Bocconi University: Is It Right For You?

Ever thought about studying in Milan, Italy? Bocconi University might be your perfect fit! Here’s a rundown of what I learned on my recent visit:

Academics with an International Flair

Bocconi isn’t your average college. Founded in 1902, it was the first place in Italy to teach management. They’re all about innovation, passion, and using math and stats to solve real-world problems.

• Global Vibe: Professors come from all over the world, and classes are taught in English. You’ll get a real international perspective!
• Cool Classes: I got to sit in on a lecture about how economics affects politics – super interesting!
• Parli Italiano?: Yes, not knowing Italian can be tough for some things like clubs and internships, but it’s also a chance to learn a new language. Plus, all students take a year of  Italian classes.
• Flexible Majors: Changing your major is pretty easy. Most programs are three years, but many students stay for a master’s degree.
• The Math Factor: Be ready for a lot of math and a focus on numbers in all subjects. You’ll learn to analyze data and make smart decisions.
• Hot Majors: Management, Finance, and Economics are big, but they’re also expanding into things like Global Law and Data Science (think AI and cool tech stuff).

We got a taste of the teaching style through Professor Colatone’s Talk: Super interesting lecture about how economics affects politics and public policy, especially when it comes to climate change and traffic bans. Basically, if policies hurt people’s wallets, they might change their political views. 

We also heard from the Dean of Law School: They have a Global Law program that’s pretty cool. It’s multidisciplinary, and you can potentially qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.

Social Life: Milan Style!

• Welcome Week: They have a big welcome week to help you meet people from all over. Expect to go clubbing most nights.
• City Life: Milan is awesome! Lots of restaurants, clubs, and parks. It’s a real city experience.
• Clubs and Associations: There are tons of clubs, from business to sports. You can get involved in whatever interests you.

Who Goes Here?

• International Mix: 60% of students are from outside Italy, and the newest class is a 50/50 split. You’ll make friends from everywhere!
• Motivated and Independent: Students here are driven, good at time management, and ready to take charge of their education.
• Meet Some Students: I met students from China, Poland, UAE, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, India, and Brazil. Each had their own story and reason for choosing Boccon from wanting a multicultural student body to a specific major that was only available at Bocconi. One was even working on using data science to identify cancer cells!
• Key Student Descriptors: collaborative, international, motivated, focused, pre-professional, independent, good test-takers, and culturally diverse, multicultural, and quantitatively analytical. 

Things to Know for Applying

• It’s Competitive: Admission is based on your SAT/ACT or a Bocconi entrance exam, plus your grades. No essay (except for a couple of highly selective  special programs: the World Business Bachelors w/USC, Bocconi and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (≅ 50 students per year) OR Double Degree program with HEC in Paris).
• Test Scores Matter: Aim for a strong score. The average SAT is around 1460 or 35/50 on the Bocconi Test. American applicants also need three AP exams, preferably in a quantitative subject. 
• It’s All About Numbers: Admissions bases 45% of their decision on the academic profile: They focus on overall GPA over absolute rigor.  Fifty-five percent of the evaluation is based on test scores. 
• Apply During the First or Second Round: There are three rounds of admissions and 90% of students are accepted during the first two rounds. 
• Financial Aid: They offer lots of financial aid, so don’t let cost scare you away.

Why Bocconi Might Be For You:

If you want an international experience, love math and problem-solving, and are ready to live in a vibrant city, Bocconi could be a great choice. You’ll be surrounded by motivated students from all over the world and get a top-notch education that can open doors to amazing careers.

Key Takeaways:

• Bocconi is a global university in the heart of Milan.
• It’s known for business, finance, and economics, but also has programs in law and data science.
• Students are motivated, international, and independent.
• Admission is competitive and test scores are important.
• Lots of financial aid is available.

Bocconi is awesome for students who want a quantitative, international, and pre-professional education in a cool city. You need to be driven and ready to be part of a diverse community.

Address: Via Roberto Sarfatti, 25, 20136 Milano MI, Italy