The term "bac" often refers to the baccalauréat, a French national academic qualification. It is typically taken by students at the end of secondary education, around the age of 18. The bac serves as a prerequisite for university admission in France and is divided into several streams, including general, technological, and vocational tracks. The baccalauréat consists of various subjects, with students required to pass written and oral exams. Achieving a passing score is essential for students to pursue higher education, making the bac a significant milestone in the French education system.