Parcoursup, launched on January 15, is essential for students organizing their post-baccalaureate education aspirations, offering over 90% a chance for higher education placement. It features 24,000 programs, including selective and non-selective options. Selective tracks require strong applications, while non-selective programs, like bachelor’s degrees, generally accept many applicants. Students should apply broadly to avoid rejection due to capacity limits and can register for a complementary phase if left without options.
Understanding the Parcoursup Platform
Launched on January 15, the Parcoursup platform is a vital tool for students looking to organize their aspirations for post-baccalaureate education in the upcoming academic year. Each year, it provides **over 90% of students** the chance to secure a place in higher education and pursue their desired field, as highlighted by *l’Etudiant*. With more than **24,000 higher education programs** available—spanning selective, non-selective, and apprenticeship options—most of these are state-run. If your child feels unsure about their educational path after high school, it’s crucial to weigh various factors to offer effective guidance. Attending events like the **Salon de l’Étudiant** can be beneficial; these fairs showcase a multitude of programs and aid in decision-making. Additionally, a **guidance counselor** at school can provide valuable insights into different programs and their potential outcomes.
Exploring Selective and Non-Selective Programs
Among the diverse offerings, selective tracks demand more rigor in applications. These programs assess not only the student’s academic record but also their motivation, teacher recommendations, and report cards, aiming to **attract top-tier students**. If your child is interested in pursuing a selective track, it is vital for them to emphasize their strengths and achievements. In contrast, there are also more accessible programs with less stringent admission criteria. These alternatives can be suitable for students who may not have the highest grades and wish to avoid intense competition.
**What are non-selective tracks?** Non-selective tracks primarily include **bachelor’s degrees** available at universities. These programs encompass a range of subjects such as languages, psychology, law, history, mathematics, and sports. As public institutions, universities generally accept a large majority of applicants without strict prerequisites. According to 2023 insights from *Studyrama*, bachelor’s degrees boast a **36.5% acceptance rate**, followed by BTS (21%) and BUT (9.9%). The **specific health access pathway (PASS)** also falls into the less selective category, accepting most candidates initially, although it becomes more competitive in subsequent years. This program, designed to train future doctors, has a **40% success rate** after the first year, indicating that while it is accessible, it may not be suitable for everyone.
The **preparatory course for school teaching** (PPPE) is another less selective option, designed to train students to become primary school teachers over three years. This program not only leads to teacher certification but also offers a **generalist bachelor’s degree**, allowing students to pivot if necessary. If a student aims to continue in primary education, they can pursue a master’s in primary school teaching (MEEF 1st degree) and prepare for the recruitment exam for primary school teachers.
**Can students be rejected from these programs?** Yes, they can. While it may seem that less selective programs accept all applicants, available spots are still limited. Students may face rejection if the program has reached its capacity. It’s important to understand that it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Among the most sought-after programs are the **specific health access pathways (PASS)** and **bachelor’s degrees in psychology**, as noted by *75secondes*. These programs are considered ‘in tension’ because they tend to attract more applicants than there are places available.
To mitigate the risk of rejection and ensure a diverse range of options, students should submit as many wishes as possible to avoid being left without a proposal at the end of the academic year. If, however, a student finds themselves without any wishes during the admission phase, they can register for the complementary phase, running from **June 11 to September 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM** (Paris time). This phase allows candidates to submit new applications and **provides an additional opportunity** for placement.