Yassine Ben Zineb and Rémi Charbonnier both completed their preparatory studies in the Grand Est region. They look back on their journey, from preparatory studies to their entry into Arts et Métiers, on the Metz campus, in September 2020.
What was your background before joining Arts et Métiers
Yassine Ben Zineb: I obtained an Abibac S-SVT (French Baccalaureate with a specialization in Mathematics and Life and Earth Sciences). Then I enrolled in an MPSI (Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering Sciences) preparatory program at the Lycée Henri Poincaré in Nancy. Being passionate about math, it was only natural that I moved on to an MP (Mathematics and Physics) program.
Rémi Charbonnier: For my part, I did a Bac S (science baccalaureate), specializing in engineering sciences. As I really enjoy engineering sciences, I enrolled in a PTSI (physics, technology, and engineering sciences) preparatory course, then a PT (physics and technology) course at the Lycée Couffignal in Strasbourg.
Why did you choose to do a preparatory course to enter engineering school?
Yassine: I am passionate about astrophysics, aeronautics, and aerospace. I would like to turn this passion into a career. I also want to reach the highest possible level in science. Preparatory classes seemed like the ideal path to take.
Rémi: I was pretty good at school and I knew I wanted to go to engineering school, but I hadn't decided which one. Doing a prep course gave me time to make my choice, while steering me towards engineering.
Why not in Paris?
Yassine: If I had to do prep school in Paris, I wanted it to be one of the best. Otherwise, I preferred to be close to my family, which more than compensated for the level of the top prep schools. Especially since Poincaré is a very good MP prep school and the students' hard work counts for a lot in their success!
Rémi: I'm not a fan of big cities and I like my region. Being accepted somewhere near Strasbourg was enough for me, even though it's true that Couffignal has a very good PT prep program!
How were the prep years?
Yassine: Let's be honest, it was tough. The pace gradually intensifies, relentlessly. But it's surmountable, especially thanks to goals and targets: I knew what I wanted to do, even if I didn't know exactly which school would allow me to do it.
There is a very old and false perception of prep school. In reality, students help each other and, despite the pressure, there are good times to be had. Prep school also allowed me to mature and acquire interpersonal skills in addition to scientific knowledge. If I had to do it again, I would!
Rémi: Like many people, I had heard that prep school was hell and that I wouldn't be able to do anything else during that time. However, I told myself that I could always try another path if it didn't suit me. But honestly, I think prep school is too demonized.
Admittedly, the pace is fast, but my friends told me that post-baccalaureate studies are generally even more intense.
Even though my parents didn't live far away, I boarded at school because I knew I wouldn't work as hard at home. At boarding school, and in my prep school in general, we could count on each other. There was a good working atmosphere, which was beneficial for everyone.
You took your exams in unusual circumstances. Was it too stressful?
Yassine: It sounds silly, but before exams, you shouldn't think about them too much. When you start calculating, you get bogged down with useless thoughts. I studied the subjects and started asking myself questions once the exams were over. Once again, having goals helped me focus. It was an advantage!
Rémi: For me, it was difficult not having any structure, and it was hard not knowing what we were going to do in terms of exams. I just tried to keep my classes and my goals in mind. Fortunately, I was in lockdown with my two boarding school friends. That allowed us to maintain our work environment.
Students who do not come from PT take a refresher course in Engineering Sciences (SI) when they arrive at Arts et Métiers. Is this sufficient to enable them to successfully follow the courses?
Yassine: Having chosen the computer science option, I hadn't studied information systems since I started my prep course. In addition to my classes, I immediately found a PT student with whom I got along well and who helped me quickly improve my level. Motivated by the discovery of new knowledge and hard work, I quickly caught up.
Why did you choose Arts et Métiers
Yassine: When I started prep school, I wasn't thinking about going into the arts. Then I started looking for schools that would allow me to pursue my career goals. That's when the Arts entered my list of desired schools, thanks, of course, to the level of education provided there, but also to the third-year specializations and dual degrees abroad that will allow me to tailor my education around astrophysics, aeronautics, and aerospace.
Rémi: I realized that my career path would be well-planned if I went to the Arts: in addition to engineering sciences, I love technology. I also noticed that there was often a divide in companies between engineer-managers and technicians. However, there is a lot of manual work in the Arts. I want to be an engineer and a manager who is close to my teams.
In addition to that, I was attracted by the extracurricular culture and the alumni network, which are particularly strong at Arts.
What would you say to a prep school student to encourage them to choose Arts et Métiers
Yassine: Les Arts is a school where we study a lot of theory but also practice. We cover all aspects of the working world. There is a very human approach to what we will do later in life.
The arts are also about values. Based on discussions I've had with my former prep school classmates, they offer a community life that you can't find almost anywhere else and that contributes to an incredible sense of well-being.
Rémi: The atmosphere is great, the lessons cover a wide range of topics, and you learn about everything. If you're struggling with prep school, or if you're wondering whether it will be worth it in the end, I can tell you: it's worth it!
