Business School Competition: Comparison of the best contests and their content
Each year, more than 100,000 candidates apply for a business school competition in France (source: The Student). An essential step to integrate these popular establishments... but faced with the multitude of options, it is difficult to find your way around.
Business school, post-bac or after a prep exam, parallel admissions or internal competitions: how do you know which exam to take according to your profile?
In this article, we explain everything, without jargon or confusion. Common competitions such as BCE, Gateway, to the admission processes specific to schools such as BSB, we decipher the differences, the levels of access, and the possible paths. Objective: help you find the right gateway to the business school that's right for you.
What are the competitions to enter a business school after high school?
You are In Terminale and you dream of joining a business school directly after high school? Good news: it's possible, provided you go through the Competition box.
But be careful, not all competitions are created equal. Here are the three main ways to join a post-bac school: SESAME, ACCÈS, and the own contests via Parcoursup.
Integrate BSB directly after the bac via Parcoursup
At BSB, no SESAME or ACCÈS competitions. To integrate the Bachelor in Management, everything goes through Parcoursup... but make no mistake about it: the selection is very real.
The Academic record, the motivations expressed in the motivated training project, and two interviews: a motivational interview and an interview in English.
No MCQs here: we are looking for complete, motivated profiles, open to the world and capable of evolving.
This admission process is more human, more individualized, and makes it possible to detect potentials well beyond the raw results.
The SESAME competition: a classic to target high schools after high school
The SESAME competition brings together more than fifteen recognized post-baccalaureate business schools, with programs lasting 4 or 5 years, often with an international focus.
On the program: MCQ in language, logical reasoning, documentary analysis... and a Motivational speech in some schools. Registration is done on Parcoursup, and the written tests generally take place in April. The academic record also counts.
This competition is ideal if you are looking for a generalist training, with progressive specialization.
The ACCÈS competition: academic rigor and great perspectives
Fewer schools than SESAME but a great selection: IESEG, ESDES, ESSCA... names that speak to recruiters.
Again, the competition takes place via Parcoursup, with tests by logic, mathematics, English, synthesis, followed by a oral in each selected school. The file counts, but performance in the written tests weighs heavily.
This competition requires a serious preparation, but the schools associated with them offer excellent employability.
What are the competitions after an economic or literary preparation (CPGE)?
After two (or three) intense years in preparatory classes, the objective is clear: to join a Grande École de Commerce.
For this, the royal road remains the passage through a Joint post-prep exam. And the best known is the ECB.
The ECB: Common Test Bank for preparatory students
The ECB is the competition (link to BCE competition) reference for students in ECG, ECT or literary preparation.
Each year, more than 40 business schools participate, including the most prestigious ones.
The principle: you pass a series ofnational written tests (dissertation, languages, math, contraction, synthesis, eco-law...), then you are Eligible for oral exams in schools where you have obtained the thresholds. Each school then chooses its own oral exams: motivational interview, language, simulation, etc.
Registration is done on the ECB's website, generally between December and January. The writings take place in April.
Tip: each school has its own coefficients. It is crucial to adapt your preparation strategy according to your targets.
Join BSB after a preparatory course via the BCE competition
BSB is one of the schools accessible via the ECB, to integrate his Grande École Program (MGE).
Once the papers have been passed, those eligible are invited to come and take the exams on the Dijon campus, according to their preference.
The interview is a highlight: BSB focuses on kindness, curiosity and open-mindedness. It's an opportunity to show who you really are, beyond grades.
Why aim for BSB after a prep?
Because you're joining a excellence program, with a unique accompaniment (Pathfinder coachingTM), Alternating options, and a big diversity of specializations from the Master's degree.
In other words: a human-sized school but In the top 1% of the world, triple accredited, and which really prepares for a world in motion.
What competitions to join a business school after a Bac +2 or Bac +3?
You have a BTS, a BUT or a license in your pocket and you want Entering a business school ? You can directly join a Bachelor or Master Through what are called parallel admissions.
