Degree programme choice orientation
Sapienza’s integrated orientation service is called SOrT (Orientation and Tutoring Service). It has a central office in the University City, as well as faculty-based offices. Students can find more specific information about the faculties and degree programmes at SOrT offices and receive support to help them make informed choices. The central office and Faculty professors coordinate incoming orientation and tutoring projects, maintain relationships with secondary schools and teachers responsible for outgoing orientation, and support students during their transition from school to university. They provide information on course offerings and administrative procedures for accessing courses. They also support current students who may need assistance.
Orientation initiatives and projects:
1. “Porte aperte alla Sapienza”
This annual event, held on the University campus, is aimed primarily at 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. It is intended for anyone considering enrolling on Sapienza’s Bachelor’s, Master’s or Single-Cycle Degree programmes, particularly those in the final years of secondary school. It provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to learn about Sapienza and its educational programmes, places 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 Learning Disabilities (DSA) organises discussion forums on career management and provides personalised study plans. The Department also provides educational, financial and/or logistical support for vulnerable students. Finally, the Department 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: orientamento.uniroma1.it. 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 recently 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 support school leavers as they transition to university life and 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 services offered by the University. These presentations are led by specially trained mentors and senior students who share their experiences of university life.
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 perform well in entrance exams for biomedical and psychological courses. It involves a preparatory course consisting of an initial remote-learning phase and an intensive in-person second phase. It 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 consolidate high school students’ learning, explore their potential and broaden their education in the field.
7. ‘Orientamento Next Generation’ (ONG)
This joint project, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), involves all the universities in the Lazio region. It is designed to help students make informed choices about their post-school education and define their personal and professional career paths.
Sapienza professors deliver the project’s 15-hour training programme, which forms part of the curriculum and is available in person. The programme is structured into five three-hour modules, delivered over five consecutive days 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 also provides access to Student Placement Tests (PPS), which can be used for test preparation. The PPS are authentic tests that provide students with immediate feedback on their level of preparation. This feedback is generated by comparing their answers and scores with those of participants in previous years who took the same TOLC test.
9. ‘Saperi minimi’
The aim of this project is to ensure that students have the minimum knowledge required to successfully complete their chosen degree programme. It comprises lectures delivered by university professors to reinforce foundational knowledge and empower students to start their university journey feeling more confident and motivated.
10. ‘Of@Sapienza’
The Of@Sapienza e-learning channel helps students prepare for entrance tests and avoid being assigned Additional Learning Requirements (OFA) in Italian and Mathematics. Students will find useful tools to help them study independently and improve their knowledge of the subjects required for degree programmes in the humanities, engineering, and architecture.
11. ‘Eventi di orientamento’
All orientation events organised by the University, its Faculties, Departments and Programmes are listed in chronological order at https://www.uniroma1.it/it/node/347362.
Furthermore, to support students with disabilities and learning difficulties in choosing their programme and introduce them to the available services, Sapienza organises meetings with schools and individual orientation sessions.
The University then supports these students in the crucial processes of orientation, assessment, and admission selection.
The Office for Students with Disabilities and Learning Difficulties (Settore studenti con disabilità e DSA) determines the methods necessary for taking entrance exams on a case-by-case basis, according to the certifications presented by students.
Individuals with disabilities who wish to enrol on local or national limited-access degree programmes that require a selective entrance exam can request compensatory measures (e.g. a dedicated classroom, extra time, a personal assistant, a sign language interpreter or a calculator) by following the application procedures outlined in the programme announcements. Similarly, when enrolling on degree programmes that require TOLC-type entrance tests administered by the CISIA Consortium, whether in person or remotely using the TOLC@CASA method, individuals with disabilities and/or learning difficulties may request support measures in accordance with the administrative procedures and deadlines for exam registration.
Finally, the ‘Settore studenti con disabilità e DSA’ is responsible for welcoming new students in vulnerable situations. They provide these students with support from specialist and peer tutors, as well as LIS interpreters.
***Activities for Degree Programme Students***
In addition to participating in University and Faculty initiatives, the Degree Programme runs projects to help prospective students prepare for their studies. Throughout the academic year, Degree Programme instructors are available for individual presentations and in-depth interviews to provide an accurate illustration of the Programme’s structure, educational objectives and cultural and career prospects. These activities are integrated with third-mission initiatives, such as study days at secondary schools and conferences held as part of Classical language and culture competitions (e.g. Certamen Hermeneia), as well as other outreach activities. During these events, the introductory phase is dedicated to presenting the Degree Programme and engaging in direct dialogue with interested students. As part of the orientation strategies, a video presentation of the course has also been produced (http://y2u.be/SlrP3J_OJCY).
Students interested in enrolling can contact the SOrT Office using the details provided on the Degree Programme website and on the SOrT and Faculty pages