Health: Studies Just Like Any Others
From May 30 to June 1, students in Montpellier will take the medical school entrance exam. This marks the culmination of a first year known for being grueling. It’s also an opportunity to debunk some common misconceptions about healthcare studies…
The first year of health studies? It doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being a smooth ride. “"Some people compare the PACES to a terrifying ordeal where failure looms, and you’re not sure you’ll come out of it with a degree in hand."," says Denis Mariano-Goulart. The truth is quite different. “"What is the actual failure rate after two years of PACES? Around 6%.", explains this professor at Montpellier University Hospital, who serves as chair of the PACES examination board and the PACES academic committee.
Common Misconception No. 1 : a ruthless selection process. Despite this year being considered particularly difficult, no fewer than 43% of students (first-time and repeat candidates combined) still managed to pass, including 13% in medicine. This figure is higher than most bachelor’s degree pass rates (the national average is 39.8%—INSEE—2016). Fifty-one percent of health sciences students voluntarily switch majors during their studies; only 6% actually fail.
Common Misconception No. 2 : It’s the only path to medical school. “"Wrong! 10% of third-year medical students did not take the entrance exam.". It is indeed possible to be admitted based on your academic record if you hold a master’s degree or a doctorate. Conversely, the PACES program does not lead exclusively to health-related studies. Are you interested in other fields? There are many pathways that allow you to continue your studies in other fields without necessarily losing a year.
Common Misconception No. 3 : Prep school or failure… Enrolling in a private prep school gives you a significant boost. But there’s an even more effective way to succeed: tutoring. “Enrolling in a private prep school increases your chances of success fivefold. Attending three-quarters of the tutoring sessions increases them sixfold,” explains Prof. Mariano-Goulart. The figures are similar, it’s true. But tutoring has one definitive advantage: it’s free and open to everyone…
- Learn more about PACES
Tutoring: When Success Comes Through Friends
“Without tutoring, I would never have passed the entrance exam! The amount of information you have to learn is enormous; to succeed, you need guidance,”explains Johanna Krief. The young woman used tutoring during her freshman year before becoming a tutor herself. Tutoring?“Students who have faced the same challenges as you and are willing to help you.” It’s a free program funded by the university.
Among the key benefits of the tutoring program are practice exercises co-developed and approved by the very same professors who will prepare you for the entrance exam and sit on the exam committee. Butthere’salso day-to-day support:“There are tutors for every subject, with assistance available during lunch breaks or in the evenings; there’s also a drop-in session at certain times to answer questions directly or correct an exercise…,”explains Johanna.
Her advice for success:“Stay motivated; don’t give up.” And here’s a helpful tip: “Don’t miss the pre-semester tutoring workshop—a 15-day session in mid-August—so you’ll be up to speed when the semester starts and can get to know the tutors right away.”