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About this exam

The Bocconi Graduate Test (BGT) is an admissions assessment used by Università Bocconi, a private university in Milan, in the selection process for its Master of Science programs. It is aimed at graduates and final-year undergraduates - in Italy and abroad - who are applying to an MSc program and who need to demonstrate that their quantitative, logical, verbal and data-handling skills are strong enough for a demanding, quantitative Master's curriculum in economics, management, finance or related fields. Candidates typically sit the test as one component of a file that also includes academic transcripts, a CV, motivation and language evidence, so the score is read alongside the rest of the application rather than in isolation.

The exam is structured around four areas of equal weight: quantitative reasoning and mathematics; logical reasoning; verbal reasoning and reading comprehension; and numerical reasoning with data interpretation. Questions are multiple-choice and time pressure is a defining feature, so speed and accuracy matter as much as knowledge. Mathematics items assume solid algebra and arithmetic rather than advanced calculus; data interpretation items present tables, charts and percentages that must be read quickly and accurately.

Preparation works best as a staged routine: confirm the format and rules on Bocconi's official admissions pages, then diagnose your weakest area with a timed practice set, drill that area, and finish with full-length timed simulations. Track error types rather than raw scores, and rehearse the non-calculator arithmetic you will need under pressure. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Bocconi; always verify dates, fees and rules with the university.

What you'll study

Common questions

About Bocconi Graduate Test preparation

What does the Bocconi Graduate Test actually measure?

It samples four skill areas in equal measure: quantitative reasoning and mathematics, logical reasoning, verbal reasoning and reading comprehension, and numerical reasoning with data interpretation. Expect short multiple-choice items under strict time pressure rather than essay writing or subject-specific economics. Accuracy on arithmetic, percentages and ratios matters more than advanced theory.

Who needs to take it?

It is used in MSc admissions at Bocconi, so candidates applying to Master of Science programs are the relevant audience, including international applicants. Whether you personally must sit it, or may be exempt or assessed another way, depends on your profile and the program round. Check the official Master of Science admissions pages before booking anything.

How hard is the test?

The individual items are rarely exotic, but the pace is the difficulty: many candidates finish comfortably on accuracy and run out of time. Weak mental arithmetic, slow chart reading and careless misreading of question stems are the usual causes of a disappointing score. Timed practice under realistic conditions is the most reliable way to raise your result.

Can I retake it, and how many times?

Retake rules, session limits and any waiting period are set by Bocconi and can change between admission cycles. This page cannot confirm them. Treat the official admissions pages as the only authority, and plan as if you have one attempt: prepare properly before sitting it rather than relying on a second chance.

How long is the test and how is it scored?

Duration, item counts and scoring rules are published by the university and are not confirmed here, because they vary by cycle and by program. Do not plan your pacing around figures from forums or older guides. Confirm the current timing and score reporting on the official site, then practise with that exact time limit.

In what order should I study?

Start with a full timed diagnostic to find your weakest area. Then drill that area in short blocks, reviewing every wrong answer to classify the error as knowledge, speed or misreading. Add a second area once accuracy stabilises, and finish with full-length timed simulations in the final weeks. Keep a log of recurring mistakes.

Do I need a calculator?

Assume you may not have one and build fluency in mental and pencil arithmetic: fractions, percentages, ratios, averages and quick estimation from tables. Even where a calculator is permitted, estimation is usually faster. Confirm the permitted-aids policy for your session on the official admissions pages, since equipment rules can differ by round.

How should I handle data interpretation questions?

Read the question before the chart, note the units and the base year, and estimate rather than compute exactly when the options are far apart. Watch for percentage-point versus percent changes and for charts with truncated axes. Practise reading tables quickly, then check only the figures the question actually needs.

How early should I start preparing?

Six to ten weeks of regular, short sessions beats last-minute cramming, because speed improves through repetition. Reserve the last two weeks for full simulations and error review. Also leave time for the rest of the application file, and confirm the round deadline on the official site so your test date fits the calendar.

Is this page official?

No. It is an independent study resource written for candidates preparing for Bocconi MSc admissions; it is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Università Bocconi. Always verify format, dates, fees and eligibility directly with the university, and treat any figure here that is not confirmed by the official source as provisional.