Postponed start to the Master's program: good idea or fake plan?

What is a staggered start to the Master's program?

If you've heard about “delayed school” without really understanding what it means, don't panic. We're talking here Of a new school year in January or February, which makes it possible to integrate a Master's program outside of the classical academic calendar. But basically, what does that change? Is it really the same degree? And how is the year organized? Here's what you need to know.

What does this accelerated format consist of?

In a traditional school year, the year starts in September and ends in May or June. La Back to school, she, starts in January or February... but does not give you more time. You follow the same amount of instruction, but On a condensed rhythm. The result: the weeks are more intense, the exams are closer, and you have to get to the heart of the matter quickly.

This format therefore requires a good ability to adapt and real motivation. But it can also be suitable for you if you like challenges, or if you are in an active recovery dynamic.

Is it a recognized diploma identical to that of the classical school year?

Yes, it's the same degree. Whether you start in September or January, you validate the same academic level, the same skills, the same Master's degree. There is never a “delayed start” written on your diploma or in your future CV. This format does not penalize your academic recognition or your employability.

At BSB for example, students enrolled in Back to school Get Exactly the same diploma targeted Master's degree, with the same level of requirements and support.

How does a year with the start of the school year in January go?

The year follows a intensive but structured pace. Depending on the school and the program, it can be organized in various ways:

• Continuing courses until summer with an internship afterwards
  
  
• Catching up on certain e-learning or blended learning modules
  
  
• Integration into the traditional promotion from the following school year
  
  

You are not “doing the year again”: you catch up on a training phase in a shorter period of time, then you follow the same path as the students who entered in September.

Is the staggered start of the school year right for you?

Just because a school offers a start in January doesn't mean it's made for everyone. Before going headlong, you need to take a moment to ask yourself the right questions. Follow a Master At the end of the school year, it is possible, yes. But it is also a demanding format that will require energy, organization and a real ability to project yourself. So does this pace really suit you? And above all: why choose this moment to (re) start?

Who is this format for?

The staggered start of the school year attracts varied profiles, but with one thing in common: they don't want to waste time. Among them, we often find:

• students who took the wrong orientation in September and want to change course without waiting a year,
  
  
• international candidates or candidates returning to school who missed the classic start of the school year,
  
  
• young working people or graduates in transition who want to bounce back quickly,
  
  
• motivated students, ready to accelerate to join a school that better fits their project.
  
  

This format will suit you if you are already clear about your project and that you want to take action now.

The right questions to ask yourself before applying

Before applying, ask yourself these few questions:

• Am I ready to go at a faster pace than average?
  
  
• Have I really matured my project or am I still in a hurry?
  
  
• Am I able to quickly organize myself to integrate into a new school, a new city, a new program?
  
  
• Does this format fit my learning style?
  
  

Answering these questions honestly will allow you not to choose the staggered return by default, but In full consciousness.

The perspective of a Pathfinder coach at BSB

At BSB, support Pathfinder^TM plays a key role, from the moment of admission. Our coaches meet with each student to help them Validate your choice, to lay the foundations of his project, and to integrate a new dynamic calmly.

You will never be a “catch up in January”: you are considered to be fully integrated, with reinforced support on the three pillars that matter: self-knowledge, academic success, professional integration.

This level of personalized follow-up makes all the difference when you join a school in the middle of the year.

The concrete advantages of a staggered start

The delayed start of the school year is not simply a way to go back to school without waiting for September. It is an opportunity for Take back control of your journey, whether academic or professional. The accelerated pace, the possibility of reorienting yourself without waiting, access to a network and professional opportunities... all this makes back-to-school an option full of potential for those who know how to take advantage of it.

Do not “lose” a year

What's really powerful about staggered entry is that it allows you to Save time. No waiting of 6 months, or administrative obstacles: you join a Master's program, with courses adapted to your situation, and you start to work on your professional future much sooner than expected. You win a year and don't lose the pace of your ambitions.

At BSB, for example, this format allows you to go beyond “wasting time”: we talk about gain expertise and professional experiences to project yourself more quickly on concrete projects and internships.

Reorienting yourself without stress or judgment

The staggered start of the Master is a saving option for those who have gone the wrong way. Did you have doubts or did you realize that another specialty appealed to you more? Don't panic, the staggered start of school allows you to Achieve a smooth pivot, without losing a full year. It is also a chance not to feel like you are lagging behind other students, since you are starting a course at the same time as them, but in a format that is more suited to your needs.

The key point: have no regrets. Starting on a new path in January is an opportunity to regain confidence in your career, and to work on specific skills that you really need.

Gain maturity and motivation

For some students, the staggered start of the school year is a way to give back meaning and motivation to a journey that has already begun. Whether you come from another school, have taken a gap year or are in the process of retraining, the delayed start of the school year can mark a moment of renewal. It gives you a new chance to start in a dynamic and ambitious environment, in which you will be constantly challenged.

It also allows you to work at your own pace, with a program designed to be intensive but in line with your career goals.

At BSB, for example, this staggered year of integration is designed to provide you with both support and challenge, to help you develop the resilience you need to succeed in your projects.

Postponed school year: what challenges are there to meet?

While the delayed start of school has many advantages, it is not without its challenges. The accelerated pace, integration into a new class in the middle of the year, temporary isolation... These are all realities that must be anticipated in order to succeed in this new school year under high pressure. But don't worry: every challenge has a solution.

Intensive pace: how do you stay on course?

