Degree programme choice orientation

Orientation Support (English)
SOrT is Sapienza’s integrated Orientation Service. The central office is located at the University campus, with additional help desks at the various Faculties.
At SOrT, students can receive specific information about Faculties and degree programs, as well as support in navigating their academic choices.
The central office and faculty members coordinate incoming orientation and tutoring projects, maintain relationships with secondary schools and their guidance counselors, and provide support during the critical transition from school to university. They also assist current students by offering information about the academic offer and administrative procedures for course enrollment.
Orientation Initiatives and Projects
1. “Open Days at Sapienza”
This major event, held annually at the main University campus, is primarily aimed at incoming first-year students. During the three-day orientation, students can meet professors and fellow students, receive information, and attend conferences in the Aula Magna that introduce the full range of degree programs across all Faculties.
This initiative is open to everyone interested in enrolling in Bachelor’s Degrees, Single-Cycle Master's Degrees, or Master’s Degrees at Sapienza, especially students in the final years of secondary school.
It offers a unique opportunity to explore Sapienza’s academic offerings, study spaces, cultural and social areas, and the wide array of student services available (libraries, study halls, museums, student housing, sports facilities, university theater, etc.).
In addition to academic information, participants can visit Faculty booths on campus avenues or virtual booths to learn more about administrative procedures for enrollment and entrance exams.
To foster inclusivity and equitable access to university education, the Office for Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) provides guidance for managing academic paths through personalized study plans, along with available educational, economic, and logistical support for students with vulnerabilities. The office also advises students on how to request such support and what clinical documentation is required.
2. Sapienza Orientation Portal
To support students in choosing their degree program, Sapienza has developed an online portal: https://orientamento.uniroma1.it/index.html.
It offers an immersive, early experience of university life: students can explore the campus, classrooms, labs, libraries, theaters, music and sports facilities through interactive content and videos.
The portal also includes:

  • Online learning modules on core topics covered in university courses
  • Practice tools for entrance exams or knowledge assessment tests
  • Access to videos presenting Faculties and degree programs, especially new ones

Additionally, the portal serves as a main hub for information about upcoming orientation events organized by Faculties and Departments and is promoted via Sapienza’s social media to reach prospective students. An English version of the portal is also available to support international students.
3. “A Bridge Between School and University” Project
This project helps students transition smoothly from high school to university through two main initiatives:

  • “Sapienza Presents Itself”: Faculty presentations and sample lectures for high school students on topics related to each academic area.
  • “Sapienza by Students”: University students (mentors and seniors) visit high schools to share their experiences and introduce Sapienza’s services.

4. Self-Assessment Tools (scientifically validated by Sapienza experts)

  • “Know Yourself”: Helps guide students in choosing an academic path by returning a personality profile, academic profile, and professional profile.
  • “Me, Myself, and Others”: Assesses soft skills – key social and interpersonal abilities relevant for academic success and entering the job market.

5. “Online Orientation” Project
This project aims to provide both orientation and subject refreshers to help students prepare for entrance exams in biomedical and psychology programs. It includes:

  • A distance learning phase
  • A face-to-face intensive course for students in their final years of secondary school

6. “PCTO – Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation” (formerly school-work alternation)
This educational method helps high school students consolidate their knowledge through practical experiences, test their interests, and shape their academic and career paths.
7. “Next Generation Orientation (NGO)”
This is a joint project by all universities in the Lazio Region, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
It supports high school students in consciously choosing their post-secondary education path and shaping their future.
The 15-hour course, taught by Sapienza professors in person and within the school curriculum, is divided into five modules:

  • Module A – Why is studying important?
  • Module B – How do you study at university?
  • Module C – How can I prepare for university?
  • Module D – Who am I and who will I become?
  • Module E – What professions can I aim for?

8. Preparation for Entrance Exams
Sapienza uses the CISIA Online Tests (TOLC), which high school students can take via the CISIA portal.
The portal also offers Practice Placement Tests (PPS) that simulate the real TOLC format, giving students immediate feedback on their preparation levels by comparing their results to previous years’ candidates.
9. “Minimum Knowledge Requirements”
This project offers recorded university lectures aimed at reinforcing essential knowledge needed for students to succeed in their chosen degree programs.
It supports students in building a more confident and motivated academic journey.
10. “Of@Sapienza” E-learning Platform
This platform provides resources to help students prepare for entrance exams and avoid receiving Additional Educational Obligations (OFA) in subjects like Italian and Math.
It includes self-study tools specifically designed for humanities, engineering, and architecture degree programs.
11. Orientation Events
All events organized by the University, Faculties, Departments, and Degree Programs are listed in chronological order here:
https://www.uniroma1.it/it/node/347362
Support for Students with Disabilities and SLDs
Sapienza also organizes group and individual orientation sessions for students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), in collaboration with high schools.
The Office for Students with Disabilities and SLDs plays a key role in supporting orientation, admissions, and evaluation processes. It evaluates requests for individualized entrance exam accommodations based on submitted documentation.
Students applying for degree programs with local or national restricted access, and who must take a selective entrance exam, may request various support measures, such as:

  • Dedicated exam room
  • Extra time
  • Reader or support tutor
  • LIS interpreter (Italian Sign Language)
  • Calculator

For programs requiring TOLC exams (administered by CISIA, either on-site or via TOLC@CASA), students with disabilities or SLDs may also request accommodations according to the official procedures and deadlines.
The office also supports new first-year students with vulnerabilities, providing specialized tutors, peer tutors, and LIS interpreters.
 

The Faculty of the Degree Program, together with student representatives, tutors, and additional specialist figures, take part in the initial orientation through meetings held before the start of classes.
During the first meeting with first-year students, the Program Director, the Academic Coordinator, student representatives, and some faculty members present the features and objectives of the degree program, explain the structure of the internship, and answer students' questions.
In the following meetings, an assessment of students’ prior knowledge will be carried out to provide support in tackling subjects that may present greater difficulties.
Faculty members, tutors, and specialist staff also offer meetings – including remote sessions – outside regular class hours to provide explanations, clarifications, and advice on additional study materials where needed.