This article discusses the experiences of four families navigating the French higher education admission process via Parcoursup, highlighting their aspirations for their 17-year-old children.
The article presents the challenges faced by four families as they guide their 17-year-old children through the Parcoursup system, an online platform for applying to higher education in France. This year marks the third edition of a series where parents and their children share their strategic approaches to ensure successful admissions. The process involves several key dates: parents and students register their preferences between January 19 and March 12, confirm them from March 12 to April 1, and then the main admission phase runs from June 2 to July 11.
Within the narratives, one student, Maxence, emphasizes the importance of pursuing a career that contributes to the greater good, expressing his belief that success in life is linked to being useful to others. The discussions between parents and their children often reflect the anxiety and pressure associated with making the right choices in a competitive educational environment, as they try to define what success looks like for each of them amidst societal expectations.
As families navigate this intricate system, the article points to broader implications for French education, as Parcoursup has transformed how students and parents approach higher education admissions. Strategies are becoming more tactical, reflecting shifting dynamics in educational aspirations and societal values, signaling a need for families to adapt to the changing landscape of academic opportunities in France.
