What is a "prépa"?

If one chose a "traditional" way of getting admitted to a Grande Ecole, here are some key facts which might be helpful.

• Two-Year Preparatory Courses: CPGEs (Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles) serve as intensive preparatory courses for entrance into prestigious Grandes Écoles. Admission to CPGE is highly selective and competitive.

• Application Process: High School Graduates apply directly after obtaining their baccalauréat or its equivalent.

• Selection Criteria: Admission relies on academic excellence, especially in specific subjects related to the chosen CPGE field.

• Intensive Study: CPGEs involve rigorous coursework, including lectures, tutorials, and examinations, preparing students extensively for the demanding entrance exams of Grandes Écoles.

• Educational Structure: CPGEs are offered in public or private lycées and involve an intense curriculum designed to enhance students' knowledge and skills for specific Grande École tracks.

• Success Rates: High-performing CPGE programs boast significant success rates in entrance exams to prestigious Grandes Écoles, often determining future career prospects in specialized fields.