Corporate prophets dueling to entice aspiring business students
**"Hey there! Let's dive into the world of French post-bac business schools and their unique selection process.
Each year, around 10,000 high school students partake in a tour across France, visiting top business schools like Esdes, vying for a spot in these esteemed institutions. This tour, lasting from late April to mid-May, is a spectacle where schools put their best foot forward, showcasing their strengths and wooing the best and brightest candidates.
Recently, Esdes, a "business school" of the Catholic University of Lyon, opened its doors to candidates. Located in the former Saint-Paul prison, it was an opportunity for the school to impress as many students as possible.
Take Marine, a 17-year-old high school student from Paris. She just finished an English oral exam at Esdes and reported it went smoothly. While she's confident about her admission to a prep school due to her 16 average in math and solid file, she signed up for the Access exam, including Esdes, Ieseg, and ESSCA, as a backup plan.
These post-bac oral exams serve a multifaceted purpose. Beyond assessing a candidate's academic aptitude, they also test motivation, professional alignment, communication skills, critical thinking, and general culture. Schools probe applicants' career goals, program alignment, and personalities, while evaluating their language proficiency, especially in English, and their understanding of current industry trends.
Candidates must submit various documents such as transcripts, diplomas, a CV, and language certificates, along with application fees. The process typically involves an online application review followed by interviews and language tests. Schools like KEDGE, INSEEC, and Excelia prioritize a holistic evaluation, combining academic readiness with interpersonal and linguistic competencies.
If you're preparing for these exams, it's essential to rehearse career-related questions, review industry trends, and practice English communication if required. Be prepared for motivation interviews, skill-based evaluations, case studies, and language tests, and remember that these exams are not just about academics but also about putting your best foot forward in the professional world."
- Paul, who aspires to pursue a business degree, might consider traveling to Lyon to visit the esteemed "business school" Esdes, located in the former Saint-Paul prison.
- To strengthen his application, Paul can focus on understanding the economic landscape and industry trends, as these are crucial factors that post-bac institutions like Esdes evaluate during their screening process.
- As Paul prepares for his French post-bac business school applications, including Esdes, Ieseg, and ESSCA, he should remember to approach the Access exam not only as a backup plan but also as an opportunity to showcase his education-and-self-development, mirroring the values of these institutions.
- In addition to having a strong academic record like a 16 average in math, Paul should also polish his communication skills, critical thinking, and general culture knowledge to stand out in the competitive world of French business schools.


