Bocconi Test Prep: Complete Guide 2026

The Bocconi admission test is an online exam of 50 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes, divided among mathematics, reading comprehension, numerical reasoning and critical thinking. Selection is based 55% on the test score and 45% on the academic record. To be competitive, you need a score of at least 35/50. Preparation requires 4-8 weeks of targeted work.

In this guide:

• How Bocconi selection works
• The three sessions: Early, Winter and Spring
• Test structure in brief
• How much the test counts vs the academic record
• How to prepare: study plan
• 2026 updates
• FAQ

How Bocconi selection works

Bocconi selection is based on a proprietary online test and a three-session system (Early, Winter, Spring), completely separate from the national university system. For the 2026-27 academic year, approximately 2,800 spots are available across 25 classes, with an admission rate around 25%. The test accounts for 55% of the evaluation, academic record for 45%.

Getting into Bocconi does not work like public universities. There is no national test like the TOLC: selection is managed entirely by the university, with a proprietary test and a multi-session admission system.

For the 2026-27 academic year, Bocconi opens 25 first-year classes for approximately 2,800 total spots. Competition is intense: thousands of candidates for a limited number of spots, especially in English-language programmes where up to 50-55% of spots may be reserved for international candidates.

The Bocconi preparation pathway involves two elements:

1. Taking a selection test: the Bocconi Online Test (or alternatively SAT/ACT)
2. Submitting an application by the deadline of the chosen session, attaching the test result and academic record

Be aware of something that confuses many candidates: having taken the test does not mean you are enrolled in the selection. You must apply separately, choose which score to use (if you took the test multiple times) and respect the deadlines. Nothing is automatic.

For a detailed analysis of the exam: Bocconi Test: Structure, Sections and Scoring

The three sessions: Early, Winter and Spring

Bocconi assigns approximately 90-95% of spots between the Early Session (September) and Winter Session (November-January), leaving only 5-10% for the Spring Session (March-April). Candidates who apply early have more opportunities, and those who pass the Early selection enter their final high school year with a guaranteed spot.

Bocconi offers three application windows. They are not equivalent — the difference is substantial.

Early Session — The first opportunity, designed especially for those who have just finished the fourth year of high school. Applications are submitted in September. The advantage is enormous: if you pass the selection, you enter your final year of high school with a guaranteed spot.

Winter Session — The second round, for final-year students. Applications are submitted between late November and January. This is the round with the highest volume of applications.

Spring Session — The last chance, with applications between late March and mid-April. Only 5-10% of total spots are assigned here. It is not impossible to get in, but competition for the remaining spots is proportionally higher.

The key data point: approximately 90-95% of spots are assigned between the Early and Winter Sessions. Those who wait for the Spring Session play with much tighter margins.

The online test is available from mid-July to early April — a long window that allows you to choose the most convenient date and, with a maximum of 4 attempts per academic year, to retry multiple times if necessary.

For 2026-27:

Strategy on sessions: if you have the opportunity to prepare during the summer between your fourth and fifth year, the Early Session is the best choice. Not only because of available spots, but for a psychological reason: facing your final year knowing you are already in completely changes your approach to the school year. If you don't succeed in the Early Session, you still have Winter and Spring as safety nets.

Test structure in brief

The Bocconi test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to complete in 75 minutes — effectively 1.5 minutes per question, a pace that requires quick and confident decisions. The exam is taken online, from home, through a web testing platform with a proctoring system (webcam + second device for room monitoring). All technical and logistical details are available on the official Bocconi online test page.

The questions cover four areas:

• Mathematics and Problem Solving — algebra, equations, functions, analytic geometry, probability, statistics, logarithms. The heaviest section by question count.
• Reading Comprehension — passages with interpretation, inference and logical content analysis questions.
• Numerical Reasoning — reading and interpreting graphs, tables and numerical data. Does not require formulas but attention to detail.
• Critical Thinking — analysis and evaluation of arguments. The section that has grown the most in the 2026 updates.

Scoring works as follows: +1 for each correct answer, 0 for each unanswered question, -0.2 for each wrong answer on 5-option questions and -0.33 for critical thinking questions with 3 options. This double penalty makes managing uncertain answers a strategic decision, not just a content decision.

There is also the Test Bocconi-Law, a variant dedicated to those seeking admission only to Law or Global Law. It has a different structure with less weight on mathematics.

Full deep dive on the exam: Bocconi Test: Structure, Sections and Scoring

How much the test counts vs the academic record

The selection test accounts for 55% of the final evaluation, while the academic record (GPA from penultimate and antepenultimate years) accounts for 45%. Nothing else matters: motivation letters, certifications and extracurricular activities do not influence admission. A test score above 35/50 is generally considered competitive.

