What to do after the Baccalaureate? Which course to choose? And which school to choose? The choice of a specialization begins very early or, at the very least, from the BFEM and the Seconde. It is precisely at this time that we begin to better define our choices according to the dispositions or the interest that we have for this or that discipline.
It is obvious that by taking it in time, we minimize the risks of risky choices, once the key to access to higher education is obtained. It is essential for young baccalaureate holders, before choosing the right school, to answer the existential question, What do I want to do in life, and what professional project to choose? To determine their choice, the baccalaureate holder must, in all objectivity, define their predispositions and their capacities to follow a specialty even before the interest that they can express for the latter. They will then have to consider their chances of finding a job by choosing this or that course. Due to the lack of post-baccalaureate guidance, young graduates must seek out information on their own, contacting the career services of the grandes écoles and conducting online research on various job descriptions, figures, and data on different sectors. It’s up to the student to be proactive and search everywhere. Read the press, contact federations and associations, meet with company managers: all means are good.
It is only once the professional project has been outlined that the question of choosing a school can be asked. Between the advertisements, forums, trade shows, fairs, brochures, and guides that flood the market, what is most important is to focus on the details that make the difference.
Educational resources, high-level teaching staff, quality of life, community life… so many criteria that can guide the choice of a school.
Quality of teaching
For the same course, almost all schools advertise roughly the same content. The difference lies in the way the courses are delivered. As learners, students are not the best judges, but they can at least tell whether a professor is serious or not. Therefore, advice from a former student or a teaching professional is invaluable.
Next, in the same educational section, is the supervision rate in terms of permanent teachers. The higher it is, the better. Partnerships with quality foreign schools are also a good indicator. While they are not circumstantial, these agreements force a signatory to upgrade its programs.
The staffing ratio is also important. A school’s permanent teaching staff ratio is important. Why? Quite simply, because teachers provide better support to students and contribute to building their training and education. The Ministry of National Education requires a 30% permanent teaching staff ratio, which remains insufficient.
There is another important criterion, that of accreditation from an international body,dy because this type of approach pushes training establishments to constantly upgrade themselves.
Living environment
Other elements of comparison come into play, particularly the quality of life. In other words, the infrastructure, facilities, atmosphere, and extracurricular activities play an important role in the students’ education.
Hence, the interest in not being satisfied with the luxurious brochures distributed during the various fairs organized during this period the end of the school year. Therefore, do not hesitate, when the school does not organize open days, to go there to gauge the material capacities (quality of the premises, computer and other equipment, availability of the library, etc.) and, very importantly, to ensure that it is seriously involved in the search for end-of-year internships in companies where supervision is assured. The young applicant can also ask to consult the work of former students of the school that interests him, to ensure the quality of the internships.
Another indicator is that language courses (French, Arabic, and English) should automatically be part of the curriculum. You should also consider finding out about language immersion opportunities during the summer.
Cost of studies
Of course, cost comes into play. Tuition fees at universities and public schools are relatively low. Private schools, on the other hand, require a larger financial investment, ranging from 800,000 CFA francs to 3,000,000 CFA francs per year, or even more for some newer courses.
It’s also important to inquire about scholarships, installment payments, or loans. Finally, transportation and rent, if the student is away from home, can weigh heavily on the budget.
Opportunities
Finally, the opportunities, the professional integration of the schools, the possibilities of continuing studies with other partner establishments, the effectiveness of the alumni network… are all criteria to take into account when choosing a school.
