classes préparatoires
preparatory classes (for grandes écoles entrance exams)
Advanced Noun Feminine
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Pronunciation
/klɑs pʁe.pa.ʁa.twaʁ/
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Cultural Note
Classes préparatoires (prépas) are two-year intensive programs housed in lycées that prepare students for grandes écoles entrance exams. Students in prépas routinely work 60-80 hours per week. They are a unique feature of the French education system with no real equivalent abroad.
📝 Example Sentences
Les classes préparatoires demandent énormément de travail.
Preparatory classes require an enormous amount of work.
Après le bac, elle est entrée en classes préparatoires scientifiques.
After the bac, she entered scientific preparatory classes.