And the most famous contests in this case are the Passerelle 1 and Passerelle 2 competition.
Bridge 1: for holders of a Bac +2
The Passerelle 1 competition is aimed at students who have validated a Bac +2 diploma : BTS, DUT, BUT, or equivalent.
Objective: Entering a 3rd year of a Bachelor or a 1st year of a Master Grande École in a recognized business school.
The admission process is based on:
- One academic record
- One English test
- And a motivational interview
This competition is ideal for technical or specialized profiles who want to broaden their field of expertise and obtain a high-level diploma in management, marketing, finance or other fields.
Bridge 2: for Bac +3 graduates
Have you validated a license, a GOAL 3, a Bachelor or a Bac +3 equivalent? The Passerelle 2 competition opens the doors of many schools to you, directly by 1st year of the Grande École Master.
Same principle as for Passerelle 1, but expectations are higher. You have to show a project maturity And a real consistency in the course.
The competition includes:
- One academic record
- One English test
- One upkeep
The competition is held online, with sessions several times a year. Practical for organizing your application in parallel with your year of study or your job.
Join BSB after a Bac +2 or Bac +3 thanks to the Passerelle competition
Each year BSB recruits numerous students via the Passerelle Bachelor, 1 and 2 competitions.
Here's how it works:
- Bachelor bridge: You join The 3rd year of the Bachelor in Management, in Initial or alternating, on the Dijon or Lyon campus with a Bac +2 BTS, DUT, BUT 2nd year diploma...
- Footbridge 1: you can join our pre-master at the end of your BTS, BUT 2nd year or DUT level Bac +2.
- Footbridge 2: you directly integrate the Master Grande École, with the possibility of choosing your specialization And to do Of alternation from the 1st year of the Master.
What are we watching at BSB?
Your academic background, of course, but especially your project, your motivation, your curiosity.
You will be accompanied as soon as you enter by the Pathfinder deviceTM, to build a solid path to employment or entrepreneurship.
In summary: you didn't do prep? No worries. BSB is open to all talents.
What are the competitions to join a Master of Science (MSc)?
Specializing in a specialized field, boosting your CV internationally and obtaining a double degree is exactly what MSCs allow. But unlike other business school programs, at BSB there is no need to go through a common competition: admission is made directly to the schools.
In general, you should submit a complete application, with your grades, your resume, a cover letter, and sometimes proof of your English level if the program is taught in English. Then, you are summoned to a motivational interview, which allows the school to better identify your professional project and your coherence with the chosen specialization.
TO BSB, The MSc take place over a year, with an intensive but very professional pace. All programs are accessible after a Bac +3 or Bac +4, and lead to a double degree, in partnership with an international university. It is the ideal option for those who want to accelerate their career, change paths or increase their expertise in targeted areas such as Finances, the digital marketing, the media, culture & communication or even the Wine Business.
No written tests, no stressful competitions: the admission process is based on your project, your motivation and the quality of your career. And once admitted, you benefit from Pathfinder supportTM to build your trajectory to employment.
In other words, The MSc are a powerful complement to the Grande École Master, designed to go fast, hard, and far.
Business school competition: which competition according to your level of studies?
You are not yet sure which competition fits your profile? No need to panic. Here is a clear and simple summary to help you get a better idea. Whether you are in Terminale, in prep school, in bachelor's degree or already graduated, there is always a gateway to business school... provided you knock on the right one.
This overview helps you identify the path best suited to your profile, while highlighting the entrances to BSB, at each stage of your journey.
Why take an exam to join a school like BSB?
Not all business schools are created equal.
The competition is your gateway. But what is at stake behind it is the environment in which you will grow, learn, evolve. And that's where BSB is really making a difference.
First, BSB is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide, thanks to its triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA). Only a few dozen schools in the world can show this level of recognition. This guarantees academic quality, international openness and educational excellence recognized all over the world.
But there's more to BSB than just its rankings. What makes it strong is its human support, unique in France.
