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Parcoursup 2022: 3 steps for properly preparing your application
Creating a strong profile on Parcoursup is essential for admission to higher education. Follow our three tips to create an application that stands out.
On the Parcoursup platform, future baccalaureate holders are asked to build an application that supports their educational and professional trajectory. An application consists of materials such as a CV and a cover letter. It is reviewed by the establishments where the student has applied for entry. To have the best chance of getting into their desired programme, students must prepare the application well.
Be aware of all calendar deadlines
The Parcoursup procedure consists of 3 steps:
- December 21, 2021: the platform opens
- January 20, 2022 to April 7, 2022: students select programmes and finalise applications
- June 2 to July 15, 2022: programmes send responses
During step 1, each high school student—or university student who is changing their area of study—has the opportunity to learn about the programmes of their choice. They can access all relevant information through comprehensive profile sheets that detail the courses offered, the skills required to enter the programme, professional opportunities for graduates, and more. This year, over 19,500 courses are accessible through the platform.
From January 20, 2022, the crucial step 2 begins: putting together a profile. Future baccalaureate holders can indicate a total of 10 desired courses without indicating any preference.
Finally, at the start of June, they will receive responses from programmes.
Learn as much as possible about each programme’s expectations
Expectations are specific to each programme and define the "knowledge and skills" that future baccalaureate holders must have before entering the programme of their choice. On the Parcoursup platform, students can find each course’s expectations in their descriptions under the "Characteristics" section.
Since some programmes are more demanding than others, it is essential to learn about each institution’s requirements during the research and decision phases to increase the student’s chances of getting into a programme.
Present your background and skills in your Parcoursup CV
The Parcoursup CV is not required for all programmes, but it may be requested by certain institutions. It provides an overview of the profile and skills of each applicant. You should feel free to include any experience that may support your application, as institutions will be particularly interested in seeing links between your profile and the programme’s expectations. The Parcoursup CV is an important element to help an applicant stand out.
The platform offers a default CV composed of 3 recommended sections: skills, professional experience and interests; it also calls for 2 mandatory sections: education and languages. Any student who wishes to study or work abroad should emphasise this final part of their CV. In this section, students are encouraged to include any experience or studies abroad. They should indicate any foreign languages studied in high school as well as the level they have attained. However, mentioning "English: read and spoken" may seem vague. Listing a CEFR level provides an objective indication of your English abilities. The TOEIC® test offers a world-renowned certification that enables you to prove your level of English with a score correlated to the CEFR.