- Via Policarpo Petrocchi, 44 Laboratorio 1 (piano terra) Milano, CAP 20127
- +393510215957
- info@bicoccacenter.it
BLC
EXAM CENTER
Start preparing for standardized tests early: Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are a critical part of the college application process. Start preparing for them early by taking practice tests, enrolling in test prep courses, and familiarizing yourself with the format and content of the tests.
COLLEGE COUNSELING
THE SEARCH & APPLICATIONS
College selection, resume-building and application essay counseling are just a few of the areas we cover to help your child prepare their college application.
Guide to US university admissions: Select specialty, meet entry requirements, excel in exams, prepare documents/essays, apply early, and navigate visa process for Ivy League.
SAT & ACT PREP
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Our personalized guidance, in-depth knowledge of each test and 18 years of experience has helped students gain confidence & improve their test scores.
TOEFL & IELTS PREP
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Get your questions answered about how we can help you through all aspects of the college process.
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Help your student manage the difficulty of studying for midterms, finals, and AP exams, assess their academic goals and address any gaps in their courses and curriculum.
About us
Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping students navigate the complex and often overwhelming college application process.
We offer a wide range of services designed to support students and their families throughout the college planning journey. Our services include college selection, resume building, application essay counseling, test prep, financial aid planning, and more.
We work with students of all ages, from high school freshmen to college transfer students. Our goal is to provide personalized guidance and support that meets the unique needs of each student.
At Biccoca Language Center, we believe that the college planning process should be an exciting and rewarding experience, not a stressful one. Our team is committed to helping students find the right colleges and achieve their academic and personal goals.
If you’re looking for expert guidance and support as you navigate the college application process, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you on your college planning journey.
Special Offer on the GRE General Test
To everyone interested in taking the GRE General test, we have reserved a special offer for students:
$60 off tests taken through November 30, 2024 with code GRESUMMER60
If you need help with your registration, text us in WhatsApp at +393510215957
TAKE TOEFL WITH BLC Exam Center and GET 20% DISCOUNT
To get a discount for your TOEFL iBT registration is way easy:
- choose our test center from the list (BLC Exam Center, Milan, Italy)
- use the below code while registering (right before Acknowledgement statement)
Agent ID code: ITA1007101
- on the final page insert the promocode BLCTOEFL20
It is important that students enter both codes in the provided spaces, to ensure the discount.
If you need help with your registration, text us in WhatsApp at +393510215957BLCTOEFL20
Services
ACT
The ACT exam is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It is typically taken by high school students in their junior or senior year. The test measures students’ knowledge and skills in four subject areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning.
The ACT exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. There is also an optional essay section, which adds an additional 40 minutes to the test.
The ACT is administered several times throughout the year at various testing centers across the United States and other countries. Students can register for the exam online and are required to pay a fee.
The scores on the ACT are used by colleges and universities to help determine admission decisions, and some institutions also use the scores for scholarship awards. It is important for students to prepare for the exam by reviewing content in the subject areas tested and practicing taking timed tests.
Structure
The ACT exam consists of four multiple-choice sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. Each section is timed and the total test time is approximately three hours. The sections are scored on a scale of 1-36, and the scores from each section are averaged together to give a composite score.
In addition to the four multiple-choice sections, there is an optional writing section, which is scored separately on a scale of 2-12. The writing section consists of a single essay prompt, and students are given 40 minutes to write their response.
Here is a breakdown of the structure of the ACT exam:
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English (45 minutes, 75 questions)
- Tests grammar, punctuation, and usage
- Tests sentence structure and rhetorical skills
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Mathematics (60 minutes, 60 questions)
- Tests math skills learned through grade 12, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
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Reading (35 minutes, 40 questions)
- Tests reading comprehension and critical thinking skills
- Includes four passages, each followed by a set of questions
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Science Reasoning (35 minutes, 40 questions)
- Tests interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and problem-solving skills in the natural sciences
- Includes passages and data representations from biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth/space sciences
Optional Writing Section (40 minutes, 1 essay prompt)
- Tests writing skills, including organization, clarity, and analysis
- Includes a single essay prompt that presents a complex issue and requires students to develop an argument on the issue.
SAT
The digital SAT is composed of two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. Students have 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes to complete the Math section for a total of 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Each section is divided into 2 equal length modules, and there is a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. The first module of each section contains a broad mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on how students perform on the first module, the second module of questions will either be more difficult or less difficult.
Compared to the ACT®, the SAT provides 68% more time per question:
- Most of the questions are multiple choice, though some of the math questions ask you to enter the answer rather than select it.
- On all questions, there’s no penalty for guessing: if you’re not sure of the answer, it’s better to guess than leave the response blank.
SSAT
Bicocca Language Center is the FIRST test center offering SSAT in Milan, Italy.
We offer the most convenient version of the test that is a paper-based one.
Our test center number is 3155 J
The SSAT, or the Secondary School Admission Test, is a standardized test used for admission to private, independent, and boarding schools. It is primarily administered to students in grades 3-11, and it assesses their verbal, math, and reading skills. The SSAT provides schools with a common measure of a student’s academic abilities and helps them in the admissions process.
The cost of the SSAT can vary so check the official SSAT website for the most up-to-date information.
