Year 11 to Post-16

Applying for College – What to Expect

The process of applying to college can seem like a long one! Here is a rough guide of what will happen and the things you need to do.

September

Research, Research, Research!

• Get online and start looking at different colleges and the courses they offer. Pick up a prospectus from outside the Careers Room (top floor, next to the lift)

• Speak to family and friends about your plans and ideas

• Attend college open events (check your school email for details)

October / November

Choices, Applications, Deadlines

• Choose the colleges you want to apply to (its always good to apply for a few and keep your options open)

• Most colleges ask for online applications through their website. A small number may want you to download a form and complete it by hand before posting to the college

• Colleges set their own application deadlines. Make sure you are aware of these and submit your application on time. A late application could affect your chances of getting a place

December / January

Interviews and Offers

• You will be asked to attend an interview. This could be in school or at the college (this year some colleges may also interview you over the phone or by video call)

• Interviews are a chance for the college to check you have applied for an appropriate course and that you meet their entry requirements. They are also a chance for you to ask questions and confirm your choices

• If you are successful a college will make you an offer and explain what you need to do to accept

May – September

• GCSE exams take place

• GCSE results day over summer (you’ll need to collect your results so you can enrol at college)

• Enrolment is when you go into college and formally sign up for your courses. The college will contact you with instructions over the summer to explain what to do when you get your GCSE results and how to enrol

Resources

Useful Websites