Audrey POLLIEN is a third-year student at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in the Department of Teaching and Research (DER) in Chemistry. She also serves as a student representative on the ENS Scientific Council and within the Graduate School of Research and Higher Education Professions (GS MRES) at Paris-Saclay University.
Naturally, like many students, it wasn’t always easy for me to feel like I belonged at an ENS, especially when you don’t come from one of the “big Parisian prep schools.” And even less so when, as was the case for me, you don’t come from a privileged background. Today, I am very grateful to those few teachers who believed in me and encouraged me to become a student at the ENS... For those of you who are hesitant to take the entrance exam, I’ll leave you to reflect on this quote from the French philosopher Charles Fourier: “We begin by saying, ‘That is impossible,’ to excuse ourselves from even trying, and it becomes impossible, in fact, because we do not try.”
Portrait
What is your background?
After earning my scientific high school diploma with a specialization in physics and chemistry—even though I’d always wanted to study medicine—I ultimately decided to enroll in a PCSI preparatory class. Why? Because I was far too fascinated by physics, chemistry, and math not to continue my studies in that direction.
After my first year in the PCSI program, I transferred to the PC track for my second year of prep school with the sole goal of gaining admission to one of the three ENS schools. I knew full well that becoming an engineer wasn’t what I needed. I wanted to do research. However, it wasn’t at the end of those two years that I was admitted to ENS Paris-Saclay.
In September 2021, I enrolled in the Master’s program in molecular physics and chemistry at Paris-Saclay University, which is a program that is largely (if not entirely) shared with students from ENS Paris-Saclay.
During that year, I also took the second entrance exam for ENS Paris-Saclay, which I ultimately passed, and I then became a student at the ENS.
After my third year of my bachelor’s degree and my first year of my master’s program, still passionate about the world of research, it was only natural that I decided to complete a Pre-doctoral Research Year Abroad (ARPE) for my specialized degree year.
How did you hear about ENS Paris-Saclay, and why did you choose it?
Whether through our teachers or online forums, when you come from a preparatory program, it’s hard not to have heard of the ENS!
To be honest, after finishing prep school, I would have been happy to attend any of the three ENS schools. But after completing my first year of the magistère program, ENS Paris-Saclay became the obvious choice for me because of the excellence of its teaching, the dedication and kindness of its professors, as well as the quality of the resources available to us and the pleasure of studying in a brand-new building.
And besides, given that ENS Paris-Saclay’s motto promises “education through research, for research and teaching,” that’s bound to appeal to a student who aspires to become a researcher!
Did you come from a preparatory school outside Paris? What challenges did you face? Some people think they aren’t good enough to pass the ENS entrance exams: what would you say to them?
Actually, I completed my two years of prep school “outside Paris” at Lycée La Martinière Monplaisir in Lyon.
The biggest challenge I faced was undoubtedly having to deal with teachers who didn’t think I was capable of getting into the ENS. Naturally, like many students, it wasn’t always easy for me to feel I had what it took to get into an ENS, especially when you don’t come from a “major Parisian prep school.” And even more so when, as was the case for me, you don’t come from a “star-rated” class. Today, I’m very grateful to those few teachers who believed in me and encouraged me to become an ENS student.
As I said, I wasn’t able to get into the ENS directly after prep school. But having been in the same class as ENS students after prep school during my year in the magistère program—whether they came from Parisian prep schools or not—I can assure you that the playing field is completely level!
For those of you who are hesitant to take the entrance exam, I’ll leave you to reflect on this quote from the French philosopher Charles Fourier: “We begin by saying, ‘That is impossible,’ to excuse ourselves from trying, and it becomes impossible, in fact, because we do not try.”
Did you know from the start what you wanted to do when you entered ENS Paris-Saclay?
I was still torn between pursuing research and teaching. But I had the opportunity to do an immersive teaching internship at a high school (one afternoon a week), and I realized that it didn’t particularly excite me. On the contrary, once I enrolled at ENS Paris-Saclay, my interest in research was more than confirmed!
Are you currently in your ARPE year? What does that involve? Can you tell us why you chose this track, what your activities are, and what you’re getting out of it?
To earn our degree, we must complete a specific year, usually between our first and second years of the master’s program. Captivated and fascinated by research, it was a no-brainer for me to do a Pre-doctoral Research Year Abroad (ARPE).
This year offers us a remarkable opportunity to complete a 9- to 10-month internship in an academic research laboratory abroad. The goal of this year is to gain independence in conducting research, but also to discover how research is carried out abroad.
Personally, I am spending this year at the Institute of Physics and Chemistry at Heidelberg University in Germany. I am studying the third-order nonlinear optical properties of N-heteropolycyclic diradicals. To put it very simply, I shine a laser on highly unstable molecules containing nitrogen atoms and analyze the response these molecules send back to me.
The best part of the ARPE year is the length of time! Unlike an internship, you really have time to immerse yourself in your research topic, and that’s really great. Plus, I’m lucky to be working in a team that lets me “stand on my own two feet,” which is particularly satisfying. I also have the opportunity to collaborate with several German teams on various projects, all related to my research topic, and will soon be presenting my initial results at a conference in Berlin.
ARPE is, word for word, “research training through research”! And even if things don’t always go as planned (otherwise it would be too easy), it’s above all about meeting people, exchanging ideas, and learning a lot.
What are your plans after graduation?
When I return from my ARPE, I plan to pursue the M2 in Inorganic, Physical, and Solid-State Chemistry (CHIPS) at Paris-Saclay University.
After earning my degree, I hope to write a thesis in physical chemistry, even though I don’t yet have a specific idea for a topic or a lab (though I do have a few leads).
Do you have any career plans?
For now, the one thing I’m certain of is that I’d like to become a researcher in physical chemistry. For me, research is above all a labor of love, and I fully identify with that idea.
The professors I’ve had the opportunity to work with during my years at the ENS and Paris-Saclay University have always impressed me with their knowledge, their passion for research, their commitment, and their dedication. That is why I also plan to become a faculty member and researcher so that I can share my knowledge and, hopefully, become as inspiring as some of them have been to me.
Can you tell us what the School has given you?
Enrolling at the ENS was much more than just an academic milestone; for me, it was a fascinating journey into the heart of intellectual excellence that transformed me. I entered with questions to which I couldn’t find answers. And it wasn’t answers that the ENS gave me, but certainties.
The ENS provided me with an exceptional learning environment, where the pursuit of knowledge and the constant quest for excellence shaped every moment of my education. Interactions with passionate professors and classmates fueled my curiosity, opening unexpected doors to captivating fields.
What I will take away from my time at the ENS is this unique blend of intellectual rigor, collaborative spirit, and personal fulfillment. The lessons I learned during my studies will continue to guide my path, illuminating the way toward a future I hope to dedicate to research and the exploration of innovative ideas.
What advice would you give to students who are hesitant to apply to ENS Paris-Saclay?
To students hesitating to step through the doors of ENS Paris-Saclay, I would advise them to seize this opportunity with both hands. My own experiences at ENS Paris-Saclay have taught me that the diversity of knowledge, enriching exchanges with passionate peers, and guidance from fascinating faculty members are all elements that go far beyond a standard university curriculum.
My advice, therefore, would be to let your curiosity guide you. ENS Paris-Saclay offers much more than just a degree; it offers a unique intellectual and personal journey that shapes the academic and personal paths of every student in an unforgettable way.