The SSAT consists of multiple-choice questions divided into four sections:
- Verbal Section: Assesses vocabulary, analogies, and verbal reasoning skills.
- Quantitative (Math) Section: Tests mathematical concepts, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning.
- Reading Section: Evaluates reading comprehension skills through passages and questions.
- Writing Sample: Requires students to write an essay within a given time limit. This section is not scored but is sent to schools along with the score report.
To register for the SSAT, you can visit the official website of the SSAT, which is www.ssat.org
On the website, you’ll find information about test dates, locations, and registration procedures. It’s recommended to register well in advance to secure a spot and to check for any updates or changes to the registration process on the official website.
TOEFL
The TOEFL exam is a standardized test used to measure the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers who want to enroll in English-speaking universities or other academic institutions. It is accepted by more than 13,000 institutions in over 160 countries.
The TOEFL exam measures the four language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The exam is conducted in an internet-based format (iBT) or paper-based format (PBT) depending on the test center. (no paper based test available in Italy)
Here is a breakdown of the structure of the TOEFL iBT exam:
Reading (35 minutes, 20 questions)
Tests reading comprehension skills
Includes three to four passages from academic texts, followed by questions related to each passage
Listening (36 minutes, 28 questions)
Tests listening comprehension skills
Includes lectures and conversations related to academic topics, followed by questions related to each listening passage
Speaking (16 minutes, 4 tasks)
Tests speaking skills
Includes independent and integrated speaking tasks that require students to express their opinions and to speak about academic topics
Writing (29 minutes, 2 tasks)
Tests writing skills
Includes two writing tasks that require students to write an essay and to summarize information from a reading and a listening passage.
The TOEFL iBT exam is scored on a scale of 0-120, with each section scored on a scale of 0-30. Some institutions may have specific score requirements for each section of the TOEFL exam, so it is important for students to check the requirements of the institution they are interested in applying to.
IELTS
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam is a standardized test used to measure the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers who want to study or work in countries where English is the primary language of communication. It is accepted by over 10,000 organizations worldwide.
The IELTS exam measures the four language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The exam is available in two formats: Academic and General Training.
Here is a breakdown of the structure of the IELTS Academic and General Training exams:
Reading (60 minutes, 40 questions)
- Tests reading comprehension skills
- Includes three reading passages from academic texts in the Academic version, and passages related to everyday life in the General Training version, followed by questions related to each passage
Listening (30-40 minutes, 40 questions)
- Tests listening comprehension skills
- Includes conversations and monologues related to everyday life and academic topics, followed by questions related to each listening passage
Speaking (11-14 minutes, 3 parts)
- Tests speaking skills
- Includes a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner, and requires students to express their opinions and to speak about familiar topics and academic topics
Writing (60 minutes, 2 tasks)
- Tests writing skills
- Includes two writing tasks in the Academic version: Task 1 requires students to describe information presented in a graph, table, chart, or diagram; Task 2 requires students to write an essay related to a given topic. In the General Training version, Task 1 requires students to write a letter, and Task 2 requires students to write an essay related to a given topic.
The IELTS exam is scored on a scale of 0-9, and the scores for each section are averaged to give an overall band score. Some institutions may have specific score requirements for each section of the IELTS exam, so it is important for students to check the requirements of the institution they are interested in applying to.
Spanish Courses and Exams
Perfect Spanish Program for You:
The Bicocca Language Center offers courses and preparation for the DELE exam, providing learners with the necessary tools and knowledge to successfully pass this official Spanish language proficiency test. Their programs are designed to cater to various levels of Spanish language proficiency, ensuring that each student receives tailored instruction suited to their specific needs and goals.
Spanish for Beginners
This course lays the foundational concepts necessary for feeling confident while traveling through Spain and/or Latin America. It covers basic communication skills to navigate everyday situations.
Intensive Beginner's Course
A focused course consisting of 16 lessons that span all the topics in the A1 beginner’s textbook. It’s designed for a rapid acquisition of basic Spanish skills, ensuring a solid understanding of the language’s fundamentals.
Spanish for Intermediate Learners
This level is aimed at expanding vocabulary and mastering the use of all basic verb tenses. The course facilitates active vocabulary work, enabling students to enhance their speaking and writing skills in more complex scenarios.
Spanish for Advanced Learners
At this level, learners will develop the ability to understand complex texts, articulate their viewpoints on various issues, and reflect upon different arguments. It prepares students to engage in more sophisticated conversations and understand nuanced texts.
Professional Level Spanish
Tailored for individuals aiming to refine their linguistic capabilities to a professional level. It focuses on conversational fluency, allowing learners to discuss any topic with native speakers with ease and confidence.
Corporate Training for All Levels
A Spanish program designed for employees of corporations, addressing the specific needs of legal entities. It provides a comprehensive language learning solution for businesses looking to enhance their employees’ communication skills in Spanish.
Individualized Format
A one-on-one teaching approach where the curriculum is customized to meet the personal objectives of the learner. This format offers flexibility and personalized attention, ensuring that specific goals are met.
Online Spanish
Distance learning options available for learners at any level, offering both individual and group classes. This program is ideal for those looking for flexibility in their learning schedule and environment.
Spanish in Spain
Offers short and long-term courses for those wishing to combine study with travel and leisure. This immersive experience is perfect for learners wanting to deepen their understanding of the language and culture in a native setting.