Bocconi selection is based on two elements only, as indicated in the Bocconi admission criteria:

Nothing else. Motivation letters, CV, language certificates, extracurricular activities — none count in the evaluation. Selection is purely meritocratic on these two parameters.

This has important practical implications:

If you have a good academic record but a mediocre test score, it is not enough. The test weighs more and there is no way to compensate with other elements. Serious preparation is needed.

If you have an average academic record but an excellent test score, you have good chances. A high test score can compensate for a less-than-stellar GPA.

Reference thresholds: Bocconi does not publish official minimum scores for admission, but indicates that tests below 17 out of 50 are not considered valid. For the Mathematical and Computing Sciences for AI programme, at least 11 points in the math section are required. Based on previous years' experience, those who consistently score above 30-35 are in the competitive range, while above 35 the chances increase significantly.

Note on language certification: it does not contribute to the evaluation, but if you don't have one, you will need to take an English proficiency test after the admission test. Better to have a certification ready.

How to prepare: study plan

Bocconi test preparation requires 4-8 weeks of targeted work, divided into four phases: initial diagnostic, study by area (mathematics, reading comprehension, numerical reasoning, critical thinking), full timed simulations, and final refinement. The focus is on reasoning and problem solving, not formula memorisation.

Preparation for the Bocconi test requires a different approach from school study. The questions are designed in line with the SAT — they test reasoning and problem solving, not formula memorisation. If you are also considering the SAT as a parallel pathway, our complete SAT preparation guide covers structure, scoring and study plan.

Phase 1 — Diagnostic (week 1)

Bocconi makes an official free simulation available on the web testing platform. Do it first: identify your strong and weak areas, measure time per section, calculate the score net of penalties.

With Up to Ten, the diagnostic takes place on our adaptive simulation platform which provides a detailed analysis by area: not just the score, but average time per question, error types and specific areas to work on.

Phase 2 — Study by area (weeks 2-5)

Work on the weak areas identified in the diagnostic. The most common mistake is focusing only on math because "it weighs more": in the new 2026 format, critical thinking has gained space and must be prepared with the same seriousness.

Mathematics: review algebra, first and second degree equations and inequalities, functions, analytic geometry, probability and statistics. If you come from a scientific high school you have a solid base; if you come from other tracks, plan more time on this section and consider support with math tutoring targeted at the test.

Reading comprehension: practice with inferential passages — it is not enough to understand what the text says, you need to understand what it implies. Questions often have very similar options.

Numerical reasoning: the difficulty is not in the calculations but in selecting relevant data. Graphs and tables contain a lot of information, but only some of it is needed to answer. Train yourself to read the question before analysing the data.

Critical thinking: analyse the structure of arguments — premises, conclusions, implicit assumptions. This section rewards those who can distinguish between correlation and causation, identify logical fallacies and evaluate the strength of an argument.

Phase 3 — Timed simulations (weeks 5-7)

Move to full simulations under exam conditions: 50 questions, 75 minutes, no breaks, no outside help. Average time per question is 1 minute and 30 seconds — managing it is a skill in itself.

After each simulation, analyse errors by category:

• Content errors: you didn't know how to solve it — study the topic
• Time errors: you knew how to solve it but took too long — work on speed
• Distraction errors: you knew the answer but misread — work on attention
• Avoidable penalties: you guessed randomly on questions you should have skipped — refine the omission strategy

Phase 4 — Refinement (last week)

Final simulation 3-4 days before the test. Review only topics you continue to get wrong. Do not study new material close to the exam.

Prepare the technical environment: computer with Google Chrome, Safe Exam Browser installed, stable connection, second device for proctoring. Run a technical test on the platform to avoid surprises on exam day.

2026 Updates

Three key elements change for 2026-27: attempts increase from 3 to 4, critical thinking rises from 4 to 9 questions (while mathematics drops from 28 to 24), and candidates can now submit both Bocconi Test and SAT scores, with the university automatically considering the better result.

Admissions for 2026-27 introduce significant changes:

4 attempts instead of 3. You can take the test up to four times during the entire period (July 2025 - April 2026). This changes the strategy: the first attempt can become a "real diagnostic test" with less pressure.

More critical thinking, less math. Critical thinking questions increase from 4 to 9, math questions decrease from 28 to 24. The test moves further towards the SAT model, rewarding analytical reasoning beyond numerical competence.

SAT + Bocconi Test can be combined. Important update: you can now submit both scores (Bocconi test and SAT). The university will automatically consider the best result through internal conversion tables. This opens a dual-track strategy — prepare for both and use the higher score.

