ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
2026 Instructions, readings and suggestions for test preparation
Each school will decide independently when to administer the test depending on their academic schedule. The Foundation requires to receive the selected finalists‘tests by Friday, March 2nd, 2026.
The Palazzo Strozzi Foundation USA is proud to announce its annual High School Renaissance Award for the 2025-2026 academic school year. This award is open to all 11th grade students attending one of the participating high schools. Participants are required to register through our registration page by filling out the form with all the required questions marked by an asterisk.
READINGS:
1) A Short History of the Italian Renaissance, Chapter 1 Cox (15-33)
2) A Short History of the Italian Renaissance, Chapter 6 Cox (167-205)
3) The Swerve: How the World Became Modern by Stephen Greenblatt (Chapter 5, “Birth and Rebirth”)
4) Hamilton,Adams,Jefferson by D.Staloff (3-13)
5) The Italian Renaissance by J.H. Plumb (192-237)
6) The Greatest Sentence Ever Written by Walter Isaacson (pp 1-41)
Download the readings here.
THE TEST
We suggest reading the entire selection to be ready to answer the in-class hybrid test questions.
The test will be taken in class, supervised by a teacher, at a date decided at discretion of each school, based on their academic schedules. The test will be closed book and will be composed by both multiple choice and short answer questions.
Use of the internet during the test will not be permitted. The hybrid test will be composed by multiple choice and short answer questions covering the readings assigned.
School representatives will determine the six highest test scorers. The six finalists will then be called for one-to-one interviews by the Palazzo Strozzi Foundation USA’s Advisory Committee. Interviews will be conducted in person if the student attends one of the participating New York City schools, or remotely if the student does not (Los Angeles & Detroit).
Award decisions will be announced by the end of March 2025.
Based on the test and personal interviews with the Advisory committee, two students from each school will be awarded a chaperoned, all-expenses-paid, one-month academic program based in Florence, Italy during the month of July 2026. Students will study the evolution of Renaissance art, architecture, literature, science, and politics during their time abroad. In addition to their studies in Florence, students will participate in educational excursions to Milan, Rome, Venice, and surrounding regions of Florence.
Students will also receive guidance to write their College Common Application essay. At the conclusion of the program each student will return home with a completed draft of a College Common Application essay.
The purpose of this award program is to expose students to the Italian Renaissance, culture, and help strengthen their college applications.
Tips for testing day:
- Follow the 8-10 hours minimum suggested sleep time the night prior to the test
- Pack water and snacks for your test day
- Have a fulfilling and nutritious breakfast
- Please make sure you write on your test the following information on the front page:
Date
Participant’s full name
Name of participant’s high school
- Most importantly, bring a positive mindset!