Frosh Survey: Meet The Newest Generation of Sciences Pistes

Amidst heatwaves, lost luggage crises and seas of tourists, the Class of 2025 has arrived in Menton. Each student brings unique personal stories and aspirations. Despite being composed of over 34 different nationalities, the incoming class shares the challenging experience of navigating high school and college admissions during a pandemic — and, of course, the trauma of the French banking system.

As first years assimilated through Integration Week at Sciences Po, 113 responded to a Menton Times survey about their backgrounds, beliefs, lifestyles and career goals. The survey explored topics ranging from nationality to political ideology to alcohol consumption.

(Due to rounding, reported statistics may not total 100 percent exactly).

Demographics

The Class of 2025 is the largest in Sciences Po Menton’s history, yet it is still predominantly female. Among respondents to the survey, roughly 71.7% identify as female, 27.4% as male and 0.9% as nonbinary.

With nearly 25% of students from more than one nationality and the majority speaking more than three languages, the demographics of this year’s new class serve as further confirmation of the Menton campus’ diversity. As in years past, over 60% of students come from outside France; 33.6% are of Middle Eastern and North African heritage.

However, the class is not as diverse in its socioeconomic background as in its nationalities. When asked to describe their socioeconomic level, 67.3% reported theirs as middle, 16.8% reported theirs as high, 9.7% as low and 6.2% did not respond.

Religion & Politics

Survey results show that the incoming class is primarily secular; 47.8% reported that religion has no role in their life. However, 25.7% consider themselves somewhat religious, 13.3% very religious and 9.7% moderately religious.

Politically, students tend to lean left — 58.9% declared their political persuasion as left compared to 17.9% reporting center, 7.1% extreme left and 5.1% right.

The Path to Sciences Po

For nearly 95% of respondents, Sciences Po was their first choice. Only 8.8% of students have family members who are alumni of Sciences Po.

21% of students are in one of the seven offered dual degree programs — programs where students attend Sciences Po and a partner university and graduate with two Bachelor’s degrees. 76% of dual degree students will attend Columbia University in the City of New York after their first two years, making it the most popular program.

Programs with the University of California Berkeley and the University of British Columbia tied for second, involving 8% of dual degree students each. The program with University College London makes up roughly 4% of dual degree students.

Beyond Menton

The incoming class appears to be primarily in agreement regarding life beyond Menton. The majority of students, 75.2%, plan to complete their master’s program through Sciences Po, likely thanks to the guaranteed admission. Unsurprisingly, many students, roughly 43%, plan to work in government after graduation. Other popular choices included non-governmental organizations (23%), law (9.7%), business (8.8%), academia (4.4%) and journalism (3.5%). The remainder stated they were still undecided.