Mathematics
Highest priority. Math carries the biggest share of TIL-I points.
- Algebra: equations, inequalities, systems, absolute value
- Functions: linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic
- Powers, radicals, exponent rules
- Analytic geometry: lines, parabolas, circles
- Plane and solid geometry: angles, similarity, areas, volumes
- Trigonometry: unit circle, identities, right triangles
- Basic probability and combinatorics
Where students lose points
Slow arithmetic. If you can shave 15 seconds off routine algebra, you gain time for the hard questions at the end of the section.
Logic
High priority. Logic is fully learnable in a few focused weeks.
- Numeric and letter sequences
- Deductive reasoning ("if A then B" chains)
- Set logic and Venn-style reasoning
- Data-sufficiency style questions
- Quantitative reasoning with tables and charts
Score gains on logic tend to be steep and quick — often the biggest single improvement in a student's mock scores.
Verbal comprehension
Medium priority (higher if Italian is not your first language).
- Short and medium Italian passages
- Main-idea and detail questions
- Inference from context
- Vocabulary in context
Non-Italian speakers should not panic — this section is trainable with regular timed practice, and pattern recognition matters more than perfect vocabulary.
Science
Medium priority.
- Basic mechanics and kinematics
- Units, dimensional analysis, orders of magnitude
- Simple electricity, waves, and thermodynamics ideas
- General scientific reasoning from short texts or diagrams
English
Lower priority for most international applicants — but do not skip it.
- Grammar: tenses, conditionals, prepositions, articles
- Vocabulary in context
- Short reading comprehension
A B1–B2 English speaker who does a few timed drills usually gets near-full marks here. Spend your marginal hours on math and logic instead.
Suggested study order
- Fix weak math fundamentals first.
- Add daily logic drills — quick wins.
- Layer in verbal comprehension in Italian.
- Take your first full TIL-I practice test.
- From there, follow the mocks: drill whatever the mocks say is weakest.
Frequently asked questions
What topics are on the TIL-I?
The TIL-I covers mathematics, logic, verbal comprehension, science, and English. Math and logic carry the largest share of the total score.
Is physics on the TIL-I?
The TIL-I includes a science section with physics-based reasoning. It is not a full physics exam but expects comfort with basic mechanics, kinematics, and unit reasoning.
How much math is on the TIL-I?
Math is the largest section. Expect algebra, functions, exponents and logarithms, geometry, trigonometry, and basic probability.
Do I need advanced English for the TIL-I?
No. The English section tests solid B1–B2 grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension — not academic-level English.
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