A few days before the second phase of Fuvest, candidates are intensifying their preparation to face two days of writing tests, Sunday (14) and Monday (15). A total of 30,787 students will participate in the final stage of the selection process, which requires mastery of content, clarity in writing and attention to answers.
To help candidates, the experts consulted by the Leaf choose some important topics for the second phase of the USP entrance exam.
The first phase is worth 100 points and the second phase, divided into two days, is worth an additional 200.
On the first day, the essay counts for 50 points and the ten questions on Portuguese language, literature and grammar together are worth 50 points.
The second consists of 12 specific questions, each worth five points, totaling 60 points. The final score is defined by a rule of three. Thus, a candidate obtains 50 points, the following calculation would be: 50 X 100/60.
Test structure
Understanding the test structure is the first step toward good performance. Viktor Lemos, Anglo course director, explains that the first day of Fuvest will require the candidate to have the ability and competence to interpret different textual genres.
“The test is very demanding to measure the candidate’s interpretation of the text and also what he has mastered in grammar, but not in this memorization model. It is a grammar applied to interpretation, to daily life,” explains the director.
Director Marco Xavier, of the Leonardo da Vinci school, which is part of the Inspira Rede de Educadores, says that retaking the tests from previous editions helps students reinforce the knowledge studied in recent months.
To practice discursive responses, Xavier suggests that the candidate simulate the real space of the test, with half an A4 sheet for each item, divided between part A and part B. “It is very important to practice handwriting, because the notebook has no lines.”
For students who usually write in large letters, the director explains that they should adjust the size and, if necessary, take a transparent ruler – which is allowed by the exam board – to keep the text aligned.
Time management
In the second phase of Fuvest, participants will have four hours spread over the two test days. This means that candidates will have more time to complete the essay questions, but it does not guarantee “infinite time.”
On the first day, experts advise the student to divide the test into two stages. The first is to write the essay, which takes about an hour and a half to two hours. In the second moment, for the discursive elements.
Ideally, the participant should also practice their response time, using previous questions from the entrance exam. In addition to timing the time spent, the student can assess what needs to be improved.
“In this space of half an A4 sheet, the student can practice each answer. (…) This is so that he can practice organizing the answer. The questions in the second phase require very good organization on the part of the student in terms of clarity, organization of the answer and assertiveness”, explains Xavier.
Pay attention to the order of the question
On both the first and second days, Fuvest’s discursive questions generally consist of two commandments. This means that the item cites, for example, two verbs, such as “explain and compare”, “cite and explain” and others.
“Sometimes the candidate only does one, so they have to be very attentive to mastering the question, it’s very important,” explains Viktor Lemos, from Anglo. “In the second phase, the student cannot choose subjects, he must have in-depth knowledge of all subjects.”
In addition to respecting what is requested by the command, the director of the Anglo Course also emphasizes the importance of not straying from the subject of the problem. “What is a sin of excess? The student goes there and starts adding lots of things for which he is not responsible. As a result, his grade will be deducted.”
“When a student makes mistakes or writes too much, the examiner will understand that this student has difficulty with the Portuguese language,” adds Marco Xavier, from the Leonardo da Vinci school.
To avoid deviating from the theme proposed in the item command, Xavier gives some advice so that the student does not lose points on the exam. “Read the statement, circle the order of the question, trace, compare, point out and justify. This way the candidate should get straight to the point.”
Fuvest Entrance Exam Schedule 2026
- 2nd Phase: December 14 and 15
Doors open: 12 p.m.
Doors close: 1 p.m.
Start of tests: 1 p.m.
- Specific musical skills tests: December 9 and 12
- Specific skills tests in visual arts: December 11
- Performing arts specific skills test: December 5 and 9
- First call: January 23, 2026
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