Saturday School
Group online lessons to discuss difficult topics and work through practice problems.
Enrollment for the 2026/2027 cycle is open
Online school
for ARCHED and TIL-A preparation
We'll prepare you from any level to a high score!
96%*
Get into their target universities
*among those who completed the full course
30+
hours of video lectures
1000+
exercises
MENTOR SUPPORT
We adjust your plan and keep you motivated
90+
Studying in Italy
6
Instructors
Everything you need to get in, in one platform
pontea.school
Video Lectures
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Video Lectures
30+ hours of recorded lectures with clear, exam-focused explanations.
A place where every student gets personal attention
We create an environment where our students grow. Online lessons, mentors, and community accelerate your progress in ARCHED preparation.
Mentor Always Nearby
Every two weeks, your mentor reviews progress and updates your study plan.
Community of Students and Teachers
Connect with other students and ask teachers questions in our chat spaces.
5 years preparing students for Italy's top architecture universities
Our students were just like you — and they made it!
Renata
PoliMi Student
"The courses were organized with incredible quality and convenience — interactive platform, engaging lectures, and a large number of practical exercises. Beyond the vast amount of material, the courses also helped greatly with motivation. It's so much easier to prepare when you know you're not doing it alone."
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Verified Student
Renata
PoliMi Student
Daria
PoliMi Graduate
"Girls, thank you so much! I had been preparing before the course, but it was very difficult because of the Italian. The webinars and notes are super structured — even I, with terrible history knowledge, was able to understand and learn a lot!!! Thank you so much for this course!!!!!"
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Verified Student
Daria
PoliMi Graduate
Milana
PoliMi Student
"The most valuable thing is being immediately immersed in the vocabulary, the language, and the atmosphere — without any acclimatization time. But the most useful aspect is the consistent, repeated practice throughout the entire course, rather than cramming everything into one month."
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Verified Student
Milana
PoliMi Student
Rusty
PoliMi Student
"This course is an essential tool in any effort to prepare for the entry exam. It structured the process and syllabus in a way I couldn't, and gave me all the knowledge and confidence to pass the test. Shoutout to the caring and supportive teachers!"
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Verified Student
Rusty
PoliMi Student
Marina
PoliMi Student
"As for the PoliMi preparation course, I can say that absolutely everything was useful. Every subject and topic gave me new knowledge and skills that I use in my studies and in life. I plan to continue with a Master's degree and then a PhD."
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Verified Student
Marina
PoliMi Student
Worried it won't work out?
We've been through it — and we know how to help
1
I know nothing about this
Everyone is already preparing, and I just found out about the exam
We'll figure it out together. Step by step, everything will fall into place.
2
there's not enough time
I don't know my level or whether I'll make it in time
We'll map your current level and build a realistic plan to reach your target score in time.
3
I'm preparing blind
I'm studying, but I don't know if I'm heading in the right direction
A mentor will be there to check, guide, and support you.
4
what if I fail
I'm afraid I'll forget everything during the exam
You'll solve dozens of timed mock tests, and the format will become second nature.
1
I know nothing about this
Everyone is already preparing, and I just found out about the exam
We'll figure it out together. Step by step, everything will fall into place.
2
there's not enough time
I don't know my level or whether I'll make it in time
We'll map your current level and build a realistic plan to reach your target score in time.
3
I'm preparing blind
I'm studying, but I don't know if I'm heading in the right direction
A mentor will be there to check, guide, and support you.
4
what if I fail
I'm afraid I'll forget everything during the exam
You'll solve dozens of timed mock tests, and the format will become second nature.
Choose your preparation format
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Questions About the Course
Admission strategy, pricing, schedule, and mentor support.
Is this course suitable if I have not decided between Polimi and PoliTo yet?
Yes. The program covers requirements for both exams (TEST ARCHED and TIL-A). We give a universal foundation across all 5 sections, and during strategy sessions and mentor consultations we help you prioritize a university based on your mock test scores.
