05:17 Feb 27 

It was for Univ of Geneva, medical studies. Oddly it is a French application being translated into English but not going to the UK, so in this instance I dont think the "first in class" works (as Tkroache and B D finch noted) in that respect...

15:29 Feb 23 

Well, my nephew won a prize for being top in his class at St Andrew's and I know other people won prizes at three Irish universities (for languages. One got a prize from Italian Embassy, another from French Embassy aS WELL AS getting the university prize €100 I think it was). I don't know how common the practice is now but they were awarded prizes the year they graduated although one gort a prize at end of third year (penultimate year).

10:36 Feb 23 

Indeed not! It's better to be in the middle of a good class than top of a bad one. However, the Asker appears to be in the US, judging by her time zone.

06:58 Feb 23 

Also in the UK university system we don't say who came first in the class (unless they've changed something recently!).

06:47 Feb 23 

And yes, you can't be "premier de la promo" untill you graduated - as opposed to "premier de la classe", which works year-long.

06:39 Feb 23 

I don't know about other French-speaking countries, but in France both mean the same thing except "premier de la classe" is rather used for primary school up till high school and is a completely unofficial expression.

02:00 Feb 23 

Best grade in class for the year is rather "premier de la classe".

22:49 Feb 22 

yes it means they got the best grade in their class for that year.

22:07 Feb 22 

What is the school? Context would help. Certainly not with Honors.
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Stlll awaiting to know which school. It's the kind of thing énarques and polytechniciens boast about.