preparatória

preparatória is a term that can refer to several different concepts, primarily related to preparation or preliminary stages. In educational contexts, particularly in Brazil, "preparatória" often describes courses or programs designed to prepare students for specific exams or entrance processes. These can range from high school level courses that reinforce core subjects to specialized bootcamps for university entrance exams like the ENEM or for public service examinations. The goal of these preparatória programs is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their target assessments.

Beyond education, "preparatória" can also be used in a more general sense to denote anything that serves as a preliminary step or a way to get ready for a larger event or undertaking. This might include preparatory drills for a sports team, preliminary research for a scientific project, or preparatory meetings before a significant negotiation. The common thread across these uses is the emphasis on an action or process that occurs before the main event and aims to improve the chances of a successful outcome. The specific meaning is usually clear from the context in which the term is used.