If you are considering the SAT as an alternative or complement: SAT for Bocconi: Required Score and How to Prepare

Costs: EUR 60 per test attempt, EUR 100 for the application. For a comparison of tutor preparation costs, check our pricing page.

The attempt strategy

With four attempts available per academic year, the optimal strategy is: first attempt early (even as a real diagnostic), second attempt after 2-3 weeks of targeted study on weak areas, third and fourth as reserve for optimisation or session changes. You choose which score to submit — there is no penalty for multiple attempts.

With four attempts available, planning becomes a competitive advantage.

Attempt 1 — Take it early, even if you don't feel completely ready. It is the best way to understand the real level of the exam (the official simulation gives an idea, but the real test with proctoring is a different experience). If the score is already good, you're done. If it's not, you know exactly what to work on.

Attempt 2 — After 2-3 weeks of targeted study on the weak areas that emerged from the first attempt. This is typically the attempt with the biggest score jump.

Attempts 3-4 — Reserve for incremental improvements or to change sessions. If the first attempt was for the Early Session and the score wasn't sufficient, you still have room for Winter and Spring.

Note: you choose which score to submit and in which session. If you have taken three attempts with different scores, you submit the best one. There is no penalty for multiple attempts.

Attempt planning is one of the aspects we work on with our students: the dedicated tutor calibrates the preparation plan to the specific deadlines of each session, using our simulation platform to track progress attempt after attempt.

Mistakes to avoid

The most common mistakes in Bocconi preparation are: underestimating critical thinking (now 9 questions), answering everything without strategy (the -0.2 penalty makes random guessing risky), preparing only with books without timed simulations, waiting for the Spring Session without reason, and ignoring the weight of academic record on 45% of the evaluation.

Underestimating critical thinking. With the increase to 9 questions in 2026, this section can make the difference. It is not something you can improvise — it requires specific practice.

Answering everything. The -0.2 penalty for wrong answers means that guessing randomly among 5 options has a negative expected value. If you cannot eliminate at least 2 options, it is better to skip.

Preparing only with books. The Bocconi test is a timed, online exam with proctoring. Preparation must include simulations under real conditions — same duration, same environment, same pressure.

Waiting for the Spring Session without reason. If you can prepare for Early or Winter, do it. The Spring Session has fewer spots and more pressure. Applying early with the possibility of retrying is always better than postponing.

Ignoring the academic record. The test counts for 55%, but 45% of the evaluation depends on grades from the penultimate and antepenultimate years. You cannot change them retroactively, but if you are in your third or fourth year of high school, you are building that record right now.

FAQ

How hard is it to get into Bocconi?

Bocconi admits approximately 2,800 students per year across 25 classes, but candidates are roughly 4 times the available spots. The overall admission rate is around 25%, and varies by session and programme — English-language programmes are more competitive. To be in the competitive range, you need a test score above 35/50 combined with a good GPA.

Can I use the SAT instead of the Bocconi Test?

Yes. Bocconi accepts SAT, ACT and — for Law — LSAT as alternatives to the proprietary test. From 2026, you can also submit both results (Bocconi Test + SAT): the university will automatically consider the best one. For more: SAT for Bocconi: Required Score and How to Prepare.

How many times can I take the test?

Four times per academic year (new for 2026 — previously three). Each attempt costs EUR 60. You can choose which score to submit with your application.

What is the minimum score to get in?

Bocconi does not publish official admission thresholds. However, tests below 17 out of 50 are not considered valid. For the MACSAI (Mathematical and Computing Sciences for AI) programme, at least 11 points in the math section are required. Based on available data, a score of 35+/50 is generally considered competitive.

Is the test in Italian or English?

You can choose the test language independently of the programme language you are applying for. You can take the test in English and apply for an Italian-language programme, or vice versa.

How long does it take to prepare?

It depends on your starting point. For a scientific high school student with good math foundations: 4-6 weeks of targeted preparation. For those from other tracks or with significant math gaps: 6-10 weeks. The initial diagnostic is essential to calibrate the plan according to our method.

How does proctoring work?

The test is taken online through Safe Exam Browser, monitored via webcam and a second device (smartphone). You need: a computer with Chrome, a stable connection, a quiet environment, and an ID document. Detailed behaviour rules are provided in the official "Instructions and rules of conduct" document available on the Bocconi website.

Can I apply for both the economics track and Law?

Yes, but they are separate selection processes. You can apply for both, paying the EUR 100 contribution for each. For Law and Global Law you can use the Bocconi-Law Test or the LSAT.

Want to prepare for the Bocconi test with adaptive simulations and a dedicated tutor? Up to Ten offers a preparation pathway with our proprietary simulation platform that analyses your weak points question by question and a team tutor who builds the plan around your deadlines. Discover the Bocconi preparation pathway →