Creating a file in Parcoursup is almost an ordeal in itself, as the higher education registration platform crystallizes the anxieties of high school students, and their parents, about their student and professional future.
The stress is even greater when academic results are insufficient or supposedly not up to the level of training targeted.
But don't give up: even with a grade book at half mast, you have cards to play in trying to get a place in higher education via Parcoursup.
Obviously the strategy will differ depending on whether you are in second, first or final year.
Parcoursup: what grades are taken into account?
If you are in second year,
there is still time to raise your average, because the grades taken into account for the application files in Parcoursup are those of first and first two terms of final year.
Find out more via the Parcoursup website;
each training course has its own sheet on which the prerequisites are indicated, that is to say the expectations of those responsible for the training, particularly in terms of academic results, in the disciplines which interest them.
To read about it, once you have found the training(s) that interest you, click on “See the file” then “General criteria for examining wishes”.
Also read Admission on file to major schools: “You have to get started!
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If you are in your first year,
again, it is possible to work hard to get a good report card for the last quarter of this year, and the first two of your final year.
Even if your first two terms are average or even bad, a real increase in grades will be welcomed by your teachers in the report cards: a “Camille made real progress at the end of the year” can have an effect.
Likewise, if you are in second or first year, do not neglect your behavior in class: file examiners are much more attentive than you think to problems of discipline, absence, or tardiness, which is easy to “guess” by reading the comments of your high school teachers – sent via the Avenir sheet.
Some training courses have configured their classification algorithm to highlight certain key words such as “indiscipline” or “absences”, or even “insufficient work”... Being impeccable on these 3 points is the way to, perhaps, get ahead another candidate who will have a slightly higher average but serious behavioral problems, or sudden tardiness.
If you are in your final year
, on the other hand, “the chips are down” for grades.
Your first and first two terms of final year are behind you, it's too late to have regrets.
But all is not lost !
Here are our tips for attracting admissions panels who will examine your file via the cover letter, but also the special area.
Parcoursup file: work thoroughly on your cover letter (motivated training project)
As you can imagine, not all training managers who select the files of their future students read all the motivated training projects.
It is physically impossible for a certain number of them - difficult to read 14,000 motivated projects for 4 or 5 teachers in 15 days... On the most requested training courses, it is an algorithm calibrated according to the expectations of each training course which will carry out an initial classification according to precise criteria - overweighting of certain disciplines, underweighting in others.
But sometimes, it can happen that your motivated project, or your cover letter, is read (and even more so in literary and human sciences sectors).
And since you don't know if she will or not, you might as well treat her.
Don't make the mistake of copying and pasting a ready-made letter found on the Internet - your interlocutors have probably already had it hundreds of times!
Show in this letter that you understand the main objectives or major areas of study of the training you are aiming for, and explain simply but in detail why it interests you.
So don't say "I want to do an LEA degree because I like English", but "later I would like to work in international trade and English is the most spoken language in the world of commerce".
Or any other personal formula!
Read also Parcoursup: advice for writing your “motivated training project”
Parcoursup file: highlight your extracurricular assets
Don't forget to fill out the “Activities and interests” section of your Parcoursup file.
According to the discussions we had with professors responsible for reading candidates' files, many of them do not complete this part.
It is a mistake.
Of course, not everyone has had the chance to take trips abroad, or take piano lessons since kindergarten - but everyone has activities, hobbies or passions outside of high school.
Did you do a 3rd year internship which fascinated you and which made you want to choose this or that course?
Say it!
Do you give support lessons to your little neighbors?
Tell it.
Do you play in a band with friends, are you passionate about baking or astronomy, are you knowledgeable about the history of BTS or are you an absolute fan of Manchester United?
These are all areas of interest that may be of interest if they have even a tenuous link with the training you are aiming for.
If baking is your hobby, you know the importance of following instructions exactly - a useful skill if you're aiming for science studies.
Your passion for rap has undoubtedly allowed you to see English in a different light and to enrich your vocabulary, even if it is not very academic, etc.
All the elements that allow the person who reads your prose to better guess what personality is hidden behind your file are good to present.
Read alsoParcoursup: example of a CV for your Post Bac registration file
Have realistic plans B
Even if you are the most motivated of the candidates, your academic record may not allow you to land the career of your dreams.
Don't give up on it though: on Parcoursup you can make up to 10 different wishes and 20 sub-wishes, use them.
Indicate the wishes that you prefer, but don't forget plans B, or even plans C, so as not to find yourself without any proposals.
Example, if you are aiming for a hyper-selective MPSI prep class: keep it in your wishes, but also think about less selective local prep classes who may be happy to make a place for you, and don't forget to ask for plan B university degrees in physics or maths.
Especially since between now and June and the start of responses to your wishes, it is entirely possible that you will have changed your mind and ultimately want to go to college rather than prep.
In other words: be both ambitious, don't censor yourself, but be just as realistic, so as not to find yourself without an admission offer at the end of the Parcoursup procedure.
The step-by-step guide Parcoursup 2024
What is Parcoursup?
Summary instructions for use
The Parcoursup 2024 calendar: key dates to remember
What’s new on the Parcoursup site in 2024
Registration and entry of wishes: January 17 to March 14
Where to find your INE number to register on Parcoursup?
10 steps to register and enter your wishes on Parcoursup
What is a wish?
A multiple wish or a sub-wish?
5 tips for your orientation and to help you formulate your wishes
Complete and confirm your wishes: March 14 to April 3
Example of cover letter “motivated training project”
Parcoursup CV: what should you indicate for “My activities”
Parcoursup: what is the Future Sheet?
Who prepares it?
Who can see it?
Parcoursup: our writing advice for “My preference”
Admission/answers phase: May 30 to July 12
The 4 possible answers to your training wishes on Parcoursup
Parcoursup: waiting list and call list, what's the difference?
Parcoursup: what to do if you only get refusals?
Parcoursup: the “automatic responder” to de-stress