SAT test
SAT test is a standardized test that assesses academic abilities through a quantitative section, reading comprehension (in English), and grammar and language conventions. It is accepted by almost all universities in the US and Europe, including Bocconi and LUISS, as well as other prestigious European universities.
SAT test measures general academic readiness for studying at American universities. It includes a verbal section, Reading & Writing (English + text logic), and a math section (arithmetic, algebra, functions, data analysis). It is taken on a computer and is adaptive (the difficulty of the second module depends on the number of correct answers in the first). Importantly, there are no questions from economics, no IQ-type logic questions, and it does not test general knowledge, but in a way evaluates “how good of a student you are in school.” There are at least 7 test dates available per year.
Bocconi test
Bocconi test is an online admission test used for entry into undergraduate and graduate programs at Bocconi University in Milan (economics, management, finance, data, politics). It is their own aptitude test — not a school-leaving exam, not traditional subject knowledge, but a test of how you think.
It includes logical reasoning (IQ-type questions), numerical reasoning (percentages, ratios, graphs), and verbal reasoning (short texts, conclusions). It does not assess knowledge of school material, nor do you need to know mathematical formulas, but the math is often more demanding than on the SAT and includes more advanced concepts. Many tasks require reasoning under time pressure.
Bocconi measures speed of thinking and logic for economics and business. What is most difficult is not the complexity of the questions, but the limited time. The test is designed so that you do not manage to complete all questions.
At Bocconi University, they believe this is a better predictor of success in their programs than school grades. That is why an average student with strong logic often performs better than a top student who thinks more slowly. You are allowed up to 4 attempts per academic year.
LUISS test
LUISS test is an online admission aptitude test for undergraduate studies (economics, management, law, politics, business) at LUISS Guido Carli University in Rome. Like Bocconi, it does not test school knowledge, but how you think, how quickly you reason, and how you handle information under time pressure. There is no memorization. There is no specific curriculum to study.
LUISS Admission Test measures a combination of logic (like Bocconi), school knowledge (somewhat like SAT), and reading comprehension. It includes sections that assess logic, mathematical skills (basic but applied), and reading and understanding text.
For candidates, the biggest challenge is not math, but long texts and logical questions, while time is limited. Those who read slowly will struggle. LUISS is a test where results improve through training reading logic and reasoning, even more so than Bocconi.
| SAT | Bocconi | LUISS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | school skills | IQ & logic | Logic + school |
| Math | Arithmetic, school algebra | Percentages, graphs | Applied mathematics |
| English | Advanced academic | Short logical texts | Medium-length texts |
| Logic (IQ style) | No | A lot | A lot |
| Speed critical | Moderate | Extreme | High |
| Type of student suited | Studious, strong student | Fast, logical thinker | Combination |
| Test format | Online in test center | Online from home (with camera) | Online from home (with camera) |
| Types of tasks | R & W: 2×27 questions in 64 minutes | ||
| M: 2×22 questions in 70 minutes | 50 multiple-choice questions completed in 75 minutes | 50 multiple-choice questions completed in 75 minutes | |
| Content | Reading & Writing (reading and writing) and Math (mathematics) | Mathematics (24 questions), Reading comprehension (11), Numerical reasoning (6), and Critical thinking (9) | Focus on psychometric tests, logical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematics |
From all of the above, it is clear why the preparation strategy is completely different for each test. To achieve the desired results, it is necessary to understand and confidently master the specific test-taking techniques for each exam that can help you maximize your score.
Choose the SAT if you plan to apply to multiple universities (e.g., in different countries) or if you are stronger in English and standardized math than in fast logical reasoning.
Choose the Bocconi/LUISS test if you are targeting those universities specifically, have very strong numerical and logical skills, or if your SAT score was not sufficient for admission.
Arte et Marte provides high-quality and comprehensive preparation for successful applications and exam performance through preparatory courses that include materials (books and multimedia) for all participants. The courses include developing the skills tested on these exams, but more importantly, mastering specific test-taking techniques. Some of these include specialized reading techniques and recognizing key information. During the course, we use real and up-to-date materials, and participants gain a full understanding of all exam-specific requirements.
