How Bocconi Exams Work: A Complete Guide to Bocconi University Exams

When I first arrived at Bocconi University, I knew it was one of the most prestigious institutions in Europe. The programs in economics, finance, law, and management are highly regarded and of exceptional quality. But, I didn’t know how Bocconi exams work 😊

Students from all over the world choose Bocconi University for its high academic standards and international reputation. It also offers outstanding career opportunities after graduation. But they don’t know how Bocconi exams work either.

I was aware of all this, which is why I chose Bocconi. However, I had no idea just how challenging Bocconi University exams would be or how rigorously I would have to prepare to succeed. After a challenging start and considerable effort, my results ultimately proved exceptionally successful. Following graduation, I began helping many students overcome these challenges and ace their exams.

In this Bocconi exam guide, I will explain how the exam system works at Bocconi and cover the main types of assessments, key exam dates, and the grading system. I also share valuable insights from my experience and that of the students I have tutored.

Drawing from years of tutoring Bocconi students, this guide is designed to help you master how Bocconi exams work.

🧐 How Does the Exam System Work at Bocconi University?

Here’s how Bocconi exams work. The exam system at Bocconi University is designed to:

• 🧠 Test students’ knowledge,
• 🧩 Evaluate problem-solving abilities, and
• 📈 Assess analytical skills.

At Bocconi, students must understand the concepts and apply them in various situations, not just memorize facts. Professors evaluate students through several forms, including:

• 📆 Bocconi midterms,
• 📝 Bocconi written exam (also known as the final general exam),
• 🗣 Bocconi oral exams (These are less common now, especially in courses taught in English. They mostly remain only for language subjects),
• 👥 Bocconi project work (which has grown significantly over the past 5–7 years as an additional and supportive method of knowledge assessment).

Each type of exam poses its challenges, requiring students to prepare adequately. Some courses only have one type of assessment. Others combine exams, projects, presentations, and even take-home tests.

📘 How Bocconi Exams Work: Types of Exams?

🗓 1. How Bocconi Exams Works: Bocconi Midterms

🕐 The first Bocconi midterms take place halfway through the semester (in October for the first semester and in March for the second). They allow students to check how well they have mastered the course material before the final exam.

📊 Midterms are crucial because they count for around 50% of the overall grade.

Some midterms consist of multiple-choice, true/false, or open-ended questions. Others include essays or case studies. They help students identify their strengths and weaknesses before the final exam.

Upon passing a first midterm, the student has the option to sit the second midterm at the end of the given semester.

 A student unsatisfied with their midterm grade can always take the general final exam that covers both partial materials. Students who do well on midterms gain an advantage in final grading because they’ve already mastered half the material.

 Some courses do not include midterms, which means students must prepare for a single final exam.

📝 2. How Bocconi Exams Works: Bocconi Written Exam (General Exams)

📅 Bocconi written exams are the most common form of evaluation at the university. They are typically held at the end of each semester (December/January for the first semester and May/June for the second. Additional sessions are available in July, August, and September).

📚 These exams assess a student’s ability to analyze concepts, write clearly, and solve problems from the entire course content.

✅ Some exams use multiple-choice questions that test factual knowledge. Others include short-answer questions that require students to explain concepts in detail.

📌 Courses like law, economic history, and business strategy often require students to write essays. These essays involve case analysis, problem-solving, or applying theory to real-life situations.

📌 Mathematics, economics, and finance courses often include problem-solving tasks. Students need to show their calculations and explain their reasoning.

⏳ Written exams usually take a long time, often between 1.5 and 2 hours. In recent years, these exams have become more challenging due to strict time constraints.

🎯 If the exam includes midterms and the student passes the first one, they can take the second midterm. In that case, they don’t take the general written exam.

⏱ If a student chooses the general written exam instead of the midterms and passes it, the grade is final. A student can avoid getting a low passing grade by quitting the exam while it’s still in progress. They have to do this within the strict time limit set by Bocconi.

🗣 3. How Bocconi Exams Works: Bocconi Oral Exam

🧠 Some courses, especially in law and management, incorporate Bocconi oral exams. In these exams, the student answers the professor’s questions and must articulate their thoughts clearly. Oral exams can be stressful. They demand quick, unassisted responses without the advantage of written notes or multiple-choice cues.

👂 Professors typically start with general questions before moving on to more specific ones. Occasionally, discussions may delve into business dilemmas or theoretical concepts. Note that in many English-taught programs (e.g., BIEM, BIEF), the oral exam component has been nearly eliminated.

