Parcoursup Algorithm Explained

Extract

[...] However, faced with the number of candidate files to examine for each of them, a 'pre-ranking' is generally carried out by local algorithms. These, unlike the national algorithm of Parcoursup, are not made public and it can be easily assumed that objective data such as age, location, and candidate grades (thin data) are more suitable for these procedures than qualitative data concerning the candidate's profile, such as their motivations, justification of atypical career paths, health problems, etc. (considered as thick information). [...]

[...] Parcoursup also put an end to the final random draw, considered too arbitrary for choices that committed the future of students. This modality was thus replaced by a new selectivity in the so-called 'non-selective' courses. Generally, the criteria used by the formations to select their candidates are based on the school results of 1ère and the two first trimesters of terminal, the school's opinion on the student's orientation choices given during the 2nd trimester of terminal. A section allows the student to also inform their training project and activities or centers of interest that could motivate them. [...]

[...] The Parcoursup algorithm will therefore work by successive proposals: The formations propose places to the candidates they have pre-selected. Students are then regularly invited by the platform to select the formation they prefer from those that have ranked them, with the possibility of putting their choice on hold until another formation frees up a place on its 'waiting list'. These places are freed up each time a student accepts a new proposal that is made to them. These regular updates allow for a smooth functioning, limiting blockages and avoiding manipulation strategies from the candidates. [...]

[...] Quantitative Sociology - Study of the Matching on Parcoursup: How was it built and how does it work? Parcoursup is an online orientation tool for high school graduates towards higher education programs. It also addresses students wishing to reorient themselves in their post-baccalaureate curriculum. Principle of the Parcoursup Matching (Gale & Shapley) Implemented in 2018 by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Parcoursup succeeded the APB (Post-Baccalaureate Admission) device, with the aim, among others, of correcting certain biases in the selection induced by the latter. [...]