A new computer school in Paris has been overwhelmed by some 60,000 applicants, reports NPR.
The school, called 42, was founded by a telecom magnate who says the French education system is failing young people. His aim is to reduce France's shortage in computer programmers while giving those who've fallen by the wayside a new chance.
In the hallways of 42, suitcases and sleeping bags are piled, and people are stretched out on mattresses in some of the corners. There are showers and dozens of colorful bath towels.
Living here for the next month are some of the 4,000 potential students who already made the first cut by passing cognitive skill tests online.
Now they have to clear another hurdle. They're thrown together and challenged with computer problems for 15 hours a day. Only 800 students will get a place, says 42's director, Nicolas Sadirac.
"It's very, very intensive," Sadirac says. "It's a kind of selection, but [for] the long term. So we don't just do an examination. We spend four weeks choosing each student."
The only criteria for applying is to be between the ages of 18 and 30. Applicants don't need money, or a particular level of academic achievement. A third don't even have high school diplomas.
Read more of this report from NPR.