Parcoursup, Ucas and Common App: Comparative analysis of intake platforms

Parcoursup, Ucas and Common App, three platforms that play a key role in the orientation and admission of students in France, the United Kingdom and the United States. If they share the common objective of centralizing applications towards higher education, these platforms nevertheless have notable differences in their operation and their selection criteria. This article proposes an in -depth comparative analysis of these three systems, by examining the specificities of the application processes, the methods of assessing files and the advantages and disadvantages of each model. An enlightening perspective to better understand the challenges of post-bac orientation internationally.

Emundus will facilitate the recovery of the files of your candidates by synchronizing with Parcoursup.

Summary :

1- General presentation of the 3 platforms
2- Comparison of the application processes
3- Criteria and selection methods
4- Advantages and disadvantages of each platform

General presentation of the 3 platforms

Parcoursup: the centralized French system

Parcoursup is the national pre -registration platform in higher education in France. Its main objective is to simplify and centralize requests for admission to high school students and students in reorientations in post-bac training.

On Parcoursup, candidates can formulate up to 10 non -hierarchical wishes among more than 17,000 training courses recognized by the State. Universities, preparation classes, BTS, engineering schools, business schools, IUT ... The entire training offer is listed.

The reception establishments then examine the files received according to their own criteria: notes, assessments of teachers, motivated project ... At the end of this examination phase, the candidates receive answers for each of their wishes: yes, yes if, waiting or not. A continuous acceptance system allows candidates to gradually validate their final choice of orientation.

Ucas: the unified British platform

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service) plays a central role in the university admission process in the United Kingdom. This online platform allows students to apply for almost all British post-bac universities and training.

From the start of their final year, candidates can register on UCAS and select up to 5 choices of curriculum. They must then constitute their file, including notes, cover and recommendation letter. Application deadlines, set in mid-October for Oxford, Cambridge and medical sectors, and mid-January for others, are much earlier than in France.

Once the files are submitted, the universities examine the applications and send their decisions to UCAS from mid-May. The responses may be conditional acceptance (subject to obtaining certain results in the bac), firm acceptance or refusal. The candidates must then classify their admission wishes, by choosing a priority offer and a help.

The final admission takes place in early July, after receiving the results of the baccalaureate. Ucas centralizes the entire process, from the initial deposit of applications for the final verdict, allowing students to manage all of their post-bac approaches from a unique platform.

Common App: the American joint candidacy

Applying in American universities can be complex and tedious, each establishment with its own admission procedures and criteria. The Common App provides a solution to this problem by proposing a unique and centralized candidacy.

This online platform allows students to apply for more than 900 American universities and colleges by filling out a single common form. The candidates thus provide their personal information, their academic results, their extra-curricular activities and their motivation trials only once.

Common App greatly simplifies the process for students by saving them precious time. It also offers better visibility on the progress of their files thanks to a centralized dashboard. Establishments also benefit from this tool which expands their pool of potential candidates.

Comparison of application processes

Authorized number and types of wishes

Parcoursup allows candidates to formulate up to 10 wishes for selective training (preparation classes, BTS, DUT, schools ...) or non -selective (university licenses), and 10 additional wishes in apprenticeship. These wishes can concern different training.

In comparison, on the British UCAS platform, candidates can only apply for a maximum of 5 choices within the same discipline (even if the universities are different). It is therefore necessary to show more selectivity and think carefully about your study project.

The American Common App platform is even more restrictive, since many universities authorize only one candidacy within their establishment, all courses combined. It is therefore better to apply for universities that really correspond to its aspirations.

Faced with these differences, it is essential to adapt its application strategy according to the platform: multiplying wishes wide and open on Parcoursup, but focusing on a few targeted choices on Ucas and Common App, targeting universities of various levels to put all the odds on its side.

Calendar and intake phases

The three Parcoursup, UCAS and Common App platforms each have their own calendar and admission process.

For Parcoursup, applications take place from mid-January to mid-March. The responses of the establishments are then gradually communicated from the end of May to mid-July. Applicants must confirm their wishes as you go.

On UCAS, deadlines are earlier. For Oxford, Cambridge and the medical sectors, the deadline is set in mid-October. For other training, it is generally around mid-January. Universities then respond at the latest at mid-May, and students must make their final choice in early June.

Finally, candidacy deadlines on Common App vary depending on the universities, generally ranging from early November to early January. Most send their decisions in March-April. The candidates have until May 1 to decide.

Despite these differences, the three systems follow a similar logic: an application phase, followed by the examination of the files by the establishments, then the sending of the responses and finally the confirmation of the final choice by the students. Understanding the calendar of each platform is essential for successful admission.

Constituent elements of the file

Application files on Parcoursup, Ucas and Common App generally include the following parts:

1. Personal information of the candidate: civil status, coordinates, nationality, etc.

2. Notes reports: quarterly bulletins, baccalaureate or equivalent statements. Ucas asks in addition to the "predicted grades" (anticipated notes).

3. Cover letter (Personal Stément): The candidate presents his study project, his experiences and his motivations. It is a key part of the backrest.

4. Letter (s) of recommendation: written by teachers or managers of extra -curricular activities, they shed light on the candidate's abilities.

5. CV (activities and experiences): associative activities, internships, professional experiences, civic engagement, etc. Important on common app.

6. Language supporting documents: Applications abroad often require a standardized test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

7. Research project (for some masters): 2nd cycle candidates must sometimes detail their memory or thesis project.

Although the basic elements are similar, each platform has its specificities. It is therefore crucial to find out about the prerequisites of each to constitute a complete and competitive file.

Application fees

While Parcoursup is completely free for students, applying on Ucas or Common App leads to certain costs. On UCAS, candidates must pay £ 22 for a candidacy, and £ 26.50 for two to five applications. The fees can quickly accumulate, especially if several universities also require clean costs.