With PathfinderTM, each student benefits from individualized and unlimited coaching, From the first school year to the first job. We work on your self-knowledge, your academic career and your professional integration. No empty talk: here, we are following you for real, and on all levels.
Another advantage: the possibility of doing work-study programs from the 3rd year of the Bachelor and throughout the Master.
It's a real difference in the market. You gain experience, you finance your studies, and you enter the professional world more quickly.
Finally, BSB is also a spirit, a style.
Two campuses: Dijon, the historic seat, and lyons, in the heart of a dynamic ecosystem. Two schools within the school: the School of Wine & Spirits Business, a world leader in its field, and the School of Media, Culture & Communication, designed for future talents in the cultural and digital world.
Passing a competition is not just “going back somewhere.” It's choosing the place that will help you become the best version of yourself. And on this ground, BSB is clearly unique.
FAQ — Everything you need to know about business school entrance exams
What are the competitions to enter a business school after high school?
The main post-bac exams are SESAME, ACCESS And the Own competitions on Parcoursup. They make it possible to join business schools in 4 or 5 years after high school, with exams such as multiple choice questions, summaries or interviews. BSB is recruiting directly via Parcoursup for its Bachelor, without going through SESAME or ACCESS.
Can you join a business school without doing a prep?
Yes, this is even the case for many students. Let's talk then Parallel admissions. You can pass one of Passerelle competition according to your level of study to join a business school like BSB in Bachelor 3, in pre-master or directly in Master.
What is the difference between Gateway 1 and Gateway 2?
Footbridge 1 is intended for students with a Bac +2 (BTS, DUT, BUT), and allows you to integrate a Pre-Master year at the beginning.
To enter the 3rd year Bachelor on a work-study basis, you must pass the Passerelle Bachelor exam.
Footbridge 2 is reserved for Bac +3 (license, bachelor, BUT 3) to directly integrate the Master Grande École in initial or dual studies. Both competitions are based on a file, an English test and an interview.
Can you join an MSc without taking an exam?
Yes. Les Masters of Science (MSc) do not go through a joint competition. You are applying directly to the school, like BSB, with a file and an interview. BSB MSCs are available from Bac +3, last one year, and deliver an international double degree.
What is the difference between an MSc and a Master Grande École?
The Master Grande École (MGE) is a 2-year course that offers a general education with many specializations and possible work-study programs.
The MSc is a short course (1 year), 100% specialized, often taught in English, and designed for more experienced or retraining profiles. At BSB, the two programs are complementary and can be done at the same time.
Is BSB present on Parcoursup?
Yes. BSB is available on Parcoursup for its Bachelor in Management.
The process is done via a complete file, and two interviews (motivation and English). There is no written competition such as SESAME or ACCESS.
Can you do an apprenticeship in a business school?
Yes, and that's a real plus. BSB offers work-study programs starting from 3rd year of the Bachelor, and throughout the Grande École Master. It is an opportunity togain experience, of finance your studies And of facilitate professional integration.
Which business school should you choose after a BTS or a BUT?
You must choose a school that offers dedicated gateway admissions, like BSB via Footbridge 1 or Footbridge 2. Check if the school offers professional careers, work-study programs, personalized support and specializations that suit you.
Are there entrance exams?
Yes, most contests like SESAME, ACCESS, ECB or Gateway ask for registration fees, which vary according to the number of schools selected. A BSB, registering via Parcoursup costs €50 (€25 for scholarship recipients), and applying for MSc courses or for parallel admissions (such as Passerelle) costs €50, free for scholarship recipients.
What you need to remember about business school competitions
Passing a business school exam is much more than a formality: it's the start of a new chapter.
But for this chapter to be truly yours, you still need to find the path that suits you.
Whether you are in Terminale, in prep school, already graduated or in retraining, there is a solution to join a Grande École. What if you are looking for a school open, demanding, human and forward-looking, so BSB clearly deserves your attention.
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