Which liceo to choose? A guide to the licei and who they suit
To work out which liceo to choose, it helps to flip the question: not "which liceo is best", but "which liceo most resembles who I am". Here is each liceo with a profile of its ideal student.
The licei at a glance, with the ideal profile
| Liceo | Core of the track | Ideal profile |
|---|---|---|
| Classics | Latin, Greek, literature, philosophy | you love reading, writing and deep reasoning |
| Scientific | maths, physics, science | you like understanding the world through numbers |
| Applied Sciences | scientific without Latin, more IT | science and technology, less ancient grammar |
| Linguistic | three foreign languages | you love languages and picture an international future |
| Human Sciences | psychology, pedagogy, sociology | you're interested in people and their behaviour |
| Art | drawing, painting, design, graphics | you create with your hands and think in images |
| Music & Dance | music or dance | you already play, sing or dance seriously |
Classics or scientific: the most common dilemma
It's the classic fork. The scientific is for those fascinated by maths, physics and science, perhaps thinking of engineering or medicine. The classics are for those who love history, literature and ancient languages, picturing themselves in law, communication or teaching. A myth to bust: the classics don't "close off" scientific subjects at university.
How to decide between two licei you both like
If you're torn between two, look at the defining subjects — the ones you'll do every day for five years. Then go to both open days. The test gives you the comparison in numbers, and the guide to the types of liceo lists them all.
Frequently asked questions
Which liceo is the hardest?
There is no hardest liceo for everyone. The classics are tough for those who dislike ancient languages, the scientific for those who struggle with maths. Difficulty is always relative to your weak points.
Which liceo to choose if I don't know what to do later?
The scientific and classics keep many university doors open. But more than a "joker" liceo, it's better to start from the subjects you do best in: that's where motivation holds up over time.