Samuel Norsa: I chose ENSAE Paris for the professional and international opportunities
Why did you want to join ENSAE Paris?
It became clear to me, as I considered joining a business school, that the education offered by ENSAE Paris would allow me to stand out, to acquire a technical background that no other program offered. Additionally, the various schools that one can join during their time at ENSAE demonstrate that no doors are closed by attending this school.
What do you consider to be the strengths of education at ENSAE Paris?
What sets ENSAE Paris apart is the quality of its teaching and the professional opportunities it guarantees. Whether it's a B/L student discovering a passion for mathematics or an MP student finding an interest in sociology, every student can find a way to pursue their goals. Additionally, the courses are relevant by introducing us to theories or subjects that are useful from one semester to another.
Finally, the engineering degree requires completion of an international mobility period. Therefore, it is important to choose a school with quality partnerships. During the third year of studies at ENSAE Paris, we have the opportunity to take courses at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, UC Berkeley, Imperial College London, and the University of Cambridge. It is possible to select a school that is not part of the current partnerships, provided that the subjects taught are complementary. This flexibility allows for designing and adapting one's academic curriculum according to their ambitions.
Who would you recommend ENSAE Paris to?
First and foremost, I would recommend ENSAE Paris to students who are drawn to mathematics, economics, and to a lesser extent, computer science. ENSAE Paris is suitable for students who wish to understand a world in transformation, particularly from an environmental perspective (a theme that underpins many teachings at ENSAE) as well as data, through specialized pathways. By joining ENSAE Paris, it is important to highlight one's willingness to broaden horizons, to demonstrate an open-mindedness towards others and foreign cultures, and perhaps even to discover a passion for traveling the world.
What are your thoughts on the admission process at ENSAE Paris? What advice would you give to future applicants?
I found the admission process at ENSAE Paris demanding but fair. I advise candidates to prepare thoroughly by consulting the resources available on the school's website and focusing on their strengths during interviews. It is advisable to practice with past exam papers and jury reports provided by ENSAE Paris. Prepare specifically for the format of these tests to be confident on the day!
Could you tell us about a rewarding experience you had outside of the academic setting at ENSAE Paris?
Without a doubt, the 'Coupe de l'X' stands out. It's an inter-school sports competition that takes place at the beginning of the school year. All generations of students from ENSAE Paris come together in a spirit of enthusiasm and sportsmanship. During my interactions with students from other schools, I realized that at our school, we are fortunate to have a rich student life, full of sports and extracurricular activities.
A few words to conclude?
ENSAE Paris has the advantage of being a versatile school: it will open doors for you more than it will close them! Dare to join ENSAE Paris; it will allow you to acquire expertise sought after by many institutions and companies in France and worldwide..