How can I change direction during the academic year?

Understanding the plight of students, higher education institutions have begun to adapt their programmes. For those who took the wrong course after the baccalauréat, there are options other than taking a blank year. For example, you can change direction during the year. Find out how!

Contents

Questioning

How do I know if I need to change direction?

If this question has crossed your mind, you should consider it. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you needa change of direction. However, considering it can change your life. To do this, you need to:

Ask yourself the right questions

To find out whether or not you need to change direction, first assess your current situation. How are you coping with the pace of life that the courses impose? Are you interested in the courses?

These may seem like existential questions, but you need to know the answers if you want to know whether or not you should change direction. If you are more positive than negative about your current choice of study path, you can continue along that path. If you are dissatisfied with the situation, consider changing direction.

Realising the need for reorientation

Althougha change of direction is necessary, your realisation may come too late… or too early. For example, if a student in their first year wishes to change direction and go into politics, even though they have chosen law, it is in their interest to stay on this path. In this way, their skills will be maintained and it will be easier to change direction once they have completed their second or third year. In fact, it will be more of a specialisation than a real reorientation.

You also need to think carefully about changing direction. Specifically, you should already be asking yourself questions aboutthe subjects you want to choose, to see if this option is necessary. If you still don’t know what your ideal direction is, the best thing to do would be to keep up the momentum and do more placements to broaden your horizons and discover new things. If, on the other hand, you already know where you want to go, you’ve got it made!

Ask professionals for advice

Students can sometimes feel lost…. A professional in the field can give sound advice tailored to your situation.

He or she will guide you towards your ideal pathway or convince you to choose your initial pathway. It all depends on your future goals, because the professional in question is very objective and will also tell you about career opportunities.

When?

When should I change direction?

The moment you realise you need to change direction, that’s the moment to act. After all, all the procedures to be undertaken start here. If you procrastinate, you run the risk of running out of time. If, after a month, you decide to change direction, start by finding out what you need to know.

You also have the right to change your course three months after the start of the school year. Thanks to new education systems, the start of the academic year can be extended to February. If you are dissatisfied during the first three months of your higher education studies, you have a chance to reorientate yourself during the year.

To avoid losing a year, your decision must be made before the end of the first semester at the latest.

In principle, you should aim for the start of the school year in February. The usual start date is in September, so you have plenty of time to think things over and start the necessary procedures. As a reminder, there will be competitions and application selection procedures.

Platform

How do I apply for a new course via parcoursup?

The procedure is fairly straightforward with Parcoursup, as students only need to register. For students who are reorienting, a follow-up sheet is strongly recommended. The rest is just a matter of common sense and motivation.

Students who really want to change direction will be able to highlight their first year at a higher education institution on their application form. To obtain this document, students can contact the university information service or an information and guidance centre. For it to be valid, make sure you send in your form before April.

Application

How can I reorientate my career without going through parcoursup?

The classic application for the start of the new school year in September

This is the most popular option so far. Everyone knows that waiting for the start of the new academic year in September is a way of being totally ready to change course. What’s more, all the schools offer this option, whether you’re leaning more towards INSEEC, IAE or university.

During the year

Applying for the staggered or reversed start to the academic year in February

The reverse start in February is less well known, but still the most effective. You don’t waste any time in the same year. You go straight to the course you want. All you have to do is complete some in-company training before you can get your Bachelor’s or MSC degree.

If you would like more information, please contact us!