Students can begin submitting their applications on Parcoursup starting January 15, 2025, with competition expected to be intense. To enhance their chances of acceptance, candidates should focus on creating a strong application, particularly in the optional interests section. This section allows them to showcase leadership, civic engagement, professional experiences, and personal interests, providing insight into their individuality and values. Effectively highlighting these aspects can make a significant difference in standing out among numerous applicants.
Maximizing Your Chances on Parcoursup
As of January 15, 2025, students can officially submit their wishes and complete their profiles on Parcoursup. The previous year saw nearly 945,000 candidates utilize this platform, and 2025 is set to be just as competitive. For high school seniors navigating this state-run site for the first time, making their application stand out can be quite challenging. With various programs available, from BTS to specialized schools, gaining admission into desired courses—especially the more selective ones—can feel daunting.
The Importance of a Well-Crafted Application
To differentiate themselves and enhance their acceptance chances, candidates must adopt effective strategies that many may overlook. Contrary to the common belief that “applications go unread,” experts assert that a strong application is crucial. Career Kueen, a career coach known for sharing valuable insights on social media, emphasizes the necessity of meticulously crafting one’s application to highlight the skills developed throughout their academic journey. However, many students frequently overlook a critical aspect when listing their preferences.
In a recent TikTok video, a recruitment expert shed light on a common mistake that can harm a student’s application: neglecting to fill out the interests section. Although this section is labeled as optional, it serves as an opportunity to distinguish oneself from the competition. The expert stresses that even strong academic performance cannot replace the value of showcasing personal interests, as this could ultimately influence admission decisions.
The ‘Activities and Interests’ section is designed to reflect a student’s personality, values, and strengths beyond their grades. Rather than simply listing activities, candidates should aim to present their passions, personal projects, or summer jobs in a way that gives insight into who they are as individuals. These details can provide recruiters with a deeper understanding of the candidates, helping them see beyond mere academic scores.
To effectively utilize this section, Career Kueen recommends detailing all extracurricular activities and explaining the skills or insights gained from each experience. These unique touches not only highlight the candidate’s individuality but also make them more appealing to recruiters who might favor a well-rounded applicant over someone with excellent grades but little personality.
What to Include in the Interests Section
The interests section can be divided into four main categories: leadership experiences, civic engagement, professional experience, and openness to the world. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach each category:
Leadership Experience
This category should showcase any activities where the candidate assumed a leadership role. This could include managing a team at a leisure center, leading a scouting group, or even babysitting. It’s important to provide context, outline responsibilities, and share what motivated the candidate in each situation.
Civic Engagement
Civic engagement focuses on volunteer work. This section provides a glimpse into a student’s commitment to causes they care about, without any monetary gain. Engagement could involve working with local charities, assisting neighbors, or supporting underserved individuals. Detailing the context, actions taken, and the impact of these efforts is crucial.
Professional Experience
Here, candidates should list jobs and internships, clearly stating the dates and responsibilities associated with each role. Career Kueen highlights the importance of mentioning any personal projects, such as creating a YouTube channel or starting a blog, as these initiatives demonstrate curiosity and dedication. Ideally, these activities should align with the candidate’s professional aspirations to strengthen their application.
Openness to the World
This section allows candidates to share what makes them unique. While it may seem broad, it is an excellent opportunity to detail interests such as sports, hobbies, or other passions. However, it’s vital to connect these activities back to the professional realm, showcasing how they contribute to personal growth and development.
By thoughtfully crafting the interests section, candidates can enhance their Parcoursup applications and stand out in a competitive landscape.