What is the Bocconi admission test format?

The Bocconi admission test has 100 questions across 5 sections: Mathematics (20 questions, 36 min), Logic (20 questions, 36 min), English (30 questions, 54 min), General Knowledge (20 questions, 36 min), and Reading Comprehension (10 questions, 18 min). Total duration is 3 hours with a maximum score of 80 points.

How is the Bocconi test scored?

The Bocconi test uses a scoring system of +0.8 points for correct answers, -0.4 points for wrong answers, and 0 points for unanswered questions. The maximum score is 80 points. Strategic guessing matters : skip questions where you cannot eliminate at least 2 options.

How long should I prepare for the Bocconi test?

Most successful candidates prepare for 2-3 months (about 90 days). A structured study plan covering 1-2 hours per day of focused practice across all 5 sections is recommended. Start with your weakest sections and build up to full-length timed simulations in the final 2 weeks.

Is the Bocconi test hard?

The Bocconi test is moderately challenging. The Math and Logic sections are comparable to SAT difficulty, English is at B2-C1 level, and General Knowledge covers European history, economics, and current affairs. With proper preparation using practice tests and a study plan, most motivated students achieve a competitive score.

Is the Bocconi test the same for Bachelor and Master programs?

The test format is similar for both Bachelor and Master admissions, covering Math, Logic, English, and Comprehension. However, the difficulty and emphasis may vary slightly. Master candidates may face more advanced quantitative questions. Both programs use the same scoring system (+0.8/-0.4/0).

How should you prepare for the Bocconi admissions test? Begin with a timed diagnostic, then work on your weakest topics and review each error. The standard Bachelor test covers mathematics, reading comprehension, numerical reasoning and critical thinking.

Bocconi Test Preparation: Format and Vocabulary

The Online Bocconi Test (OBT) is a 50-question multiple-choice exam covering four sections. This guide gives you an overview of the test format, the scoring rules, and the key areas to focus your preparation on.

Test Structure at a Glance

Mathematics: 24 questions.
Reading comprehension: 11 questions.
Numerical reasoning: 6 questions.
Critical thinking: 9 questions.

Format and scoring: 50 questions in 75 minutes. Correct answers earn 1 point; unanswered questions score 0. An incorrect answer costs 0.2 points, or 0.33 for critical-thinking questions with three options. Check the official test specifications.

What to Focus Your Preparation On

Effective Bocconi test preparation comes down to a few core principles: mastering the elimination strategy, understanding your error patterns, building your mathematical vocabulary in both English and French, and practising under timed conditions. The sections below give you the key vocabulary you need and an overview of each section’s demands.

For a complete step-by-step preparation strategy, including a full 8-week study plan, section-by-section tactics, and practice exercises, see the Your Dream School Bocconi Prep Guide, developed by tutors who have coached hundreds of successful Bocconi applicants.

Mathematics & Science Vocabulary: English-French Reference

The test is offered in English or Italian. This English–French glossary is a study aid for French-speaking candidates preparing to take it in English.

English	French
Absolute value	Valeur absolue
Acute angle	L’angle aigu
Arc length	Longueur d’arc
Asymptote	Asymptote
Average	Moyenne
Axis of symmetry	Axe de symétrie
Binomial theorem	Formule du binôme
Calculus	Calcul différentiel et intégral
Circumference	Circonférence
Combination	Combinaison
Completing the square	Compléter le carré
Cosine	Cosinus
Decreasing	Décroissant
Denominator	Dénominateur
Even number	Nombre pair
Exponent	Exposant
Factorization	Mise en facteurs
Function	Fonction
Graph	Courbe
Increasing	Croissant
Inequality	Inégalité
Integer	Entier
Inverse function	Fonction réciproque
Irrational number	Nombre irrationnel
Logarithmic function	Fonction logarithmique
Midpoint	Point médian
Obtuse angle	Angle obtus
Parabola	Parabole
Parallel	Parallèle
Perpendicular	Perpendiculaire
Polynomial function	Fonction polynomiale
Pythagorean theorem	Théorème de Pythagore
Quadratic formula	Formule quadratique
Radian	Radian
Radius	Rayon
Rational number	Nombre rationnel
Reciprocal	Inverse d’un nombre (1/x)
Remainder	Reste
Right angle	Angle droit
Root of an equation	Racine d’une équation
Sequence	Suite
Set	Ensemble
Sine	Sinus
Slope	Pente
Square root	Racine carrée
Subset	Sous-ensemble
Trigonometry	Trigonométrie
Vertex	Sommet
x-intercept	Abscisse à l’origine
y-intercept	Ordonnée à l’origine

Frequently Asked Questions

How many weeks should I study for the Bocconi test?

There is no single preparation period that fits every candidate. Use a diagnostic test and your application deadline to plan regular practice, leaving time to review errors and repeat timed exercises.

Should I guess on the Bocconi test?

Incorrect answers carry a penalty. Practise eliminating unsupported options and managing the time available; use the scoring rules above when reviewing your practice results.

What official resources does Bocconi provide?

Bocconi publishes official sample questions and a test guide on their admissions website. These are your most authoritative source for understanding the exact question types you will face on test day.

📖 Related Reading: See complete Bocconi University admissions guide 2026 for a comprehensive overview.

New to the exam? Start with the complete Bocconi test preparation guide, then come back to this study plan.