An almost unavoidable step in order to gain access to competitive examinations for the most prestigious higher education establishments, such as higher normal schools (ENS), engineering schools, business schools or national veterinary schools (ENV), admission to preparatory classes for the Grandes Ecoles (CPGE) requires an irreproachable school curriculum.

In order to succeed in integrating these highly selective courses, we dissect the essential criteria sought by the CPGEs in the files of high school students.

Impeccable grades

To succeed in being admitted to the preparatory class, academic excellence is essential.

And for good reason: the level required in class is significantly higher than that of high school.

Only the best students can therefore hope to be admitted.

But you don't have to be a genius to enter a CPGE either!

In order to be accepted, you have to bet on a general average of at least 14/20, and at least 16/20 for the most selective establishments such as Louis-le-Grand, Henri IV or Sainte-Geneviève.

Your file must also be consistent with your choices on Parcoursup.

Thus, if you wish to integrate an MPSI preparation (mathematics, physics and engineering sciences), you will have to present excellent marks in the scientific subjects, while slight weaknesses in English or French will not necessarily be prohibitive.

Similarly, to enter hypokhâgne (literary preparation), you will be forgiven for a fairly low average in science, but your level in French, philosophy, languages ​​and history-geography must be very good.

A mature attitude

The two or even three years of preparatory class require total personal investment, as well as a great sense of work and responsibility.

You must therefore show seriousness, autonomy, diligence, organization and rigour, but also great mental strength so as not to slacken your efforts.

If, despite your good grades, you have a tendency to be dissipated in class, to skip certain subjects, to submit your homework late or to argue with your classmates and this appears in the assessments of the teachers appearing on your high school report cards, it is your file may be refused during the selections.

Conversely, a general average slightly below expectations may be offset by a studious attitude and high motivation.

The praise of your teachers could then be your sesame for the preparation!

The little bonuses

In addition to being a brilliant student, do you also have other passions that make you vibrate outside of school?

Whether it's playing a musical instrument at the conservatory, a high-level sport, computer science or even drawing, don't hesitate to promote these hobbies.

Our “HIGHER EDUCATION” dossier

They prove that you are able to invest yourself fully in a field that is close to your heart and reveal a certain open-mindedness that is very much appreciated in prep, especially in the literary streams.

Do not hesitate to include a letter of recommendation from your professors in your file.

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The high school of origin, a handicap?

If you are educated in a priority education zone or in a small rural high school and are afraid that it will harm you or that you will not be up to it, rest assured.

Indeed, even if the students are hand-picked, the level and situation of the school are not always taken into account in the selections and do not disqualify the most deserving students, even if some major Parisian preparatory schools may be more watching.


In addition, nearly 30% of students admitted each year to CPGE are scholarship holders and their results at the end of the competitions attest that their place is well deserved!

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