Degree programme choice orientation
SOrT is Sapienza’s integrated guidance service. It has a central office in the University City and satellite offices at each faculty. Students can find more specific information about the faculties and degree programmes at SOrT, as well as support in making their choices. The central office and faculty professors coordinate incoming guidance and tutoring projects, maintain relationships with secondary schools and outgoing guidance teachers, and provide support during the transition from school to university. They also support current students. They provide information on course offerings and the administrative procedures for accessing them.
Orientation initiatives and projects
1. ‘Porte aperte alla Sapienza’
This annual event on the University campus is the most important initiative for new students.
During the three-day event, attendees can meet faculty members and other students, receive information and attend presentations in the Great Hall about programmes offered by all of the University’s faculties. The event is aimed at prospective Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Single-Cycle Degree students, particularly those in their final years of secondary school. It provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to learn about Sapienza, its programmes of study, cultural activities, social life and the many services available to students, including libraries, study rooms, museums, University residences, sports facilities and the University theatre. As well as receiving teaching information from faculty stands located throughout the University, students can obtain general administrative and enrolment information for the various degree programmes. They can also obtain specific information on calls for admission to programme entrance exams.
Furthermore, to foster inclusive environments and access to university education, the Department for Relations with Students with Disabilities and DSA organises discussion forums on career management and provides personalised study plans, as well as educational, financial and/or logistical support for vulnerable students. The Department also provides guidance on the procedures for requesting support and the required clinical certifications.
2. ‘Orientamento Sapienza’ portal
The University has created an online portal to help you choose a degree programme:
https://orientamento.uniroma1.it/index.html. The portal provides an immersive experience of university life. You can explore the campus, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, theatre and sports and music facilities via interactive images and videos. You can also access online learning modules on the main course topics to help you prepare for admission tests or knowledge assessments.
The portal is also the main point of contact for information on orientation events organised by the various faculties and departments throughout the year. It features videos introducing the faculties and the various degree programmes, particularly the newly launched ones. All orientation initiatives are promoted on the University’s social media channels to capture the attention of prospective students.
The portal also offers an English version to support international students with their orientation.
3. ‘Un Ponte tra Scuola e Università’ project
This project was created to facilitate the transition of school leavers into university life and help them integrate into their new environment.
It comprises two initiatives:
a) ‘La Sapienza si presenta’: faculty presentations and sample lessons led by Sapienza professors for secondary school students, covering topics related to each academic area;
b) ‘La Sapienza degli studenti’: involves Sapienza representatives giving presentations at schools to showcase the University’s services and share the student experience through specially trained mentors and senior students.
4. Self-assessment tools developed by Sapienza experts and scientifically tested:
a. ‘Conosci te stesso’: this tool effectively guides the decision-making process for choosing an educational path. Once completed, it provides a personality, academic, and professional profile.
b. ‘Io, me e gli altri’: this tool enables you to evaluate your soft skills — the aptitudes necessary for integrating into society and the world of work.
5. ‘Orientamento in rete’ project
This project provides guidance on the minimum knowledge required to successfully complete entrance exams for programmes in biomedicine and psychology. It consists of a preparatory course involving an initial remote learning phase, followed by an intensive in-person second phase. The course is designed for students seeking admission to limited-access faculties in biomedicine, healthcare, and psychology. It is intended for final-year secondary school students.
6. ‘Percorsi per le competenze trasversali e per l’orientamento -- PCTO’ (formerly ‘Alternanza scuola-lavoro’)
This teaching method uses practical experience to reinforce learning and help high school students identify their strengths. It broadens their education, allowing them to specialise in specific subjects.
7. ‘Orientamento Next Generation (ONG)’
This is a joint project involving all the universities in the Lazio region. Funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan, it aims to help students make informed choices about their education and future careers.
Sapienza professors deliver the project’s 15-hour training programme, which is available in person and forms part of the curriculum. The programme is structured into five three-hour modules, delivered over five days (preferably consecutive), unless otherwise agreed with the schools. The programme covers the following topics, for example:
Module A: Why is studying worthwhile?
Module B: How do you study at university?
Module C: How can I best prepare for university?
Module D: Who am I, and who will I be when I grow up?
Module E: Which professions can I aspire to?
8. Preparing for the entrance exams
Sapienza University offers CISIA Online Entrance Tests (TOLC) for high school students via the CISIA portal. The portal provides access to Student Placement Tests (‘Prove di Posizionamento per Studenti’, PPS), which can be used for test preparation. These practice tests provide students with
immediate feedback on their level of preparation by comparing their answers and scores with those of previous TOLC participants.
9. ‘Saperi minimi’
The aim of this project is to determine the minimum knowledge required to successfully complete the chosen degree programme. Designed to reinforce entry-level knowledge and empower students to embark on a more informed and motivated university career, it comprises lectures recorded by university professors.
10. ‘Of@Sapienza’
The Of@Sapienza e-learning platform helps students prepare for entrance exams and avoid additional learning requirements (OFA) in Italian and Mathematics. Students can use the platform’s independent study tools to expand their knowledge and prepare for degree programmes in subjects such as the humanities, engineering, and architecture.
11. ‘Eventi di orientamento’
All orientation events organised by the University, its faculties, departments, and CAD/CdS are listed in chronological order at: https://www.uniroma1.it/it/node/347362.
Furthermore, to support students in choosing their study path and raise awareness of the services available to those with disabilities and learning difficulties, Sapienza organises meetings with secondary schools, as well as individual orientation sessions.
The University then supports these students throughout the important orientation, assessment and admission processes.
The ‘Settore studenti con difficoltà e DSA’ determines the methods necessary for taking entrance exams on an individual basis, taking into account certifications submitted by students.
Students with disabilities who wish to enrol on local or national limited-access programmes
requiring a selective entrance exam can request compensatory measures (e.g. a dedicated classroom, extra time, a personal tutor, a LIS interpreter or a calculator) by following the procedures outlined in the programme announcements. Similarly, individuals with disabilities and/or learning difficulties who wish to enrol on degree programmes requiring TOLC-type entrance tests administered by the CISIA Consortium in person or remotely via TOLC@CASA may request support measures in accordance with the administrative procedures and deadlines for exam registration.
Finally, the ‘Settore studenti con disabilità e DSA’ sector provides specialist tutors, peer tutors and LIS interpreters to support vulnerable new students.
***Activities for the Degree Programme***
In addition to faculty initiatives, the Degree Programme has promoted projects aimed specifically at prospective international students to help them settle in. Throughout the academic year, faculty members deliver personalised presentations about the Programme to prospective students.
The Classics degree course website has a dedicated section to provide prospective students with guidance. As well as a brief introduction, it contains a FAQ section and information on how to apply.