How to prepare for the Medicine and Surgery Cattolica 2027 test

The Medicine and Surgery English-taught program at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome has a specific admission test with defined subjects, scoring rules, timing, and requirements. In this guide, we explain the 2027 test structure, the official syllabus, where to start if you are beginning from scratch, how to organize your preparation over 1, 3 or 5 months (if you start in October, there are about five months until the test on 17 March 2027; from November, follow the 3-month plan), the most common mistakes to avoid, and how to approach the final week before the exam.

How the Medicine and Surgery Cattolica English Test Is Structured

The admission test for the Medicine and Surgery English program is entirely conducted in English.

The test is:

• Computer-based
• Conducted online from home
• Made up of 65 multiple-choice questions
• Each question has 5 answer options
• Only 1 answer is correct
• Duration: 65 minutes

After the main test, candidates receive 7 reserve questions to be completed in 7 additional minutes. These questions are used only if one or more regular questions are later cancelled.

Subjects and Number of Questions

The most important sections are therefore:

• Logical Reasoning
• Biology
• Chemistry

These account for the majority of the exam.

Scoring System

The maximum possible score is 65 points.

To be considered eligible, candidates must achieve at least 20 points out of 65.

Because incorrect answers carry a penalty, guessing randomly can lower the final score.

Official Syllabus: What to Study

The official syllabus focuses primarily on:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics

For Logical Reasoning, the university provides dedicated practice materials.

For Ethical and Religious Culture, specific official readings are indicated.

Biology Topics

Biology includes:

• Chemistry of living organisms
• Biological molecules
• Enzymes
• Cell structure
• Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• Cell membrane
• Cellular organelles
• Cell cycle
• Mitosis and meiosis
• Bioenergetics
• Adenosine triphosphate
• Photosynthesis
• Glycolysis
• Cellular respiration
• Fermentation
• Mendelian genetics
• Molecular genetics
• DNA structure and replication
• Genetic code
• Protein synthesis
• Mutations
• Evolution
• Human anatomy
• Human physiology
• Organ systems
• Homeostasis

Biology accounts for 18 questions, making it one of the most important subjects.

Chemistry Topics

Chemistry includes:

• Structure of matter
• States of matter
• Atomic structure
• Atomic particles
• Atomic number
• Isotopes
• Electron configuration
• Periodic table
• Periodic properties
• Ionic bonds
• Covalent bonds
• Metallic bonds
• Intermolecular forces
• Inorganic nomenclature
• Chemical reactions
• Stoichiometry
• Mole concept
• Avogadro's number
• Solutions
• Concentration
• Chemical equilibrium
• Acids and bases
• pH
• Oxidation and reduction
• Organic chemistry fundamentals
• Hydrocarbons
• Functional groups

Chemistry accounts for 12 questions.

Physics Topics

Physics includes:

• Physical quantities
• Units of measurement
• Kinematics
• Uniform motion
• Uniformly accelerated motion
• Circular motion
• Dynamics
• Forces
• Work
• Energy
• Momentum
• Fluid mechanics
• Pressure
• Archimedes' principle
• Thermology
• Thermodynamics
• Electrostatics
• Electric current
• Ohm's law
• Joule effect
• Electromagnetic induction

Physics accounts for 4 questions.

Mathematics Topics

Mathematics includes:

• Natural numbers
• Integers
• Rational and real numbers
• Powers
• Roots
• Logarithms
• Percentages
• Proportions
• Combinatorics
• Polynomials
• Equations
• Inequalities
• Systems of equations
• Functions
• Exponential functions
• Logarithmic functions
• Trigonometric functions
• Plane geometry
• Analytic geometry
• Trigonometry
• Probability
• Statistics

Mathematics accounts for 4 questions.

Logical Reasoning

Logical Reasoning is the largest section of the exam with 20 questions.

Preparation should focus on:

• Reading comprehension
• Logical deductions
• Relationships and patterns
• Numerical reasoning
• Data interpretation
• Critical thinking
• Time management

This section is particularly important because it is the first tie-break criterion used in the ranking process.

Ethical and Religious Culture

This section contains 5 questions.

The university recommends specific official readings, which should be studied carefully because these questions can influence the final ranking.

How to Prepare for the Test

Preparation should begin with a clear understanding of the actual exam structure.