My math/physics level is weak. Can I still handle it?
The course is designed for preparation from zero. We do not just give formulas, we explain the logic behind exam-style problems. For students who need more attention, ADVANCED and MENTORSHIP plans include deeper reviews with instructors.
What language is the course delivered in?
The course is available in two languages. Communication, announcements, and strategy sessions are in Russian. Theory and practice are mostly in English: terminology, tests, and lectures are adapted so that you can both pass the exam and feel confident in your first university classes.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. We understand this is a serious investment in your future. Installment plans are available for all packages. If checkout did not work on the site, contact support.
Can I upgrade my plan during the course?
Yes. You can upgrade your plan by paying only the difference. Many students start independently, but later decide they want mentor support and Saturday review sessions.
How much time per week should I plan for preparation?
For a solid result, we recommend 6 to 10 hours per week. This includes watching lectures, doing homework, and attending live sessions.
Who are mentors and how do they help?
Our mentors are students or graduates of top architecture universities in Italy (Polimi, PoliTo) who have already gone through this path. They do not just check homework: they share practical life in Italy, help you keep motivation, and make sure you stay on your study plan.
What about documents and visa? Do you help with that?
Our core focus is academic preparation. However, in chats on the Basic and Individual plans, we also discuss bureaucratic steps and help you avoid critical deadline mistakes.
Questions About the Entrance Test
Format, scoring, dates, and key differences between Arched Test and TIL-A.
What is Arched Test (Italy architecture entrance exam)?
Arched Test is a CISIA-managed entrance exam used for admission to Architecture and Building Engineering-Architecture programmes in Italy. Many applicants search for it as "architecture entrance exam Italy". At Politecnico di Milano (Polimi), the compulsory admission test is called Arched Test.
Which universities require Arched Test and TIL-A for Architecture in Italy?
Politecnico di Milano requires Arched Test for Architecture-related admission routes. CISIA's Arched Test is adopted by several Italian universities for architecture admissions. Politecnico di Torino (Polito) uses its own test called TIL-A (Architecture). Always verify your target programme's Call for Admissions because rules, dates, and seats can differ by university and by EU/non-EU category.
Arched Test (Polimi) and TIL-A (Polito): what is the difference and how to prepare?
Arched Test (Politecnico di Milano) and TIL-A (Politecnico di Torino) follow the ministerial test model: 50 multiple-choice questions in 100 minutes across 5 sections. The biggest differences are usually administrative (registration platform, test dates/venue/remote vs in-person, ranking rules and seat quotas). Preparation should still be tailored to the specific university's official instructions and typical question style.
Arched Test structure: how many questions, how many minutes, what topics?
The standard structure is 50 multiple-choice questions in 100 minutes (max 50 points). Sections: Reading comprehension; Knowledge/History (including art history); Logical reasoning; Drawing & Representation; Physics & Mathematics. Each section is timed.
When are Arched Test and TIL-A exam dates?
Dates depend on the university and the academic year. For example, Politecnico di Milano scheduled Arched Test sessions in late July for the 2025/26 intake (English and Italian on different days). For Polito TIL-A, dates are announced in the annual Call for Applications. Always rely on the official Call/Bando for your year.
Is Arched Test online (TEST@HOME) or in person (TEST@UNI)?
It can be either. CISIA supports both TEST@HOME (remote) and TEST@UNI (in university computer labs). Your target university will state the exact format in its Call for Admissions and technical requirements.
Is the architecture entrance test different for EU vs non-EU applicants?
The test content is usually the same, but universities often apply different deadlines, document checks, and seat quotas for EU/Italian-equivalent vs non-EU applicants. This impacts ranking and admission outcomes.
Is there a passing score for Arched Test and TIL-A?
Usually there is no fixed passing score. Admission is based on a ranking: seats are assigned in score order (and sometimes by stated preferences), until places are filled. In practice, the required score changes each year with competition and seat quotas.