Part 1 - All about the University
Timestamps
19:40 – Tuition fees for medicine in cattolica
21:40 – Scholarship options for private medschools
22:30 – Private dorms for international medical students
26:38 – Teaching and Study Facilities
30:28 – Sports Facilities
32:17 – Class Dynamics
35:46 – Quality of Professors
37:16 – Warning for future students
What is Cattolica's unique entrance exam all about?
The Cattolica opening exam consists of 65 multiple choice questions, split between the four basic sciences; biology, chemistry, physics, and maths, followed by critical thinking and problem solving questions. This is similar to the IMAT. However, as a Catholic school, Cattolica also presents you 5 religious based questions. These exams are held in March, rather than September for the IMAT, and admissions begin in September. Both international and non-international students sit entry this way.
Why choose Cattolica?
The main reason why a student may choose Cattolica over other schools is the international reputation. Links to other schools, such as Stanford University with the Palo Alto joint programme, make Cattolica incredibly reputable. Furthermore the international internships and volunteer opportunities that Cattolica provides are second to none.
How are the class timetables scheduled?
Classes at Cattolica are pretty rigidly timetabled. Classes follow solid by hour by week schedule, e.g. Every Monday at 9:30 is Biochemistry. In later years, more practical work and time spent with professors means the timetable is scheduled by yourself.
How are the exams taken?
Most exams are done in the traditional combination of either written or oral, or both written and oral. There are also integrative courses; for example, in the case of basic sciences, we have a combination of chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and mathematics. All of that is combined into a single exam that is going to be both written and oral. You are able to reject grades in attempts to improve at Cattolica, with many chances for retakes offered.
How is the academic year timetabled?
Aside from the exception of the aforementioned entry exam timetabling, Cattolica follows a familiar 2 semester formula of scheduling, beginning the year in September, and running until December, with the second semester starting in January, until May. Cattolica does offer an extra opportunity to take exams from prior years, offering students two dates in September.
What's to know about the clinical experience at Cattolica?
Practical works begins early with a nursing practice class, away from a real clinical setting. Later types of practical work include the infectious disease department, where students will be able to observe daily ward practices.
Are there any language requirements?
Cattolica lists no specific language certificates in the admissions other than in English, but there will be an obvious expectancy placed on you to learn Italian as you progress through the years. The university does provide language lessons to aid in the students growth and fluency.
Does Cattolica conduct cadaver dissections?
Due to the nature of COVID conditions, most close up lab work is out of order. However, speculative hearsay has it that dissections have and may once again take place.
How are the tuition fees for Cattolica?
There are different rates for EU students and non EU students. EU students see fixed costs, 15,000 euro per annum. For EU students, with the possibility to apply for a tax reduction, prices range from 7000 to 15,000 euro per annum.
What are the scholarship opportunities?
Cattolica only offers the UCSC International Scholarship; an annual tuition fee of 37{bb8d53cabbfbfa48737bbedab9cb9b55bf5183c8f56cc8e5fd88b7a4065b00a7} of the total cost of tuition fees. This is to enable international student more access to the degree programmes.
How is the accommodation/housing?
Being Rome, Cattolica has the housing opportunities you’d expect as well as some you wouldn’t. There are a lot of dorms available via the university, divided by gender only dorms, which are around 30 minutes away from general campus. The cost of a single room is around 4500 euros per annum (~375 per month). Based on your grades and other merits, you can be selected for a free room for the rest of the academic year.
How are the facilities?
Cattolica has multiple dedicated study rooms, where there’s Wi Fi access. The Institute of Urology is where most of the classes are held. In the first and second floors there are also dedicated study rooms, though they’re less they’re less well equipped. Library facilities are excellent, these as well as many of the labs have received much financial attention recently.
How are the class dynamics?
Students range from 19 to 26 years old, with a large international range of backgrounds; which might not be exactly what one would expect of a Catholic university.
How good is the quality of professor?
The level of English of the professors is excellent. The reading and research materials are of quality and quantity. Generally, Cattolica holds a high quality.
What is a must know before choosing Cattolica?
A Cattolica student should be ready to explore different study methods, and approach each subject differently. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or team up with people, start socialising early with your classmates. Always take advantages of the university resources, make the most out of every specialty and opportunity Cattolica provides.