Former President Nicolas Sarkozy famously lamented, for instance, that "La Princesse de Clèves," a 17th-century novel, had been included by a "sadist or an imbecile" in an examination for entry-level state administrative posts.
Historically, the direction has been toward "meritocracy"—the best individual for each job, competitive examinations for entry, and selection and promotion on the basis of merit.
But tradition and continuity rather than innovation were the hallmarks of the Prussian administration under him; many of what new departures there were (for example, an effort in 1770 to introduce a system of state examinations for entry into the civil service) were not very effective.
After high school, she went to classes préparatoires near Paris, where she studied biology, maths, and physics for 2 years in preparation for nationwide competitive examinations for entry to the French Grandes Écoles.
After studying in classes préparatoires for 2 years in preparation for the nationwide, competitive examinations for entry to the French Grandes Écoles, Schwartz won an invitation to join the prestigious École Polytechnique in Palaiseau, near Paris.
— CHRISTOPHER F. SCHUETZE Revised exam in U.S. for medical school entrance The body that administers the Medical College Admission Test, the examination required for entry into most U.S. medical schools, has announced plans to release a revised exam in 2015.
In Germany, students at the age of 19 complete their "Abitur," a set of examinations required for entry into higher education, which ends their secondary education.
As countries develop economically, compulsory schooling is extended, and selective examinations are consequently instituted for entry into upper secondary and higher education (as, for example, in South Korea and Japan).
Students provided grades in each subject, which range from A* and A through to G, as well as saying whether they had taken or were taking AS (Advanced Subsidiary) level exams or A (Advanced) level examinations, the standard exams for entry to university.
Examine your home for entry points.
