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Institutions of excellence are classifying institutions. This article aims at analyzing the way such a classificatory activity operates, its nature and its effects on members, by examining the case of two specific institutions where it is particularly crucial : scientific prep schools in France and a Moroccan national center for runners training. The paper enlightens the power of official ranking operations and their hold on members’ everyday life. Yet, members can distance themselves from these rankings, which may also be challenged by alternate hierarchies.