Harvard, Prépa, and the Degree Dilemma: Comparing Higher Education in France and the USA

Harvard is back in the news — and it reminds us how powerful universities can be in shaping identity, opportunity, and public debate. But behind the headlines lies a much bigger story: how differently higher education works around the world.

Having studied in both France and the United States, I’ve seen these contrasts up close. In this blog, I’ll explain the key differences — and what they mean for learners, professionals, and anyone considering a course like an English course with CPF in Vincennes or elsewhere.

🇺🇸 U.S. System vs. 🇫🇷 French System: Overview

Feature	USA	France
Access to Higher Education	Most students attend university after high school (open access model)	Selective path for grandes écoles via prépa; university also accessible
Undergraduate Degree	4 years – broad, with general education + a major	3 years (Licence) – focused, no general education requirements
Graduate Degree	Required for specialization; optional for many jobs	Master’s required for many career paths
Prestige Path	Ivy League & top private/public universities	Grandes écoles like Sciences Po, HEC, ENS
Cost	High tuition; scholarships and loans common	Low public tuition; grandes écoles may charge higher fees
Flexibility	High: can change majors, combine degrees	Low: early specialization, harder to change tracks

Key Concepts Explained

• Liberal Arts (USA): An undergraduate philosophy focused on broad knowledge across disciplines (sciences, arts, social sciences), critical thinking, and communication.

• Classes Préparatoires (France): Two intense years after high school to prepare for competitive entrance exams to elite grandes écoles (business, engineering, humanities). Students study long hours with a narrow focus.

• Grandes Écoles (France): Selective higher education institutions outside the public university system. Entry is based on national exams. Graduates often enter high-level jobs in government, finance, or academia.

What It Feels Like: My Experience

At Southern Methodist University and The University of Connecticut, I had flexibility to explore French, history, and education. I studied abroad, led workshops, and learned to build my own academic path. In France, I saw how prépas can be life-consuming — but also deeply formative. The rigor and ambition are real.

💡 Takeaway:  The American system gave me room to create. The French system taught me how to persist.

🎓 Strengths & Weaknesses of Each System

System	Strengths	Weaknesses
USA	Broad education, flexibility, creative thinking, personalized paths	High cost, risk of student debt, sometimes lack of depth
France	Affordability, academic rigor, strong preparation for elite jobs	Early specialization, high stress, limited student support

For Today’s Learners

Whether you're looking into a Private tutoring in English, a formation d’anglais avec le CPF, or studying abroad — here's what to ask yourself:

• Do I value flexibility or structure?

• Am I ready to specialize early?

• Is prestige more important than fit?

• What kind of support system do I need?

There’s no perfect system. But there is a perfect fit — for you.