
LA PRÉPA écoles de commerce - Les meilleurs conseils d'étudiants (travail, stress, classement...)
13 chapters
- Introduction to Preparatory ClassesVideo PurposeThe video aims to provide comprehensive information about preparatory classes (prépa) for business schools, featuring interviews with current students and an expert journalist from L'Étudiant.Focus AreaThe video specifically covers ECS (Économique et Commerciale option Scientifique) preparatory classes, which prepare students for business school entrance exams.Expert PartnershipDavia, a journalist and editor for business schools at L'Étudiant, collaborates on this video and provides insider knowledge about prep schools.Featured StudentJuliette is a second-year preparatory student at Lycée Montaigne who offers a tour and shares her daily experiences in prep school.
- Understanding Preparatory Classes StructureSchool SetupPreparatory classes are typically located within lycées that also house middle and high schools, creating a shared campus environment like Lycée Montaigne.Dedicated Spaces• Prep students have reserved areas including a dedicated library section and study spaces • A greenhouse area (la serre) provides outdoor study space during nice weather • Study facilities are open until 8 PM, allowing students to work after regular classesStudent SeparationPrep students are typically separated from younger students, meeting them mainly at lunch, which helps create a focused academic environment.Program DurationPreparatory classes last two years and aim to prepare students for entrance exams to major business schools like HEC.
- Three Paths in Preparatory ClassesAvailable Options• ECS (Économique et Commerciale option Scientifique) - for science-focused students • ECE (Économique et Commerciale option Économique) - for economics-focused students • ECT (Économique et Commerciale option Technologique) - for students from technological backgroundsAlternative RoutesPreparatory classes are not mandatory for business schools; parallel admissions allow entry after BTS, DUT, or license programs.Elite School PreferenceTop business schools like the Parisian ones and the top five prioritize prep school graduates, though other routes exist.Selection ProcessPrestigious prep schools in Paris mainly use file-based selection, but less competitive preps also exist for those with weaker academic records.
- Choosing the Right Preparatory SchoolSelection CriteriaChoice depends on multiple factors; motivated students can find their place in prestigious Parisian preps or smaller schools with personalized support.No Bad OptionsThere are no truly bad preparatory schools; motivated students can succeed in any environment if they find the right fit for their needs.School StrengthsMontaigne stands out for group cohesion, mutual aid among students, and strong professor-student relationships.Rankings ReferenceL'Étudiant publishes an annual ranking to help students make informed choices about which prep school to attend.
- The Prep School Atmosphere and CommunityStudent ExperienceStudents spend eight to twenty hours daily together over two years, creating deep bonds and shared challenges as they all prepare for the same exams.Teamwork CultureAt Montaigne, students prioritize mutual support over competition; everyone works together knowing they face the same challenges and concours.Quality of LifeThe experience is described as amazing because students make incredible friendships and develop stronger work methods through collaboration and shared learning.Overcoming StereotypesStudents emphasize that despite the difficult reputation, prep school is interesting and motivating; one should not close doors based on misconceptions.
- Required Qualities and PrerequisitesWork CapacityStudents must have a high capacity for work and rigorous study habits to handle the demanding curriculum.Learning SkillsEffective revision abilities, strong reading comprehension, and capacity to learn and retain course material are essential.Mental ResilienceStudents should not fear the heavy workload; the work is important for those seriously wanting to integrate a top business school.Redouble OptionStudents whose ranking is not good enough can choose to redouble (cube) their second year and retake exams the following year.
- Academic Credits and University TransferCredit SystemAfter completing preparatory school, students receive ECTS credits that allow integration into university degree programs.University EntryWith credits from two years of prep school, students can enter the third year of a university license (bachelor's degree) program.Alternative PathCredits enable entry into different university tracks at the student's choice after validating the preparatory year.Safety NetThis system ensures that students not selected by top business schools still have a valid university path forward.
- Business School Selection Process and RankingsExam CompetitivenessBusiness schools like HEC are extremely selective and accessible only through competitive entrance exams.Common Test Banks• Banque Commune d'Épreuves - gathers 24 business schools (21 members and 3 associates) • Écrit Comme Prépa - includes four major business schoolsRanking ImportanceSchool admissions are determined by test ranking; higher rankings provide access to more prestigious schools.Additional ResourcesL'Étudiant website provides detailed information about different exam types, exam content, and admission procedures.
- Post-Exam Outcomes and Next StepsThree Scenarios• Good ranking: student gains admission to desired school • Moderate ranking: student admits to another good school or chooses to redouble second year • Low ranking: student must redouble or pursue university path via ECTS creditsRedouble RisksRedoubling is risky as it offers no guarantee of better results; students might rank even lower the following year.Selective NatureThe concours is highly selective, which is why preparatory students maintain very demanding work schedules to prepare optimally.Decision ProcessStudents must decide whether to lower expectations, redouble, or pursue alternative university education depending on their ranking.
- Daily Work Schedule and Time ManagementWeekly Schedule• Monday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM • Tuesday: 8 AM to 6 PM • Wednesday: 1 PM to 6:30 PM (afternoon off for Portuguese) • Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4 PM (language and general culture day) • Friday: 8:30 AM to 5 PMEvening WorkAfter arriving home at 5-6 PM, students study from 6-8 PM, eat, then review and prepare lessons from approximately 9-10:30 PM until 10:30-11 PM.Weekly AssessmentsStudents typically have two to three written exams per week to evaluate their progress.Total CommitmentThe schedule demonstrates significant daily commitment combining classroom hours, self-study, and exam preparation.
- Oral Exam Format (Colles)Colle StructureOral exams last 20 minutes: 10 minutes of presentation and 10 minutes of questions, conducted one-on-one with a professor.Exercise Format• Student receives an imposed exercise to solve • Must explain reasoning and problem-solving steps verbally • Must articulate understanding clearly to the examinerSubject VariationsEconomics, sociology, and history subjects involve 10-minute on-site preparation of a short answer related to course material, while other schools emphasize language oral exams and motivation interviews.Frequency and PurposeStudents typically have two to three colles per week across different subjects that rotate weekly, primarily to develop oral communication skills and confidence speaking with authority figures.
- Benefits and Practice Through Oral ExamsCommunication SkillsColles help students become comfortable speaking in front of unfamiliar professors and authority figures, a crucial skill for interviews and exams.Subject DifferencesScientific subjects like math feature written exercises, while literary subjects emphasize different communication formats and approaches.Practical ExperienceColles provide regular practice in articulating complex ideas verbally, which aids overall expression and confidence.Further InformationL'Étudiant's dedicated page addresses all questions about colles and provides comprehensive guidance on this important assessment method.
- Final Advice and ResourcesKey TakeawayThis video provides useful information about preparatory classes; viewers should consult L'Étudiant's website for complete information about preps and other post-secondary options.Viewer EngagementHugo invites viewers to request coverage of other post-secondary fields in the comments section.Resource LinkL'Étudiant's website offers a goldmine of essential information complementing this video with detailed prep school insights.Next StepsStudents interested in business school should visit L'Étudiant to explore preparatory classes and alternative educational pathways.