One of the biggest particularities of the staggered start of the school year is its accelerated pace. There is no break, the weeks go by at a steady pace. Going directly into “Master” mode after taking a break can be a shock. To deal with it, it is essential to Get organized from the start. Good time and priority management is essential.

A few tips:

• Plan your weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
  
  
• Avoid dispersing : focus on essential subjects.
  
  
• Don't get overwhelmed by group work And the long term projects. They are part of the process, but they are still learning tools.

Integration into the promo: how does that happen?

One of the major challenges of the delayed start of the school year is integration into a promo already in place. It can be difficult to find your place among students who already know each other, who have their habits and who started their studies a few months before you.

However, this aspect is often easier than it seems. Business schools like BSB make it a point of honor to warmly welcome their students for the offbeat start. For example, internal events and group workshops are valuable assets to help you integrate into the class and strengthen your relationships with other students.

Internship, work-study, integration: is it a brake or an accelerator?

Although the delayed start of the school year can be perceived as an obstacle to professional integration (with a shorter period of time to get an internship or a work-study contract), it can also be an accelerator for those who know how to take advantage of it. Recruiters, especially in large groups, are looking for candidates who know how to manage complex situations, take initiatives and adapt to a dynamic environment.

Of course, it may take more perseverance to get an internship in January, but once you get a foot in school, you benefit from the entire network and support resources to help you quickly find your place on the job market.

At BSB, the personalized coaching by Pathfinder^TM and partnerships with companies offer you a real springboard to accelerate your professional integration.

Choosing the right school for a staggered start to the Master

Choosing the school for a delayed start is essential. After all, you are going to spend a year (or more) in an academic environment that should match your expectations and at your pace. But how can you tell the difference between schools that offer this format? What criteria should you take into account to make the right choice? Here are the things to check before you commit.

The criteria to be checked: program, calendar, framework

Before registering for a delayed start, it is essential to check several criteria:

• The academic program : make sure that the school offers a suitable program, with a consistent content and a steady pace. Some schools lighten the program at the start of the staggered start of the school year, which can be an advantage for those who want to focus on specific modules.
  
  
• Evaluation procedures : Check how exams and evaluations are distributed throughout the year.
  
  
• Accompaniment and support : coaching and professional integration assistance must be integrated upon admission. If the school does not offer specific follow-up to students who are at a late start, this could be a problem in the long term.

Why BSB makes a difference

At BSB, the staggered start of the Master is planned for students wishing to do their Master 1 and 2 alternately. The staggered start of the school year is thought of as a opportunity, not a constraint. Here's what makes the difference:

• A complete and coherent program, even in an offbeat format: students are supported throughout the year, without losing content.
  
  
• Personalized follow-up with Pathfinder^TM, to guide you in your career choices, to help you integrate into the classical school and to succeed academically and professionally.
  
  
• A flexible layout to promote your balance between studies and personal life.
  
  

Students with a delayed start are not “secondary” or “apart”: they are integrated and considered in the same way as those who arrived in September.

Questions to ask when looking for a school

• What are the class sizes? Offered back-to-school promotions can sometimes be smaller, which can encourage more personalized support. At BSB, our courses are taught in classes of up to 40 students regardless of your integration schedule.
  
  
• What partnerships does the school have with businesses? This plays a key role for your future internships or apprenticeships.
  
  
• Does the school offer specific support for students who are at an early start? This point is often overlooked, but it is an essential criterion for success in this format. At BSB, the Pathfinder support system^TM is available to all students.

Frequently asked questions about the delayed start of the Master

Is the delayed start of the Master's program a good idea?

That depends on your personal circumstances. The staggered start of the school year is an ideal option for those who want reorienting their career without losing a year. If you are in a situation where you can't wait until September to start or if you have specific goals in mind, this new school year can be a great way to Save time while progressing rapidly in your training.

That being said, we must be aware that the accelerated pace requires a great capacity for adaptation. It is therefore important to Evaluate your motivation well and your organization before making that decision.

Is the diploma obtained at the beginning of the new school year the same?

Yes, the Diploma is the same to the one issued at the beginning of the classical school year. At BSB, whether you start in January or September, you validate the same program and obtain the same Master Grande Ecole aimed at Master's degree by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
Employers won't make a difference. What matters is how you you are involved in your career, whether in January or September.

How to integrate a school at a staggered start?

Integration at a staggered start often follows a similar admission procedure to that of the classic first year, namely an application file, a motivation interview, and sometimes a written test and/or an English test depending on the school. However, each institution may have specific terms and conditions, including registration dates adjusted to this format.

Be sure to check the specific criteria for each school and the closing dates for applications for Don't miss your chance.

Can I do a delayed start after another diploma (Bachelor, BTS, etc.)?

Absolutely, the delayed start of school is an excellent option if you have already validated a Bachelor, a BTS or any other undergraduate education. This format allows continue your journey without wasting time And of Reorienting yourself if required.

The idea is to give you another chance to join business school to get a recognized diploma while reorienting yourself to a sector or specialty that really motivates you.

What are the benefits for international students?

The delayed start of the school year can also be a good option for international students who, for various reasons (visa problems, different university calendar, etc.), cannot start in September. It allows them to stay in the loop of their academic project while adapting to the calendar of French schools.

In addition, this format offers you the opportunity to join a business school without waiting for a full year. It can also optimize the chances of finding an internship or work-study program at the beginning of the year.