⚡ In short The pre-selection threshold is the minimum average needed to be called to the written exam. It isn't set in advance — it depends on the number of candidates and seats. This guide explains how your score is calculated, gives indicative ranges for Medicine, ENSA, ENSAM, ENCG and ISPITS, and shows you how to estimate your chances before you even apply.
Contents
What is the pre-selection threshold?
In Morocco, access to selective schools and faculties happens in two steps. First, a pre-selection on file: the administration ranks all candidates by a score built from their Bac grades, then keeps the best until a quota is filled. Then only pre-selected candidates sit the written exam.
The pre-selection threshold is the grade of the last candidate accepted. Crucially, it is never known in advance. It varies each year with:
- the number of applicants;
- the overall level of the cohort;
- the number of seats;
- the school and city targeted.
How your pre-selection score is calculated
The pre-selection score is a weighted average of your Bac grades. The exact formula differs by exam but usually combines three components:
• the national exam grade (2nd-year Bac);
• the regional exam grade (1st-year Bac);
• the continuous assessment grade (both years).
Many science exams also apply subject coefficients, boosting key subjects (maths and physics for engineering; biology, physics-chemistry for health). Two candidates with the same overall average can therefore get different scores.
Indicative thresholds by exam
| Exam | Score basis | Indicative threshold range | Selectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine (FMP/FMD) | National + regional + CA (science coefficients) | ≈ 16 – 18 / 20 | Very high |
| ENSA | Maths & Physics boosted | ≈ 13 – 16 / 20 | High |
| ENSAM | Maths & Physics boosted | ≈ 13 – 16 / 20 | High |
| ENCG | Bac average (varies by stream) | ≈ 12 – 15 / 20 | Medium–high |
| ISPITS | Science Bac (bio, PC) | ≈ 12 – 15 / 20 | Medium |
Indicative ranges for reference only. Real thresholds are published each year by each school.
Medicine: the highest thresholds
Medicine has the highest thresholds in the country. Depending on the city, the pre-selection bar often sits above 16/20 and can climb further in the most sought-after faculties. Established cities (Rabat, Casablanca) tend to be more selective than newer faculties.
ENSA & ENSAM
For post-Bac engineering, the score emphasizes maths and physics. An SM or PC student with strong grades in these subjects has a clear edge, even if their overall average isn't the highest. Thresholds vary by school and year.
ENCG (TAFEM)
ENCG pre-selects on file, then runs the TAFEM. The file threshold is usually more accessible than medicine or engineering, but final admission depends heavily on test performance. A good Bac average opens the door; the TAFEM decides.
ISPITS
ISPITS are among the more accessible health exams by threshold, while staying serious. Biology and French carry weight. A strong SVT average is a real asset.
Estimate your chances: worked example
A simplified example to grasp the logic (real coefficients depend on the exam):
Example: typical pre-selection score
A candidate scores:
- National exam: 15/20
- Regional exam: 16/20
- Continuous assessment: 17/20
If the exam weights, say, 50% national, 25% regional, 25% continuous assessment:
Score = (15 × 0.50) + (16 × 0.25) + (17 × 0.25) = 7.5 + 4 + 4.25 = 15.75 / 20.
Reading: at 15.75, this candidate is well placed for ENSA, ENSAM, ENCG and ISPITS, but borderline for the most sought-after medical faculties.
What if your average is borderline?
- Widen your applications: apply to several cities and exams, not just the most prestigious.
- Target less popular schools: same degree, often lower threshold.
- Don't neglect any Bac subject: every decimal counts for the score.
- Prepare the written exam hard: once pre-selected, your MCQ performance decides everything.
"Pre-selection opens the door, but the written exam gets you in. An average-on-file but excellent-at-MCQs candidate can overtake everyone."
FAQ
Is the threshold the same everywhere?
No. It changes by city, school and year. The same field can have very different thresholds across faculties.
Can I know the threshold before applying?
No, it's computed after applications close. Use previous years as reference.
Is a good average enough to be admitted?
It only gets you through pre-selection. Final admission depends on your written exam score.
Where do I find official thresholds?
On each exam's official portals and school websites. Check every year — data changes.
Turn pre-selection into admission
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