Contact us to learn more about our programs
Would you like to join us ?
After the baccalaureate, many young people begin to prepare for the various competitive exams with the aim of entering the best higher education schools. Among the most popular is the Sesame competition. It concerns exclusively business schools. In general, future learners prepare as early as January, because the famous exams are held in April. To help you prepare, find out below the tests you need to take.
What are the different written tests of the Sésame exam?
The Sésame competitive entrance exam is a post-baccalaureate exam that allows students to access the best business schools. You must pass it to enter ESCE. The written tests of the Sésame exam are divided into several parts:
- The language test : lasts 1 hour with 45 questions for each language. At the time of registration, the candidate must choose 2 of them, including English. For the second one, you can choose between 10 languages. There are Arabic, Chinese, German, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese and Dutch;
- the reasoning and skills test: 45 questions must be answered, 15 of which are on reasoning, 15 on mathematics and 15 on French. The candidate’s ability to think and reason is tested;
- the summary test of the Sésame competitive examination: it is different from that of the Accès competitive examination. Its format has changed a bit.
What is the summary test of the Sésame exam?
The summary test of the Sésame exam has the highest coefficient among the written tests. Previously, it was divided into three distinct parts: the identification questions, the analysis questions and the synthesis question.
Since 2020, the event has completely changed its shape. It takes place in a multiple-choice format. There is the literature review quiz and the contemporary issues quiz.
What is the literature review test?
This is the synthesis analysis. This test is a 20 question MCQ. Candidates will have a document of about 30 pages at their disposal. The questions revolve around the latter. These are questions of identification and analysis. They are to be treated during 2 hours.
The literature review test assesses students’ ability to analyze a business document and identify important points. Success in this test requires good preparation and unfailing concentration.
What is the contemporary issues test?
The contemporary issues test is the second MCQ in the summary test of the Sésame exam. It lasts only one hour. It consists of 45 general knowledge questions. They test the candidate’s knowledge of information and mastery of the environment.
Understanding the new format of the summary test in the Sésame exam
In the past, this test was purely editorial. Recently, the format of the synthesis test has been changed to MCQ or multiple choice questions. The candidate must answer a total of 2 questionnaires. The first one concerns the documentary analysis test. It is composed of 20 analysis and tracking questions. To answer the question, you must first read the document of about 30 pages provided.
The second one has 45 questions. This is the contemporary issues test of the competition. The questions are quite vague. They test your knowledge in all areas. It can be on culture, sports, economy or societal field.
How to succeed in the synthesis during the Sesame exam?
To succeed in the synthesis during the Sésame exam, it is of course necessary to be well prepared. Although the format is an MCQ, this step is not to be taken lightly.
The entire Sesame synthesis test lasts 3 hours. It is therefore important to manage your time well. Ideally, you should spend two-thirds of the allotted time, i.e. approximately two hours, on the 20-question MCQs. This is the most difficult part, as it involves the 30-page document.
You can then spend 1 hour on the 45 general knowledge questions. It is also important to know how to manage your stress to succeed in this competition.
Why is it essential to prepare well for the summary test of the Sésame exam?
This test is one of the most dreaded by the candidates. This is because it is difficult, but also decisive. For some schools, the summary test represents the most important coefficient among the written tests. Passing this test can really make the difference in your admission.
A good preparation for the Sésame exam can ensure your place at the school of your choice. This allows you to better understand the test, both morally and intellectually.
Is the synthesis of the Sesame exam a difficult test?
The synthesis of the Sésame exam is composed of 2 MCQs. The first is a 30-page document. This quiz may seem difficult, but with proper preparation, it is quite doable. The key is to understand the document and identify the important points.
The second questionnaire is easier. You just have to follow the news of the last 18 months. General knowledge questions can be answered in less than an hour.
Where does the written test of the Sésame exam take place?
The event takes place throughout France. You can apply in any city, large or small. If you live in the French overseas territories, you should know that the event is also available outside of France. It can be done remotely from your home. However, you must have your own space on mySESAME.
Updated 20 April 2023