📁 4. How Bocconi Exams Works: Bocconi Project Work

For some courses, students complete projects instead of traditional exams. Bocconi project work relies on teamwork, research, and presentations. Projects may include:

• Case study analysis,
• Business plan development,
• Financial report preparation and recommendations, and
• Design marketing campaigns.

These projects develop practical skills essential for a future career and often form a significant part of the final grade.

💻 5. How Bocconi Exams Works: Quizzes and Online Tests

🏠 In certain courses, students are assessed through quizzes and online tests completed at home. That usually contributes up to 10% of the final grade.

📅 Bocconi Exam Dates: Plan Ahead and Stay Organized

Time management and planning for Bocconi exam dates are crucial at Bocconi University. Students must check the exam schedules and register on time via the official platform. The three primary exam sessions are:

• ❄️ Winter Session: December to January,
• ☀️ Summer Session: May to July,
• 🍂 September Session: An additional chance for students who did not pass an exam,
• 🧪 Midterms: Held in October for the first semester and in March for the second semester.

📌 Most exams offer multiple dates. However, missing the registration deadline results in a loss of opportunity, with no exceptions. It is advised to register through Bocconi’s online platform at least one week in advance. But we recommend doing it well in advance 🙂

🎓 How Bocconi Exams Works: Grading System?

📊 Bocconi University uses the standard Italian 30-point grading system. ✅ The minimum passing grade is 18/30, and the highest possible mark is 30/30.

🏅 The exceptional grade of 30 with honors (30 e lode / cum laude ) signifies outstanding achievement.

Grading Scale:

Professors use midterm results, written exams, oral exams, and project work to determine final grades. Some courses include class participation and assignments as part of the final grade.

Final grades are based on midterms, written and oral exams, projects, participation, and homework.

⚖️ How Bocconi Exams Works: Rules for Maintaining Academic Integrity

Bocconi has strict guidelines to preserve academic honesty, which include:

• 📌Mandatory Registration: Through the student portal before the deadline,
• 📌 Identification: Always carry your student card,
• 🚫 No Cheating: Any form of cheating results in suspension (up to 6 months),
• 📌 Retake Policy: Students who fail an exam can retake it in the next available session,
• 📌 Attendance Requirements: Failing to meet these may force a student to take a more challenging version of the exam. As a consequence Cum Laude Tutoring advises you to attend Bocconi lectures.

🏆 What Sets Bocconi Apart from Other Universities?

• 💼 Practical Learning with Real-World Cases (Financial Times, Il Sole 24 Ore): Emphasis on applying theories to real scenarios.
• 🌍 International Focus and English-Taught Courses: A truly global academic environment. In the past five years, more and more US students chose Bocconi for full-time studies. That says a lot. Bocconi competes directly with top American universities, especially in economics, finance, and management.
• 🗣 Oral Exams: Bocconi uses them in some law and management courses. These assessments strengthen verbal reasoning and communication skills..
• 📆 Flexible Exam Sessions: A variety of Bocconi exam dates. Unlike the UK system, which usually gives two chances to pass an exam, Bocconi allows students to retake a failed exam without a set limit.
• 📈 High Academic Standards: Designed to push your limits.
• 🤝 Strong Industry Connections: Enhancing the relevance of Bocconi project work for your future career.

💡 Achieving Your Best with the Right Guidance

🧑‍🏫 Bocconi University is an exceptional place for personal and academic growth, but its exams are undoubtedly challenging. It is essential to prepare diligently, utilize university resources, build strong study habits, and, if needed, engage a private tutor.

Those are the basics of how Bocconi exams work. In many ways, they’re similar to those at other top universities around the world.

High-end private tutoring is popular at Bocconi. Some students use it because they struggle with the material. Others don’t struggle but want to do everything they can to achieve top grades. These grades can open doors to leading companies and top Master’s programs.

✨ Cum Laude private tutoring sessions led by experienced Bocconi graduates, can help you significantly enhance your understanding, improve your study techniques, and help you achieve higher marks.

Our tutors support you whether you are struggling or simply aiming to excel in a future career or master’s studies. It doesn’t matter whether you study at Bocconi or at another top university.

🎯 With thorough preparation, effective time management, and the our support, every student can succeed. Remember, knowing how Bocconi exams work is the first step towards academic excellence. Embrace our Bocconi study tips and take your success to the next level.

Now, you know all about how Bocconi exams work. If you have the questions about exams, we’d be happy to help.

🛠 We’ll cover practical study strategies for Bocconi exams in our next article, so stay tuned!

✅ Good luck with your exams!