Could you please introduce yourself ?
My name is Mathilde Cros, I am French, but I studied in a French high school in Barcelona before coming to the Bachelor. I am now double majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science with a Minor in Biology.
Why did you choose the Bachelor of Science of Ecole Polytechnique ?
What helped me choose is both the social opportunities at the Bachelor, with all the student committees, as well as the international aspect of the Bachelor, with all classes being taught in english, as well as the excellent masters opportunity we have once we graduate.
Could you tell us how the second year is going ?
Well, the courses are much harder in second year but they’re also more interesting in my opinion, because you have can also choose your courses. By that time you have found the appropriate rythm and balance you need between social activities and work to succeed happily in your studies while having fun.
Do you have a favourite course?
I really like the machine learning course this semester. I like how the course is taught because, compared to more theoretical courses, you really have concrete examples of how what you study is useful for society. You also have to work on a project which is quite challenging. This course can also be taken by Economics majors, which is great because you get to share different perspectives on subjects.
What would be a great memory of your second year in the Program that you would like to share with future students?
Being a recipient of the Women in Science Scholarship, I attended in second year the ceremony celebrating the 50year anniversary of women at Polytechnique. During this evening, we heard multiple very motivating and emotional speeches from the first female students in Polytechnique such as Anne Chopinet, but were also able to talk with high school girls about what we do and advice them in their future studies. It was overall just a very beautiful event to which I was very lucky and proud to able to represent women in STEM at.
Any piece of advice to future Bachelor students that you would like to share?
In my personal experience, my main piece of advice would be to not neglect social relationships at the Bachelor. The student community here is very strong and it’ll really help you get through hard times during your studies. There isn’t any competitive atmosphere here, so don’t hesitate to reach out to other students if you are struggling and I can guarantee you that: One, you won’t be the only one in this situation. Two, higher year students will most gladly help you go through your course material again. This period of your life can be really stressful, so you really need to work on yourself to not let that stress overwhelm you and make you miss out on amazing opportunities you’ll have here at the Bachelor.