In France, good students go to “classes prepas” for 2-3 years. It’s a period sort of between high school and university. I’m not sure if students are eligible t

In France, good students go to “classes prepas” for 2-3 years. It’s a period sort of between high school and university. I’m not sure if students are eligible to participate in IMO in this period. Perhaps someone else could clarify. Regardless, France has a strong math culture. This is clearly seen in Fields Medals.