Montreal, voted best university city for international students (QS Best Student Cities 2022), has been home to the École des Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC) since 1907. An internationally recognized business school, HEC Montréal offers students ⸱e⸱s French⸱e⸱s. who have just obtained their baccalauréat, the opportunity to enter a Baccalauréat en Administration des Affaires (B.A.A.) with a preparatory year. Maxence, who joined the program, tells us about his experience.
Profile
FIRST NAME : Maxence
NATIONALITY : French
NAME OF COURSE FOLLOWED : Baccalauréat en Administration des Affaires (B.A.A) with preparatory year
UNIVERSITY NAME: HEC Montréal
ORIGINAL HIGH SCHOOL Lycée Le Caousou, Toulouse
TYPE OF BACCALAUREATE OBTAINED Baccalauréat mention Bien, specializing in Mathematics and Geopolitics (HGGSP), option Expert Mathematics
Study abroad
Why did you decide to study abroad after the baccalauréat?
After the baccalauréat, I hesitated between doing a “classe préparatoire” in France or going to university abroad. I didn’t want to go to a post-bac business school in France. The advantage of going abroad was that it seemed to be both good for my CV and, above all, would give me an open mind. Going abroad made me grow. I also decided to leave because, once I’ve finished my studies at HEC Montréal, I’ll be able to take the TAGE-MAGE and join the same programs as those who would have done a preparatory course in France.
Why did you choose HEC Montréal?
In Première, I didn’t do much work, especially for the French exams at the baccalauréat. As a result, I didn’t get good marks, even though these exams are essential for admission to universities abroad. I didn’t have the right work methods. Because of this, I didn’t necessarily have any self-confidence, and I thought I wouldn’t have been able to succeed in a “classe prépa” in France. It was this year, at HEC Montréal, that I managed to find a good work dynamic. After putting aside the choice of a “classe préparatoire”, I decided to go abroad. My sister attended HEC Montréal and spoke positively about it, which also influenced my choice. I have absolutely no regrets about my choice, and I’m very happy with the school and my first year.
What was your admission and selection process like?
It’s a simple admission process. I had to send in my application in September. I received a letter of acceptance in March, specifying that I was accepted on condition that I had at least the mention Bien (14/20) in my Baccalauréat. I arrived in Montreal in September. I started my first year at a distance, as I hadn’t yet received my study permit.
What administrative steps have you taken to get ready for university?
Administrative procedures are rather lengthy for foreign students coming to Canada. For example, at the beginning of the academic year, three classes were at a distance because students ⸱e⸱s had not yet obtained their study permits. So you have to plan ahead. The first step is to obtain the CAQ and biometric fingerprints in cities such as Paris or Lyon. This step is essential before applying for a study permit, and usually takes about two months.
1st year courses
What kind of training did you get at HEC Montréal and what are its special features?
All students⸱e⸱s⸱e⸱s admitted⸱es after their baccalauréat at HEC Montréal do a preparatory year before entering the three-year Bachelor’s program. This year provides a refresher course for all students. ⸱e⸱s. It’s not necessarily the most fulfilling year, but it’s a good opportunity to review the whole range of programs Mathematics and Expert Mathematics and above all to have lessons in Accounting and Economics. We also had courses on the mastery of software such as Excel, language courses and methodological teaching to learn how to carry out group work and work with other students.⸱e⸱s. Next year I’ll be entering the first year of the three-year Baccalauréat en Administration des Affaires (B.A.A). In the first year, I’ll be taking general courses, while in the second year I’ll have the chance to specialize and take part in a university exchange program.
Are all courses in French or are some also in English?
In the preparatory year, all courses are in French, with the exception of language courses. When you enter the B.A.A. after the preparatory year, you choose either a trilingual path, English, French and Spanish, or a bilingual path, French and English, or unilingual. I don’t like this aspect as much, as I would have liked a totally English course like at McGill from the preparatory year onwards. But Montreal is a French-speaking city and the main language at HEC Montréal is French. So I’m looking forward to discovering the English courses next year.
Did you find it difficult to adapt to the educational system in the preparatory year of the B.A.A.?
It is generally noted that students⸱e⸱s are quite happy⸱e⸱s once you get to HEC Montréal, but once winter arrives, it’s harder to stay motivated with the courses. I haven’t felt any real change in motivation because I’ve managed to make good friends here and my sister has also come to visit me. However, adapting to the educational system wasn’t easy at first, as I had to find a rhythm to my work and learn to work on my own. The Expert Mathematics courses were not difficult for me, as I had seen this program in Terminale. On the other hand, it can be more complicated for a ⸱e student⸱e who has only taken Mathématiques Complémentaires. However, the teachers are really available and help the students a lot. ⸱e⸱s. and organize training and revision sessions before quizzes or exams, for example.
Do you have a lot of work to do?
The workload was reasonable throughout the year. It increased, however, during the revision and exam period, and also depended on the Mathematics syllabus each student had to complete. ⸱e followed in Terminale. For those who haven’t had Mathématiques Expertes, it requires a bit more work, but I think it’s perfectly feasible.
How do the exams work?
We have mid-term and end-of-semester exams. The rest of the semester we also have continuous assessment with organized quizzes and regular feedback.
How many hours of lessons do you have a week?
I have between 18 and 19 hours of classes a week. At HEC Montréal, some ⸱e⸱s student⸱e⸱s are mainly involved in courses, while others will really get involved in the associativewhich can take up a lot of time.
Student life at HEC Montréal
What’s student life like on the HEC campus?
Each class has a student committee that organizes and looks after student integration⸱e⸱s first year. As far as my class is concerned, we were very well integrated. The beginning of the year was very busy, with lots of activities and parties organized. Given that we were a class of 300 students ⸱e⸱s in the preparatory year, we’re very close-knit and everyone knows each other. In addition to the committee and events, the school also organizes get-togethers and parties.
How are associations organized?
Associative life is very important and recognized at HEC Montréal and taken seriously by students.⸱e⸱s. F aking part of an association is really part of the school experience, and there are a huge number of associations on offer in all areas.
Do students⸱e⸱Do first-year students live on campus? Does HEC Montréal help students ⸱e⸱s ?
HEC Montréal has a university residence. However, it is often the students ⸱e⸱s who have to find their own accommodation. It’s not necessarily difficult to find accommodation close to the school, and prices vary according to budget. ⸱e. As for me, since my sister had just finished her Bachelor’s degree, I was able to get her apartment back.
What do you think of Montreal?
The city is pleasant and there are many places to discover, even if winter is long. The city is safe and well served by public transport. For example, there are always night buses to take you home from the evening.
Into the future
What are your plans for the future?
In my B.A.A., I’d like to achieve good results so that I can enter the double degree program with Bocconi University, which would enable me to obtain a Master’s degree at this university. Then I’d like to take the TAGE-MAGE and get into HEC Paris.
Do you have any recommendations or advice for students wishing to enter HEC Montréal?
My advice would be to open up to others at HEC Montréal and to work from the start so as not to be overwhelmed and to acquire a regular work rhythm. It’s a great experience and everyone has great memories of it. Go for it, you’ll love it!
If, like Maxence, you would like to join HEC Montréal or a university in Canadadon’t hesitate to >contact us atto discuss your plans!
