Government to phase out Parcoursup platform

The French government has announced plans to eliminate the Parcoursup orientation platform by 2028, responding to widespread dissatisfaction among students who feel it is not effectively helping them navigate higher education choices.

Measures to reduce unplaced students

The government has introduced measures this year aimed at reducing the number of students without placement. It was estimated that 8.5% of registered students, or about 56,000 high school students, were left without a placement last year.

New educational placements announced

To address the issue, the ministry has announced the creation of 15,000 additional places, including 10,000 in BTS programs, 4,000 in IUT programs, and 1,000 in health-related fields. These placements are expected to have a significant impact, especially in Île-de-France, where the situation is most tense.

Transparency in admissions algorithms

The government has decided to publish "local algorithms" used by educational institutions to recruit candidates. Each training program will now display and explain the automated treatments it uses to recruit students, aiming to increase transparency in the admissions process.

Better understanding of selection criteria

This move is intended to help students understand their chances of admission by providing information on selection criteria and their importance. Delphine de Guillebon, co-founder of the Eureka Study orientation firm, said this increased transparency could help students better understand the selection process.

Motivation letters and right of reply

Training programs will now be required to explain why they require a motivation letter if they choose to do so. Students will also have a right of reply in case of rejection, which could reduce controversies and clarify the reasons for rejections.

Concerns about feasibility of justifications

Emmanuel Garot, president of the Peep parents' association, expressed concerns about the feasibility of providing justifications for rejections, given the high number of rejections some institutions receive each year.

Effectiveness depends on student engagement

Delphine de Guillebon noted that the effectiveness of the increased transparency will depend on how students use the information provided. Many students do not go into detail about the data offered by the platform.

Need for teacher and guidance support

For the information to be effectively used, students will need support from their teachers and high school orientation teams. These educators can provide pedagogical guidance to help students make better decisions about their future.