Preparatory science class: which one to choose?

Scientific CPGEs (preparatory classes) prepare students for entrance exams in engineering schoolsENS (senior normal schools) or national veterinary schools.

Available at Parcoursup, these elective courses require a solid academic record (first and last year report cards, undergraduate grades, teachers’ evaluations). For two years of education, students study in high school various scientific disciplines.

Solid scientific base

total, eight types of scientific preparation classes available in the first year. In the second year, they lead the new course.

“Whatever course is chosen, there will be a solid academic foundation. It’s the coloring that makes the difference (more math, more chemistry, etc.),” says Clara Schattner (75), a teacher at the Dorian high school in Paris, who advises “let your last year be based on your taste.”

You must rely on abbreviations to identify this coloring. In BCPST, PTSI or MP2I, each letter represents a subject taught in the preparatory class : B for biology, M for math, P for physics, C for chemistry, SI for engineering, I for computer science, T for technology, etc.

Also get information about hourly volume of topics on the share of practical and theoretical teaching. For example, MPSI and MP2I CPGEs emphasize abstraction: you will need to think about properties and interactions between objects that do not exist in the real world. On the contrary, CPGE PCSI and PTSI occupy a more important place in the schedule for practical work and internships.

What are the different science prep classes?

Six streams are directed towards the fields mathematics, physics and chemistry :

MPSI preparation

MPSI training (Mathematical-Physical and Engineering Sciences) offers an educational orientation to mathematics and physics.

This leads to two different preparation paths:

• MP training (mathematics and physics)
• PSI training (physics and engineering sciences)

It prepares selection options for the second round your orientation in second year. The enhanced SII option (industrial engineering sciences) leads to PSI training. IT selection leads to both MP training and PSI training.

PCSI preparation

PCSI (Physico-Chemical and Engineering Sciences) training gives special importance to physics and chemistry.

Different preparatory classes lead to two paths:

• PC preparation (physics-chemistry)
• PSI training (physics and engineering sciences)

It prepares selection options for the second round your orientation in second year. Chemistry option leads to PC preparation and engineering science option leads to PSI preparation.

PTSI preparation

PTSI training (physics-technology and engineering sciences) is focused on engineering sciences and industrial technology.

Different preparatory classes lead to two paths:

• PT training (physics-technology)
• PSI training (physics and engineering sciences)

The vast majority of students Go to PT training. In the second semester, one hour of mathematics reinforcement is required For orientation in PSI preparation.

MP2I preparation

The MP2I course (mathematics, physics, computer science and engineering) is designed for students interested in mathematics and computer science.

This leads to three different preparation paths:

• MPI preparation (mathematics, physics and computer science)
• MP training (mathematics and physics)
• PSI training (physics and engineering sciences)

In the second semester, the choice of specialty is prepared your orientation in second year. The computer science option leads to MPI preparation, while the engineering science option leads to both MP preparation and PSI preparation.

TSI preparation

TSI training (technology and engineering sciences) offers education focused on mathematics, physical chemistry and industrial sciences. This leads to the second year of TSI training.

TPC preparation

TPC training (Technology, Physics and Chemistry) gives special importance to mathematics, physics and chemistry. This leads into the second year of TPC training.

Two sectors are specialized in life sciences :

BCPST preparation

The BCPST preparation (biology, chemistry, physics, life and earth sciences) offers a perfect balance between mathematics, physics-chemistry and biology. This leads to the second year of BCPST training.

Preparation for tuberculosis

Preparation for tuberculosis (technology and biology) includes mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and biotechnology. It leads to the second year of TB training.

What major should I choose to get into Scientific CPGE?

Selection in a science preparation class is based in part on the choices you have made beforehand, such as the majors offered in a general bachelor’s degree. Therefore, it is advisable to choose consistently according to your background in high school.. Learn about the most recommended majors.

Scientific preparation classes accept only TSI, TPC and TB bachelor of technology holders.

Which preparatory class should I choose to join an engineering school?

Every year, a large number of high school students are hesitant Between MPSI and PCSI prep classes. “This is the most common option, but it is important to reduce it. The programs of these two sectors are mostly the same and the entrance to the engineering schools is the same,” assures Simon Billouet, a professor at Champollion Lycée in Grenoble. (38).

Indeed, the vast majority of engineering schools welcome it increasingly diverse profiles and hiring science training courses in all fields. However, there are some exceptions, such as agronomy and agri-food schools, which are inherently selective. Students from BCPST sector.