In this article
- The published selection criteria
- What this means for your preparation
- Do extracurricular activities have a purpose?
- Avoid promises of admission
For standard undergraduate admission to Bocconi, school grades matter alongside the selection test. A persuasive essay is not a substitute for these assessed elements. This guide was corrected in September 2026 to reflect the published 2027–2028 procedure.
The published selection criteria
Bocconi assigns 55% of the evaluation to the selection test and 45% to grades from the third-last and second-last school years. Its admissions guidance explicitly excludes recommendation letters, motivational letters and CVs from this assessment.
The World Bachelor in Business and the HEC–Bocconi double degree have separate procedures. Check the route for your chosen programme, applicant category, diploma and English-language requirements on the official Bocconi admissions page.
What this means for your preparation
Start by identifying the exact programme and intake you want. Keep a checklist of the university’s current requirements and record the source and date beside each item. Separate requirements for selection from conditions you must meet to enrol.
- Organise the academic records requested for your application.
- Build a realistic preparation schedule for an accepted test.
- Compare course content with your interests before ranking your preferences.
- Check scholarship rules separately rather than assuming an admission offer includes funding.
- Review your completed application against the official instructions before submitting it.
Do extracurricular activities have a purpose?
Activities can help you explore interests and develop useful skills. That personal value should not be confused with an unpublished admissions bonus. Do not invest time in an extra document solely because an unofficial guide claims it will influence the standard selection.
Avoid promises of admission
A strong result is a reason to prepare carefully, not a guarantee of a place. Keep alternative study options and a budget you can support. If a requirement is unclear, consult the university before relying on an assumption.
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Author
With a Bachelor's (LLB) from UCL and Assas, and the Grande Ecole program at HEC Paris, Adam co-founded Your Dream School in 2018. Since then the company has coached more than 1,000 students through university admissions and interview preparation for top global institutions.
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