The Bocconi test is becoming more and more popular. Why? More and more students are applying to Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Great weather, great education, and great culture. What’s not to like?
We have been working with students from the UK, Europe, and–surprisingly!–the US to prepare for the test, so we’re going to answer the most frequently asked questions we receive.
1. What is the Bocconi test?
The Bocconi Admission Test is a 75-minute, 50-question test specifically designed for students applying to Bocconi.
Each correct answer is worth 1 point. Incorrect answers cost you 0.2 points. If you score lower than 17, you’re out of the application process. A good competitive score is 35 points out of 50. To achieve this score, you will have to answer every question (no blanks).
All questions are multiple-choice with 5 answers. There are different types of questions and they are mixed by the level of difficulty (easy, medium, difficult) and topic (e.g., reading, math).
2. What’s on the Bocconi test?
There are 4 subject areas on the test: mathematics, reading comprehension, numerical reasoning, and critical thinking. These are mixed up within the test, not separate.
Mathematics (28 questions)
To assess your ability to carry out operations with numbers, figures, and/or arithmetical signs and choose the correct answer quickly and precisely from a series of results. You’ll see:
- Algebra
- Functions
- Plane geometry
- Analytical geometry
- Trigonometry
- Sets
- Logarithms and exponents
- Discrete mathematics
- Numbers
- Problem-solving
- Statistics
You can find a description of each math topic area here.
Reading Comprehension (11 questions)
To assess your ability to interpret texts fluently, correctly apply the mental processes associated with the categorization of verbal concepts and information, correctly detail the main, supporting, and/or complementary ideas to draw correct conclusions from a written text. You read a one-paragraph passage and answer a question about it.
Numerical Reasoning (6 questions)
To assess your ability to draw conclusions from charts, graphs, and tables.
Critical Thinking (5 questions)
A passage or data and statements are followed by an assertion, and the applicant must decide whether this information, based on what is given in the passage, is true, false, or it cannot be deduced from the text because information is missing.
3. Can I use a calculator on the Bocconi test?
Unfortunately, you CAN NOT use a calculator on the test. It doesn’t matter for most of the math questions until you get to the combinations, permutations, and probability questions. We teach our students how to conceptualize and calculate combinations and permutations by hand as well as how to pull apart probability questions and apply unconventional strategies. If you want to learn how to do this, WhatsApp us to set up a tutoring session.
4. Is the Bocconi test mandatory?
No, the Bocconi test is not mandatory. You have the option to take the SAT instead.
However, you must take one of the two tests because your score is 55% of your elements of evaluation. In other words, it is the most important part of your application.
Be sure to manage your calendar carefully. The SAT is offered on specific dates throughout the year, whereas you have more flexibility with the Bocconi test.
In fact, we recommend that students take both the ensure they have the most opportunities to present their best score to Bocconi. Besides, the SAT can be used for application to other universities. The Bocconi test is only good for Bocconi. The concepts tested on each test overlap, so you won’t waste time studying for the SAT then taking the Bocconi test.
5. What is the average SAT score for Bocconi?
We have heard from our students applying to Bocconi that the average SAT score is now 1350. Therefore, you need to have a 1350 or above for the maximum competitive advantage to get accepted to Bocconi. Since we also teach SAT, we know that this score is NOT easy to achieve.
6. Is the Bocconi test online?
The test is online! You can take it from your home, provided you set up your space as per the requirements of the testing agency.
7. How does the Bocconi test work?
It’s super easy to take the Bocconi test and the testing website offers all the information that you need. After you take the test, a detailed score report will be available within 24 hours.
8. When can I take the Bocconi test?
You can take the test online at any time based on the slots available on the testing website. You have to take the test and get a score BEFORE you submit your application to Bocconi.
The test is not available from:
- 5 through 23 August 2023
- 22 September through 1 October 2023
- 7 December through 10 December 2023
- 23 December 2023 January through 1 January 2024
- 31 March through 1 April 2024
Be sure to thoroughly read the Bocconi test site so that you know when you can take the test and the procedure.
Since you can take the test up to 3 times, be sure to take it far in advance of the deadlines so that you have an opportunity to take it again if you need to.
Plan your time and testing wisely!
9. What is the Bocconi test minimum score?
The minimum or “passing” score on the test is 17 out of 50. If you score lower than 17, your application will not be considered in the selection process. Additionally, if you want to study Bachelor in Mathematical and Computing Sciences for Artificial Intelligence, you will need to score at least 11 out of 28 on the math questions.
These scores are achievable IF you prepare. Whatsapp us for a free consultation about how we can help.
10. What is a good Bocconi test score?
A good score that supports your application is 35 points out of 50. In order to score 35, you will need to answer EVERY question on the test. Don’t leave answers blank. Try to use process of elimination to help you get rid of answer choices so that you can guess with more accuracy.
Most importantly…
Learn to manage your time. You only have about 1.5 minutes per question, so you need to work quickly and accurately. Make sure you do enough math practice! You should be able to easily identify how to get “into” a question and if it will take too long to complete.
11. How many times can you take the Bocconi test?
You can take the Bocconi online test more than once. In fact, you can take it 3 (yes 3!) times.
12. Is the Bocconi test hard?
The test is not especially hard if you have prepared.
You will need a full algebra 2 review. Don’t just recognize the concepts from your school classes. Be able to solve them quickly. Even students currently taking calculus need a thorough review of algebra 2 concepts and significant speed practice.
The verbal sections take strategy! You already know how to read and think, so the basics are covered. You have to get used to how the questions are asked and REALLY know how to employ process of elimination to help you work through the answer choices quickly. If you go about the verbal questions the same way that most students do, you won’t score well.
We can show you how to prepare quickly and efficiently for all 4 sections of the Bocconi test. With us, you will get the advantage. On your own…
13. How do I study for the Bocconi test?
Despite what is written on Bocconi’s website, you can prepare for the test and we have seen students increase the number of correct answers with practice.
Even just knowing the actual format of the test increases your score.
We firmly believe that you can prepare for EVERY test…and should.
We know that you can prepare for the Bocconi test, so we’ve written an entire guide about how to study for the Bocconi admission test.
14. What are the Bocconi test dates?
The test is offered online at just about any time you want to take it. Except…
You can’t take the test from:
- 5 through 23 August 2023
- 22 September through 1 October 2023
- 7 December through 10 December 2023
- 23 December 2023 January through 1 January 2024
- 31 March through 1 April 2024
15. Is the Bocconi test free?
We wish! The Bocconi test is NOT free.
16. How much does the Bocconi test cost?
It costs 60 Euros each time you take the Bocconi test. You are allowed three attempts (most of our students use them!) so be prepared to spend 180 Euros total to take the Bocconi test.
17. Is the Bocconi test really important for my application?
Yes, it is! The test is 55% of your elements of evaluation. Your GPA and grades count for the other 45% of your elements of evaluation. In other words, the Bocconi test is the most important part of your application.
Why does the university ask for a motivation letter and student resume’ then? Our guess is that it will help them decide between two students that have the same selection score.
Don’t be in that position…
Score well on the Bocconi test the sure you submit the best application possible. Strong test scores require strong preparation!
Happy Students are Our Business!
Hello my name is Elina I am planning to apply to Bocconi University , in fact I am planning to do this the next couple of days . I am actually quite good at math how can I score 35/50 is it that hard ?Do I need help ?
Hi Elina,
Make sure you have taken the Bocconi simulation to get the best estimate of your score. Also, go through our site for free worksheets and help. A 35/50 is challenging to obtain so you want to be well prepared. Good luck!
Can I get tutoring for bocconi test if my exam is on the 24th?