Admissions 1st year – Grande École program

The day is divided into 2 parts:

• Morning

• 8.30am – 10.00am: Sequence 1 – “Understanding“, max. duration. 1h30
  – Contemporary issues: 40 questions – max. length. 30 min.
  – Mathematics: 20 exercises – max. 40 min.
  – Digital skills: 20 questions – max. duration. 20 min.

• 10:30 – 12:00: Sequence 2 – “Communicating“, max. duration 1h30
  – French: 40 questions – max. 30 min.
  – English * : 40 questions – max. 30 min.
  – Other foreign language: 40 questions – max. duration. 30 min.

* compulsory among 2 foreign languages

• Afternoon

• 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Sequence 3 – “Analyze“, max. duration. 2h
  Literature review – 20 questions :
  – 6 locating questions
  – 6 analysis questions
  – 8 summary questions

The written tests for the SESAME competition are held remotely from the candidate’s home. Semi-offline mode allows all candidates to take their tests even if there is a connection failure during one or more tests. The data (copies) are stored on a server, enabling them to be retrieved if necessary.

The software solution used by candidates to take the written tests remotely includes a monitoring system, so the computer must be equipped with an internal or external camera and microphone.

Candidates must follow the instructions given in the guides available on prepa-sesame.net and mySESAME (open from January) toavoid being suspected of attempted fraud and subject to sanctions.

• A computer with an Internet connection:
  • Personal computer PC (Windows versions Windows 10 and higher) or Mac (Mac OS X versions 10.13 and higher)
  • Minimum 4GB RAM (8 recommended)
  • 1GB free hard disk space
  • Built-in or external webcam
  • Built-in or external microphone
  • Wired or WIFI Internet connection

• Equipment not authorized :
  • Dictionary
  • Connected object: watch, etc.

Your cell phone must be switched off throughout the tests and kept out of reach.

• Technical prerequisites:

Before taking the tests for the Grande Ecole program, you must complete the technical prerequisites on Wednesday March 27, 2024 in order to know if your equipment works correctly and is compatible with the specifications described above. An e-mail containing a download link for the application used to take the tests will be sent to you a few days beforehand.

• Print test invitation

To take the written tests for the SESAME competitive entrance examination, you need to download and print out your invitation to attend from your mySESAME reserved area (opening January 17, 2024), where your personal details are recorded.

This document includes :

• Your contact details and candidate number
• Timetable for each event

• The day before the tests, check that you have the following items:

• identity papers (ID card, passport or driving license)
• your invitation
• an unconnected watch (your cell phone must be switched off and out of range)

On the day of the tests, you must isolate yourself in a closed room (bedroom, office), and your workspace must be free of all documents, with the exception of a valid identity card.

You must be logged in one hour before the time indicated on your invitation to check that your equipment and connection are working properly.

Find out more about the golden rules for written tests here

If you have any further questions, please consult our FAQ or contact us.

You will have 20 minutes to prepare before your oral.

Set aside 10 minutes to fill in your personal file, which will be used to present yourself to the jury: your background, your experience, your passions, your career plan…
Use the remaining 10 minutes to organize your ideas on the international news topic you’ve chosen. International economic, geopolitical or environmental news. We don’t expect a powerpoint or a presentation learned by heart, but rather that you’ve thought about a topical international issue and can discuss it with the jury.

The interview takes place in front of a two-person jury: a jury chairman (a professor or member of management) and a graduate of the school or a professional from a partner company. The interview is conducted in French.

Then, in just a few minutes, you’ll present your ideas on the international current affairs topic you’ve chosen (economic, geopolitical, environmental). The jury will discuss this with you.

Jury members want to understand what motivates you to join ESCE Paris or Lyon. It’s important to have thought beforehand about the experiences that enhance your personality, your project, your tastes and your aspirations. Think about a career plan that is consistent with the school, your experience and your ambitions.

Set aside 10 minutes to fill in your personal file, which will be used to present yourself to the jury: your background, your experience, your passions, your career plan…
Use the remaining 10 minutes to organize your ideas on the international news topic you’ve chosen. International economic, geopolitical or environmental news. We don’t expect a powerpoint or a presentation learned by heart, but rather that you’ve thought about a topical international issue and can discuss it with the jury.