TOLC-SU and TOLC-SPS preparation, online and tailored to you.
These are two different Italian admission tests with similar names: the TOLC-SU (for humanities degrees) is almost all analytical reading, while the TOLC-SPS (for political and social sciences) has a third of mathematical reasoning. I work with you on the right technique for the test you actually have to sit, not on a generic "humanities TOLC" syllabus. Want to see where you stand? Take the TOLC-SU practice test or the TOLC-SPS practice test, both free and with a realistic score.
Similar names, different technique.
The students I work with
- Students aiming at literature, philosophy, education sciences and similar degrees that require the TOLC-SU.
- Students aiming at political science, social sciences, communication or international relations who have to sit the TOLC-SPS.
- Students who are not yet sure which of the two they will have to take, because the degree they have chosen is not final yet: we first work on the common core (reading comprehension, reading technique) and split the plan as soon as things are clear.
How it works
- We start with a diagnostic practice test on the right test for you (TOLC-SU or TOLC-SPS).
- For the TOLC-SU we work mostly on analytical reading technique: theses, inferences, distractors.
- For the TOLC-SPS we add a review of basic mathematical reasoning, on top of reading.
- Every 3-4 lessons, a new timed practice test to measure real progress.
- At the end of the course you get a summary of the recurring question types and the typical mistakes to avoid.
Two tests, different structures.
They share reading comprehension, acquired knowledge and a separate English section, but with opposite weights, and only one of the two has mathematical reasoning.
- TOLC-SU: humanities
- Reading comprehension and Italian language: 30 questions, 60 minutes (60% of the test)
- Knowledge acquired in your studies: 10 questions, 20 minutes
- Logical reasoning: 10 questions, 20 minutes
- English: 30 questions, 15 minutes, no penalty
- TOLC-SPS: political and social sciences
- Reading comprehension: 10 questions, 30 minutes
- Acquired knowledge: 15 questions, 30 minutes
- Mathematical reasoning and language: 15 questions, 30 minutes
- English: 30 questions, 15 minutes, no penalty
A complete guide to the TOLC-SU reading technique: how to prepare for the TOLC-SU. Want to train right away? There is the TOLC-SU practice test and the TOLC-SPS practice test, both free.
TOLC-SU and TOLC-SPS: frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between the TOLC-SU and the TOLC-SPS?
Both have reading comprehension, acquired knowledge and a separate English section, but they weigh the sections in opposite ways. In the TOLC-SU reading comprehension is 30 questions out of 50, which is almost the whole test, and the third section is pure logical reasoning. In the TOLC-SPS comprehension is only 10 out of 40, while the third section is mathematical reasoning and language: here (basic) maths is really there, while in the TOLC-SU it is not. The TOLC-SU is for literature, philosophy, education sciences and similar degrees; the TOLC-SPS is for political science, social sciences, international relations and communication.
Do I need to study maths for these tests?
It depends on which of the two. For the TOLC-SU, no: the third section is logical reasoning (deductions, necessary/sufficient conditions, negations), not calculation. For the TOLC-SPS, yes, at least the basics: the "mathematical reasoning and language" section is worth 15 questions out of 40, almost a third of the subject part of the test. It is the most important difference between the two if you are not sure which one you will take.
How does the scoring work?
Standard CISIA scoring on both: +1 for a correct answer, 0 for a blank, −0.25 for a wrong one. English (30 questions, 15 minutes) is a separate test with no penalty, used for any language learning requirement and typically not part of the score of the subject sections. Check the call for applications of your degree anyway to see how it is weighted in your specific ranking.
How much time do I need to prepare?
For the TOLC-SU, a plan of 6-8 weeks with 1-2 lessons a week is realistic for students with normal high school foundations, concentrating the work on analytical reading technique rather than on content. For the TOLC-SPS the same window holds if you add a targeted review of basic maths (proportions, percentages, numerical logic) in the first weeks.
Can I retake the test if I am not happy with my score?
For the TOLC-SU, yes, no more than once per calendar month. For the TOLC-SPS the retake rule should be checked on cisiaonline.it when you register: here I prefer not to give you a number that might not be up to date.
Is the TOLC-SU also used for Sport Sciences?
At some universities yes (for example Turin and Bergamo also use it as the entrance test for Sport Sciences), but it is not a general rule: it is a locally limited-entry degree and each university chooses on its own which TOLC to ask for. Always check the call for applications of the specific university before building your preparation on this.
Ready to prepare?
We start with a free diagnostic practice test, on the test you really need. We build the plan around your real gaps.