As every year, the rankings of engineering schools are eagerly awaited, scrutinized, sometimes dreaded… and often commented on. EBI appears at the top in the Biology and Biotechnology categories among private schools, whether in the rankings of Usine Nouvelle, L’Étudiant, or Le Figaro Étudiant.

Focus on an emblematic criterion: In the ranking of L’Usine Nouvelle, EBI ranks 5th nationally on the criterion of proximity to companies. This is a founding principle of the school, created in 1992 at the request of the bio-industries. Since then, this relationship has continued to strengthen with the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agri-food, and environmental sectors, to develop training programs closely aligned with the needs of the field.

Understanding rankings to use them better

Rankings can be a useful compass, but they are not truths carved in stone. They should be read with perspective, because:

• Each media outlet uses its own criteria and weightings. A school can be highly ranked in one media outlet and less well in another: that is normal.
• Some criteria, such as research, are not comparable between a small-scale school and a school affiliated with a large university.
• Training models vary (post-secondary, post-preparatory, generalist or specialized), which sometimes makes comparisons misleading.
• Integration rates are also closely linked to the field: in computer science or biology, employment dynamics are not the same.

These limitations are moreover highlighted by several media outlets, such as L’Express or Studyrama, which encourage cross-checking sources and setting one’s own criteria before making a choice.

The advice of Clémence Bernard, General Director of the EBI

“LinkedIn is a powerful tool to look at the reality of employment integration. By exploring the ‘alumni’ tab of schools, you can see the companies that are hiring, the positions held, and the geographical areas. This data is not edited by the schools, but provided by the graduates themselves. It is a faithful mirror of what becomes of the students.”

It’s up to you to build your ranking!

What if the real ranking was yours? Ask yourself these questions:

• In what environment will I thrive?
• Which specializations attract me?
• Which teaching method suits me best?
• Where are the graduates today?

Schools are not all made for everyone. It’s up to you to chart your path, choosing according to your values, your desires, and… your future job.