To enroll in the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Mathematics (a.y. 2025/2026), no competitive entrance exam is required, but there is an assessment test to evaluate incoming knowledge. The difference between the two types of tests is significant: the former, used in programs with limited admission, is aimed at selecting students to fill available seats; the latter — which applies to our Mathematics Degree Programme — is intended as a tool to help incoming students understand the level of their initial preparation.
The test consists of 24 multiple-choice questions (5 options, only 1 correct) to be completed in 60 minutes. Scoring is as follows: 5 points for a correct answer, 2 points for unanswered questions, 0 points for an incorrect answer; the test is passed with a score of at least 85. The test is not compulsory: if a student does not take it and has not previously passed a TOLC, they may still enroll in the degree programme but will be assigned Additional Learning Requirements (OFA). The OFA is considered fulfilled according to the rules available on the dedicated page.
Students who have already passed a TOLC-S or TOLC-I (with a score of at least 15 from the combined Basic Mathematics and Reasoning and Problem Solving modules) may choose not to take the September 23 test, but to avoid OFA they must submit documentation of their result to segdid@dm.unipi.it.
For an idea of the basic mathematics topics that are useful to know — both for passing the assessment test and more generally for enrolling in the Mathematics Degree Program — you may refer to the following webpage (in Italian only): it contains videos and slides from preparatory courses held some years ago (but still relevant) by Prof. Massimo Gobbino.
For all the reasons described above, it is very important that students intending to enroll in the Mathematics Degree Program take the initial knowledge assessment test.