Parcoursup scares a lot of people. And honestly, I get why. One platform, dozens of choices, cryptic answers, waiting lists that move at 3 a.m. while you’re asleep… It feels like a weird mix between an exam and a casino. But here’s the thing nobody really tells you : Parcoursup is not that complicated once you understand how it actually works. Messy, yes. Stressful, definitely. Impossible ? No.
I’ve seen students refresh the page every ten minutes, parents argue over rankings at the kitchen table, teachers sigh in the staff room. If you want a calmer, clearer view of the system (and some solid orientation thinking), resources like https://project-education.com can help put things back into perspective. Now let’s break Parcoursup down, simply, without the official jargon.
What Parcoursup really is (and what it isn’t)
First, let’s clear a big misunderstanding. Parcoursup is not a giant algorithm that decides your future behind a dark curtain. It’s more like a matching tool. You apply. Universities and schools review applications. Then Parcoursup manages the answers and the waiting lists.
That’s it. No magic. No secret score that ruins your life.
What matters most ? Your grades, your motivation letters (yes, they are read), and how competitive the program is. A medical PASS in Paris ? Brutal competition. A local BUT with fewer applicants ? Much more accessible.
Understanding “vœux”: don’t treat them like lottery tickets
On Parcoursup, you can make up to 10 main wishes, plus sub-wishes depending on the program. And here’s where many students mess up.
Some only choose ultra-selective programs. Others play it too safe and get bored with their own list. Both are mistakes.
A good strategy (and I insist on this) is balance :
- 2–3 ambitious choices (your “dream” programs)
- 4–5 realistic ones
- 2 safety nets where admission is very likely
Ask yourself honestly : Would I actually accept this program ? If the answer is no, don’t put it. A vœu is not harmless. It’s a real possibility.
The motivation letter : everyone underestimates it
I know, I know. Writing motivation letters is annoying. Everyone hates it. But I’ve seen average students accepted while stronger profiles were rejected, simply because the letter was clearer and more sincere.
You don’t need fancy words. Please don’t write like a robot. Explain why this program, why now, and what you bring. Concrete things. A subject you loved. An internship that changed your mind. Even a failure that taught you something.
Franchement, a simple, honest letter beats a copied template every time.
Parcoursup answers : what “yes”, “waiting list” and “no” really mean
The big day arrives. You log in. Heart pounding. And there it is.
“Yes”: take a breath. You’re in. You can accept or hold it while waiting for better options.
“Waiting list”: this is where stress explodes. But here’s the truth : waiting lists move. A lot. Especially in June and July. I’ve seen students jump 300 places in two weeks.
“No”: it hurts. No sugarcoating. But it’s not the end. There are complementary phases, alternative paths, private schools, gap years. One refusal does not define you.
How waiting lists actually move (and why patience matters)
This part is weirdly fascinating. Waiting lists move because people decline offers. Constantly. Someone accepted in Bordeaux drops it for Lyon. Another chooses a BTS instead of a licence. Chain reactions everywhere.
Pro tip : check your position and last year’s admission rank if available. If last year the program went up to rank 2,500 and you’re 1,800? Stay calm. If it stopped at 900 and you’re 4,000… maybe start planning a Plan B.
Common mistakes I see every year (don’t be that person)
A few classics :
- Ignoring safety choices “because I’ll never need them”
- Writing the same motivation letter everywhere
- Panicking and accepting the first “yes” without thinking
- Not asking for help (teachers, counselors, older students)
Parcoursup rewards clarity and anticipation. Panic is your worst advisor.
Winning strategies (nothing fancy, just smart)
Here’s what works, year after year :
- Start early. Like, earlier than you think.
- Research programs beyond the name. Content matters.
- Be honest about your level and your goals.
- Prepare alternatives you’d actually accept.
And one more thing, maybe the most important : don’t tie your self-worth to Parcoursup results. The system is imperfect. Sometimes unfair. Often stressful. But your path is longer than one platform.
Final thought (and yes, it matters)
If you’re reading this with a knot in your stomach, you’re normal. Parcoursup puts pressure on people who are already at a turning point in their lives. But once you understand the rules, the fog lifts a bit.
Ask questions. Talk it through. Take notes. And remember : orientation is not a one-shot decision. It’s a process. Sometimes messy. Often surprising. And very rarely linear.
You’ve got more control than you think. Really.