Your child has just started their final year of high school, and the question of post-bac orientation is already looming. Does the thought of putting together a Parcoursup application makes you break into a cold sweat? Relax! By following the tips we’ve gathered, everything should go smoothly.
In this first article of our series dedicated to post-bac orientation, we’re tackling the bane of students (and parents!) of the French education system: Parcoursup! Since 2018, this platform has been the gateway for high school seniors to submit their choices for higher education. To fully understand the stakes, avoid pitfalls, and focus on what really works, we consulted Laila Benyahya, a guidance counselor who works independently and knows the ins and outs of Parcoursup. She sheds light on the best way to prepare for higher education.
Around December 20th, Parcoursup will be open for students to explore. For those who don’t know yet, this platform from the French Ministry of National Education is essentially a search engine. The site lists more than 15,000 programs: from preparatory classes for top schools to bachelor’s degrees, technical diplomas, and more.
Understanding Parcoursup
Choosing a study path is something to think about, discover, and most importantly, experience. As the guidance professional we met reminded us: “Don’t hesitate to use your personal network for your children. Arrange for them to meet, over coffee or after a workout, with professionals like a doctor, architect, accountant, banker, etc.”
Additionally, the Thôtis website is a highly practical tool recommended by Laila Benyahya. As a reference media for orientation, it helps young people find their way. With intuitive videos and youth-friendly resources, Thôtis provides numerous tips for high school students. Anything that helps them get a more concrete idea of the job they wish to pursue is beneficial.
At school, if your child is lucky enough to have a PRIO (resource person in information and orientation), they should not hesitate to meet them (parents are also welcome). The school’s librarian is another valuable resource. Encourage your child to visit and ask for information on different fields that may interest them. This helps refine their choices for higher education and career prospects. By the end of December, when the platform opens, your child should already have some clear ideas about their orientation.
Laila Benyahya emphasizes that understanding Parcoursup is essential. Whether it means spending hours scrolling through the platform’s various sections with your child or seeking the help of a counselor who knows the site well, it’s worth it. There are numerous filters to apply, and the FAQ section is full of useful answers.
Making smart choices
After exploring the platform in depth, from January 20th, your children will need to register their profiles and make their initial choices and sub-choices. No need to stress; they can make changes until March 29th.
To do it right, Laila Benyahya recommends conducting a careful and realistic benchmarking of relevant programs with your children. The data from Parcoursup, which is linked to the Ministry of Education, must be analyzed thoroughly. Several criteria come into play, such as the ranking of the school or university, the rates of refused applications, and the rates of accepted students based on their previous schools, among others. This process, which may seem complex, is crucial to giving your child the best possible chance.
It’s better to apply with precision and strategy rather than submitting applications left and right. Many young people mistakenly believe that they increase their chances by multiplying choices across various fields, but this is a classic post-bac orientation error. Students will have until early April to finalize their applications.
Securing your choices
The most important thing to remember is that your child’s post-bac orientation depends on several factors. Laila Benyahya stresses that this is a tripartite relationship benefiting the higher education project, involving parents, school staff, and of course, the motivation of your child. To strengthen their application and secure access to their chosen schools and universities, Laila Benyahya offers a few final tips.
On Parcoursup, during the finalization phase, your child’s teachers will complete a “fiche avenir” (future sheet), an online space where they will provide their overall assessment of your child’s engagement and skills. This document will be reviewed by the admissions staff of the institutions to which your child applies. Therefore, it’s important that your child discuss their post-bac orientation plans with their teachers (not just their main subject teachers).
The goal is also to encourage your child to gain autonomy and take on more responsibility. They are on the verge of becoming a young adult and a future student. They can also ask teachers who know them well to write recommendation letters, which can be a valuable addition to their application.
Finally, let’s remember that everyone can make mistakes. Choosing a path at 17 or 18 can lead to some missteps, and it’s essential to be understanding with your teens. Fortunately, Parcoursup allows students to reorient freely the following year. The platform offers opportunities for new students to pivot toward different paths or to choose entirely new fields.