The main priorities are:

• Understanding the subjects and scoring system
• Studying the official syllabus
• Training Logical Reasoning consistently
• Practicing scientific subjects in English
• Completing timed simulations
• Learning how to manage negative marking
• Monitoring weaknesses and recurring mistakes

TestBuddy can help simplify preparation by combining simulations, topic-based exercises, digital theory, performance statistics, and the TB Score in a single platform.

Where to Start If You Are Beginning From Scratch

Students starting from zero should follow a simple progression:

• Learn the test structure
• Identify the most heavily weighted subjects
• Begin with Biology, Chemistry, and Logical Reasoning
• Add Physics and Mathematics gradually
• Study the recommended Ethical and Religious Culture materials
• Start practicing questions immediately
• Use mistakes to identify weak areas

The goal is not to study everything equally but to focus on what the admission test actually evaluates.

1-Month Study Plan

With only 1 month available, preparation must be highly focused.

Priority should be given to:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Logical Reasoning

During this period:

• Study theory daily
• Solve questions every day
• Practice timed exercises
• Review mistakes continuously
• Complete full-length simulations before test day

3-Month Study Plan

With 3 months available, preparation can be divided into phases.

First Month

• Learn the official syllabus
• Build foundations in Biology and Chemistry
• Start Logical Reasoning practice

Second Month

• Increase question practice
• Add Physics and Mathematics
• Begin timed sessions
• Review weak topics

Third Month

• Focus on full simulations
• Improve time management
• Strengthen weaker subjects
• Train under realistic exam conditions

5-Month Plan (October to March)

With 5 months available, preparation can be more comprehensive.

Months 1-2

• Biology foundations
• Chemistry foundations
• Continuous Logical Reasoning training

Months 3-4

• Physics
• Mathematics
• Mixed-topic exercises
• Timed practice

Month 5

• Timed full simulations
• Ethical and Religious Culture preparation
• Consolidation of scientific subjects
• Error analysis
• Weakness correction
• Final revision

Using tools such as TestBuddy's simulations, statistics, and TB Score can make progress easier to track throughout this process.

How the University Recommends Preparing

The university provides:

• Official scientific topics
• Logical Reasoning materials
• Ethical and Religious Culture readings
• An official practice simulator available after registration

The simulator contains approximately 3,000 questions previously used or released for practice purposes.

However, the university clearly states that actual exam questions are not selected from this simulator. It should therefore be used to understand question style, timing, and difficulty rather than for memorization.

Common Preparation Mistakes

The most common mistakes include:

• Treating all subjects equally
• Neglecting Logical Reasoning
• Delaying Biology and Chemistry preparation
• Ignoring Physics and Mathematics
• Guessing randomly despite negative marking
• Memorizing simulator questions
• Focusing only on theory
• Not practicing in English
• Never completing full-length simulations
• Ignoring technical requirements for the online exam

How to Avoid These Mistakes

A more effective approach is to:

• Prioritize subjects according to their weight
• Practice consistently
• Analyze every mistake
• Track weak areas
• Simulate real exam conditions
• Monitor performance over time
• Verify technical requirements before test day

Each mistake should become useful information for improving performance.

The Final Week Before the Exam

With the test on 17 March 2027, the final week runs from 10 to 16 March 2027.

The focus should be on:

• Full simulations
• Reviewing mistakes
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Logical Reasoning
• Essential Physics formulas
• Essential Mathematics formulas
• Time management

The final week should prioritize consolidation rather than learning entirely new topics.

The Day Before the Exam

The day before the test, candidates should verify:

• Valid identification document
• Test invitation
• Registration confirmation
• Computer functionality
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Internet connection
• Browser requirements
• Exam room setup
• Absence of prohibited devices

Because the exam is taken remotely, technical preparation is essential.

Exam Day

On exam day, candidates must:

• Connect at the assigned time
• Complete identification procedures
• Remain in the room during the test
• Avoid communication with others
• Avoid unauthorized materials
• Use only permitted tools

Late arrivals after the identification phase closes are not admitted to the exam.

Key Dates for 2027

Official Resources

Information regarding the admission test structure, scoring system, syllabus, dates, and regulations is based on the university's official admission page, the official 2027/28 admission call, the international admission guidelines, the official preparation materials, the scientific syllabus, and the Logical Reasoning practice materials provided by the university.