The purpose of this book is to explain French educational credentials to U.S. college and university admissions officers and credentials evaluators. Following introductory sections providing a map of France and an educational and historical overview of France, the following chapters are presented: (1) elementary and secondary education (including vocational education); (2) university education; (3) short higher technical education; (4) engineering education; (5) agricultural education; (6) business education; (7) teacher training; (8) health and social education (medicine, dentistry, paramedical and related occupations, and social work); (9) architecture, art, music and drama; and (10) suggestions for U.S. admissions officers. Placement recommendations approved by the National Council on the Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials are provided. Four appendices list French universities, institutions that award the Diplome d'Ingenieur, postsecondary schools of business and commerce, and special institutions. Also provided are a list of acronyms, useful addresses, a glossary, 18 annotated references, and an index. Sample programs and other data are provided in 32 tables and charts, and copies are provided of 34 diplomas, certificates and other documents. (KM)