Working with data
Change over time, rates per person, and quick estimates that eliminate options. Working with data is tested in the Numerical reasoning section of the Bocconi Test, which has 6 of the 50 questions (75 minutes in total, 2027/28 format). This guide covers it in 2 lessons, each with the rule that solves it and a diagram.
Growth, index numbers and rates
Successive changes multiply: +10% then +20% is +32%. An index sets a base year to 100; the change between two other years divides by the earlier index. Compare places of different sizes per person or per 1000.
Estimation and elimination
Look at how far apart the options are before computing. Round to friendly numbers, in opposite directions when multiplying; compare fractions with benchmarks or by cross-multiplying. Close options need exact work.
What is the Bocconi Test format?
Online Bocconi Test for admission in academic year 2027/28, as published by Università Bocconi.
- Questions / time
- 50 / 75 minutes
- Distribution
- 24 mathematics · 11 reading · 6 numerical reasoning · 9 critical thinking
- Scoring
- +1 correct · 0 blank · −0.2 wrong
- Question languages
- English · Italian
- Three-option questions
- Some critical thinking questions have three options; a wrong answer there costs −0.33
- Minimum score
- Below 17 points the test is not considered for selection
- AI degree
- Mathematical and Computing Sciences for Artificial Intelligence also needs at least 11 of 24 points in mathematics
- Law test
- A separate test, 50 questions / 75 minutes: 5 mathematics · 11 reading · 6 numerical reasoning · 18 logic and critical thinking · 10 verbal reasoning; same scoring
Source: Università Bocconi, Online Bocconi Test page (checked October 7, 2026)
Practise this topic
Take the free diagnostic to see where this topic sits against the other 47, then work through the question bank.
Start the free diagnostic