<p>Again, I would assume that the admissions committee is aware of the French system as I am sure that there are students from France or nearby countries that have got into CalTech. You might want to try and find someone who has got into competitive US Colleges like MIT, CalTech, even Harvard, Yale, Harvey Mudd and find out what they did to polish up their resume. What additional activities did they take part in? Did they find some reserach opportunities in a European Lab?</p>
<p>You have to be creative. You may want to post your question in the International thread as there are people more knowledgeable about Foreign schools in that forum.</p>
<p>Even all US students do not have the same opportunity, especially those is smaller schools in non urban areas, but those students still are able to show a passion for math and science.</p>