal is of course, a grade; however I will have to take supplementary exams. Although past papers are available, there is a degree of ‘aptitude testing’ involved which is strictly mathematical but still difficult to prepare for directly. Nevertheless practice problems are good for that and I will be doing a lot.

You are right, the advice to skip/quickly pass the first chapters [thank you lurker137] is good. I think this is something I have known subconsciously but I will try to keep aware. Same for those who have suggested seeking further material.

> as much as possible, find peers to study with and talk with

This is good advice. Thank you.