Saturday School
Group online lessons to discuss difficult topics and work through practice problems.
Next cohort starts in November 2026
Online school for
ARCHED and TIL‑A exam prep
We'll prepare you from any level to a high score!
5
official exam sections covered
30+
hours of video lectures
1000+
exercises
MENTOR SUPPORT
We adjust your plan and keep you motivated
90+
Studying in Italy
6
Instructors
The only platform you need
to get accepted
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.
Your mentor is 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.
For 6 years we've been helping students get into Italy's top architecture universities
Our students were just like you — and they made it!
Students who made the leap
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.
Plan from the source
Know the test before you study for it
Our 2026/27 guides translate official Polimi and Polito requirements into clear subject lists, timing, scoring, and admission rules.
ARCHEDARCHED test guideOfficial format, five sections, section timing, language rules, and current Polimi sources.TIL-ATIL-A test guidePolito format, scoring, dates, in-person procedure, and current official sources.COMPAREARCHED vs TIL-ASee what the tests share, what differs, and which university procedure applies.
Looking for study strategy, English resources, and past papers?
Read the preparation articleChoose your level of support
The next cohort starts in November 2026. Final packages and pricing will be announced before enrollment opens.
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Support
FAQ: Course and Entrance Test
Answers to common questions about the course format, pricing, and Arched Test and TIL-A exam preparation.
Questions About the Course
Admission strategy, pricing, schedule, and mentor support.
When does the next course start?
The next guided cohort starts in November 2026.
Which exams does the course prepare students for?
The course prepares students for the 2027 ARCHED and TIL-A exams.
When will pricing be announced?
Pricing will be announced before enrollment opens. Priority-list members will receive it first.
Do I need to pay to join the priority list?
No. Joining the priority list is free and does not commit you to purchasing.
Can I start preparing before November?
Yes. You can complete the free assessment and receive an initial preparation plan.
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, the Advanced and Mentorship plans include deeper reviews with instructors.
Is the course taught in English?
Yes, 100% English. We believe the best way to prepare for an English-taught architecture program is to live it. Our curriculum (lectures, assignments, and exam simulations) is delivered entirely in English. You won't just learn the material; you'll master the professional vocabulary and academic communication needed from day one at university.
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 Advanced and Mentorship 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 the ARCHED and TIL-A exam dates?
Dates depend on the university and academic year. Politecnico di Torino held its 2026/27 TIL-A sessions on 21 and 22 July 2026. Future dates and ARCHED dates must be checked in each university’s annual Call for Applications.
Is the ARCHED test online or in person?
The delivery format is set by the university for each intake. Check the current Call for Admissions and technical instructions rather than assuming a remote or in-person format. For comparison, Polito stated that its 2026/27 TIL-A was exclusively in person.
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.