Examples of Exams for the Grands écoles in France

The prestigious grands écoles in France have specific entrance exams that vary by institution and program. These exams are often rigorous and competitive, designed to assess candidates' academic abilities and potential for success. Here are a few notable examples of the entrance exams for some of the most prestigious grands écoles in France:

école Normale Supérieure (ENS)

The Concours de l'ENS consists of written and oral tests in various subjects such as philosophy, literature, mathematics, and sciences. The specific subjects depend on the chosen specialization.

HEC Paris

The entrance exam for HEC Paris, called Concours HEC, includes written tests in mathematics, French, and general knowledge. Following these, candidates are assessed through oral exams that evaluate their motivation and knowledge in their chosen fields.

ESSEC Business School

The ESSEC Entrant exam typically includes tests in quantitative and verbal reasoning, as well as a language test. Candidates are also interviewed to assess their suitability for the program.

ESCP Business School

The ESCP Entrance Exam focuses on written tests in mathematics, general knowledge, and a foreign language, followed by interviews to further evaluate the candidates.

Polytechnique IX

The Concours d'entrée à l'Ecole Polytechnique involves rigorous exams in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Oral exams are also a part of the assessment to determine a candidate's suitability for the program.

CentraleSupélec

The Concours Centrale focuses on mathematics, physics, and engineering sciences, with both written and oral components to gauge candidates' understanding and skills.

Preparation for the Exams

Preparation for these exams is intensive and often involves several years of study in preparatory classes, called classes préparatoires. These classes are specifically designed to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the competitive exams.

For candidates looking to improve their chances, additional resources are available. The official websites of the respective grands écoles are a valuable source of information, as well as specialized preparation centers that provide comprehensive resources and mock exams.

Additional Resources

For specific exam formats and past papers, the official websites of the grands écoles and specialized preparation centers are highly recommended. These resources can provide candidates with a thorough understanding of what to expect and how to prepare effectively.

For a sample of Math exams for students who major in Mathematics, you can refer to Tier 1 grands écoles Math exams. These exams are available online and are designed for students pursuing a Mathematics major, commonly referred to as MP or Mathematics-Physics. You can find past papers and sample exams on the official websites or specialized preparation materials.

For more detailed analysis, you can review Analysis on pages 1 to 4 and Linear Algebra on pages 4 to 6 in the given link. These resources can be particularly useful for understanding the complexity and depth of the exams required for grands écoles in France.

Keywords: grands écoles, entrance exams, entrance requirements