How to Succeed in Your Preparatory Cycle

The Preparatory Cycles at ISTB (International School of Technology and Business), also known as “prépas,” are a crucial step for many students aiming to enter top engineering, business, and other prestigious schools.However, these programs can be challenging for many students. Here is our guide to help you succeed in your preparatory cycle at ISTB.

Succeeding in Your Preparatory Cycle: Study Methods

The key to success in a preparatory program is finding your own study method, whether that means rewriting your notes, reciting lessons aloud, or summarizing key points.Everyone learns differently, and it’s important to know your learning style to make the most of your study time.

You can take this test on the L’Étudiant website to discover which study method best suits you:https://www.letudiant.fr/test/personnalite/methodologie-etudes/etudes-quelle-methode-de-travail-vous-convient-le-mieux.html

You should also practice with past exam papers or mock tests to better understand what examiners expect.

Tip: turn off your phone or set it to silent mode if it tends to distract you during study sessions.

Organization

In a preparatory program, organization is essential. It is highly recommended to create to-do lists and revision schedules to know exactly what and when to study.This will give you a clear overview of your workload and help you distribute your efforts efficiently.That way, you will ensure that each subject gets adequate attention without neglecting any area.

Motivation

Staying motivated in a preparatory program can be difficult due to the workload, stress, and fatigue.To maintain your motivation:

• Schedule regular breaks during study sessions.

• Stay in touch with friends and maintain social contact.

• Keep up a physical activity.

• Don’t hesitate to study in different environments (libraries, study halls, cafés) to avoid routine.

Remember: the preparatory period only lasts a few years — you will have plenty of time to enjoy student life afterward!

Putting Results into Perspective

Getting poor grades does not mean failure. The preparatory cycle is above all a training stage to prepare you for the entrance exams of top schools, which naturally requires hard work and commitment.Grades are not the only indicator of your worth — your progress, mindset, and resilience matter just as much.

By staying consistent, organized, and positive, you can make the most of your preparatory experience and set yourself up for admission into leading schools and a successful academic journey.