Clara Copin, top graduate of the 2026 Agrégation in Economics and Social Sciences
She achieved top marks in the agrégation examination in Economics and Social Sciences in 2026. Congratulations!
Clara Copin is a student at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Paris-Saclay in the Department of Teaching and Research (DER) in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
She graduated at the top of her class in the agrégation in Economics and Social Sciences in 2026.
After two years in the ENS D2 preparatory program in Marseille, Clara Copin was admitted to ENS Paris-Saclay through a competitive entrance exam to the Department of Teaching and Research (DER) in the Humanities and Social Sciences at ENS Paris-Saclay.
“During my first year at ENS, I pursued a bachelor’s degree with a major in economics and a minor in sociology. I then enrolled in the master’s program in ‘Economics, Organizations, and Society,’ a program focused on heterodox economics. During those two years, I was actively involved in the student association La Solidarité Normalienne, where I taught French as a foreign language (FLE) and helped organize charity events.”
Her goal: to become a professor of economics and social sciences
She enrolled at ENS Paris-Saclay with a very clear goal: to become a teacher of economics and social sciences.
“Ever since high school, I’ve wanted to become a teacher. It was during my senior year that I realized I specifically wanted to teach economics and social sciences. I particularly enjoyed this subject for its critical dimension and for the discussions it sparked in class. I loved exploring the different perspectives and schools of thought that have emerged over time on a given issue (such as international trade, educational inequality, or unemployment).
At the time, I applied for two bachelor’s programs in economics on Parcoursup, with the intention of then pursuing a MEEF master’s degree.
On the last day to submit my preferences on Parcoursup, my SES teacher, Mr. Dubois, asked me what my plans were. When I explained my plans to him, he called me back that evening to advise me to add the ENS D2 preparatory class in Marseille so that I could later try to gain admission to the ENS and, eventually, earn my agrégation. At that point, I didn’t even know what the ENS was!
I followed his advice, telling myself that I could always change my mind later. Looking back, I realize just how pivotal that conversation was in shaping my path. I’m incredibly grateful to have crossed paths with this teacher, who took the time to guide me and open up opportunities I hadn’t even known existed.”
So it was only natural that she decided to prepare for and take the SES agrégation exam during her third year at ENS Paris-Saclay.
Top graduate of the 2026 Agrégation in Economics and Social Sciences
“When some of my classmates talked about the rankings they hoped to achieve in order to teach in prep classes, I often joked that my goal was simply to come in 38th—that is, to be the last one admitted—and that I’d be thrilled with that result. In fact, given my grades throughout the year, I never would have imagined finding myself in first place a few months later.
I’d like to thank all my teachers and classmates in the Agrég prep program for their support and kindness, as well as my family and friends for their encouragement throughout the year. Finally, a huge thank you to Mr. Dubois, without whom I probably wouldn’t be writing these lines today.”
Crédits photo : Théo Durier.