To prevent these costs from becoming an obstacle, it is essential to target your applications well and to apply only to training that really corresponds to its project. Certain universities also offer scholarships or exemptions from costs for scholarship students. Inquiring upstream makes it possible to anticipate and budget these essential expenses as well as possible in a study path abroad.

Selection criteria and methods

The role of academic results

School notes play a preponderant role in the Parcoursup selection process. The candidate's file, including bulletins and baccalaureate results, is the key element on which the juries are based to assess academic skills.

In comparison, the notes are of variable importance on UCAS and Common App platforms. If the "predicated grades" and official surveys are requested, other criteria come into play. The cover letter and extra-curricular activities in particular, allow a more global assessment of the profile.

Ultimately, if notes remain a major indicator of academic success, their weight differs according to the systems. The French approach is more focused on academic performance, while Anglo-Saxon processes tend towards a more holistic appreciation of applications.

Evaluation of extra-curricular skills

The weight granted to additional activities varies significantly between Parcoursup, UCAS and Common App. On the French platform, extra-curricular experiences are little highlighted. The emphasis is more on academic results.

On the other hand, the Anglo-Saxon systems Ucas and Common App valuise much more the associative, sporting or cultural commitment of candidates. British and American universities are looking for complete profiles, combining school excellence and personal development.

Thus, the CV listing activities and experiences is an important element in the file on these platforms. Applicants are invited to detail their achievements, the skills acquired and what these commitments reveal their personality. A way for them to stand out beyond the notes.

This more holistic approach contrasts with the predominance of academic results on Parcoursup. A notable cultural difference in the evaluation of post-bac candidates.

The specifics of each system

Despite their common objectives, Parcoursup, Ucas and Common App have notable specificities in their selection criteria and methods.

The French Parcoursup system attaches preponderant importance to academic results. The high school notes and assessments constitute the heart of the file studied by the admission juries. The platform leaves little room for the enhancement of extra-curricular experiences.

In comparison, UCAS and Common App Anglo-Saxon systems adopt a more holistic approach. If the notes remain a key indicator, the cover letter and the ancillary activities of the candidates are also determining elements. Associative commitment, sports or cultural practice, internships, these experiences allow British and American universities to assess the potential and personality beyond the strict academic journey.

Another notable difference, the modalities of exams and admission interviews. Few on Parcoursup, they are frequent on UCAS for certain selective, and almost systematic sectors on Common App. Demonstrating your oral skills is often a must.

Finally, American universities demand candidates for standardized tests (SAT, ACT) whose scores are a major criterion, a practice absent in France and in the United Kingdom.

Understanding these specificities is essential to build a solid file and put the odds on its side, whatever the target platform.

Advantages and disadvantages of each platform

Parcoursup: Strengths and weaknesses of the French model

Parcoursup presents undeniable assets for the orientation of high school students. The platform simplifies applications by centralizing all post-bac training. It offers a wide variety of choices with more than 17,000 referenced training courses. The continuous admission process also allows candidates to gradually confirm their final choice.

However, Parcoursup also has certain limits. The number of wishes is limited to 10, which can be insufficient for certain profiles. The selection criteria of establishments sometimes lack transparency. The absence of hierarchy of wishes also complicates the management of admission proposals.

In the end, if Parcoursup undeniably facilitates post-bac orientation, adjustments seem necessary to erase its faults. Authorizing more wishes, strengthening the legibility of expectations and allowing a classification of wishes could help to perfect the system, without calling into question its founding principles.

UCAS: British system assets and faults

The UCAS system undeniably presents assets for candidates for university in the United Kingdom. By centralizing applications on a unique platform, it greatly simplifies administrative procedures. Students can apply up to 5 choices of curriculum via a single file, which saves them precious time.

Ucas also allows real -time monitoring of the advance of applications. The responses of universities are communicated directly on the platform, allowing candidates to react quickly. The procedure is thus more fluid and transparent than a conventional application process.

However, the UCAS system also has certain limits. With only 5 possible wishes, candidates must make very targeted choices and potentially restrict their ambitions. This early selectivity can be stressful.

In addition, candidacy deadlines are much earlier than in France, with deadlines from October for certain sectors. This requires high school students to have a very precise orientation project very early in the year.

Ultimately, if Ucas brings real simplification of procedures, the system also imposes significant constraints. Understanding his requirements is essential to put the odds on his side and get a place in the university of his choice across the Channel.

Common App: Strengths and weaknesses of the American approach

The Common App platform greatly simplifies the steps for students wishing to apply in many American universities. By filling out a single file, candidates can submit their candidacy to more than 900 partner establishments. This centralization saves them precious time and widens their opportunities.

However, this system also has certain limits. Many universities authorize only one candidacy via Common App, all courses combined. Students must therefore make drastic and targeted choices. In addition, the record fees can quickly accumulate, even if exemptions exist for scholarship holders.

In the end, Common App is a precious tool for simplifying applications across the Atlantic, provided you fully understand its operation. Making thoughtful and strategic choices is essential to best use this platform and maximize your chances of admission to the American University of your dreams.

Ultimately, Parcoursup, Ucas and Common App each offer specific methods to apply in higher education, with their strengths and weaknesses. If Parcoursup is distinguished by its gratuitousness and its wide choice of training, the system remains perfectible in terms of transparency and flexibility. Conversely, UCAS and Common App require certain constraints, such as application fees and a limited number of vows, but more valorize the overall profile of candidates. In a context of increased international competition, a convergence of models seems desirable, in order to combine the best of each approach. Centralized, transparent and customizable admission platforms would constitute an asset for establishments as well as for students, by simplifying procedures and guaranteeing a fair and efficient selection.