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Going to college

If going to college is what you would like to do after leaving school, you have to plan ahead.

You may have had contact with college already, but it is still good to remember the key times during the year to plan for going to college.

Important times during the year

September and October
Find out more about college
Young person speaking to a Careers Adviser

Find out more about college on Go to college.

You should also:

  • Look on the college website to find out what courses are available
  • Speak to your parents and carers about your
    ideas
  • Speak to your Careers Adviser about going to college

If you would like to visit the college more than once, speak to your Careers Adviser who can help you see how you can do this.

Top Tip

Find out about your options and think about what suits you best.

Alison, Careers Adviser

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November and December
Visit college on an open day
Young person walking towards college reception

Many colleges have open days during this time, where people can visit to find out more.

Speak to your Careers Adviser, Teachers and parents about visiting a college. Some colleges will offer open days online, so check their websites.

If you want to see the college before an open day, remember you and your parents can contact the college to make an appointment to visit.

On an open day you can:

  • Speak to tutors and support staff
  • Ask students who are in the college now about what college life is like
  • Take a tour around the building and find out where you have lunch and can spend break times
  • Find out where you are dropped off in the morning and picked up at the end of the day by bus or taxi

Top Tip

Before you visit a college, think about what you would like to see and the questions you would like to ask. Write any questions down on paper or in your phone so you don't forget.

Dylan, Careers Adviser

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January and February
Apply for college
Young person using laptop to apply

If you still want to go to college, you will need to apply. Some courses get full quickly.

You will need to fill in an application form to tell the college about yourself and what course you want to do.

You may be able to fill in a paper application form but lots of applications are online now.

Ask your family or Careers Adviser if you need help.

Top Tip

On the application form, be honest. Tell the college about any support you will need. This will help you settle into college and make the most of your time there.

Stephen, Careers Adviser

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March to June
Go for an interview
Young person smiling and wearing shirt and tie

The college will ask you to go in for an interview. If you do not hear from them by the end of the spring term, get in touch with the college or speak to your Careers Adviser.

At the end of your interview, you may be told if you have a place in the college. This may depend on you getting the grades you hope to get in school.

To prepare for an interview you should think about:

  • Why you want to go on the course
  • What you want to do after the course
  • What questions you want to ask in the interview

Top Tip

Practice talking about why you want to go to college and do the course with your family and Careers Adviser. This will help you feel confident in the interview.

Jayne, Careers Adviser

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July
Getting a place at college
Young person using laptop

The college will contact you to offer you a place. This is often by email so you will need to check your emails.

You will need to let the college know if you want to accept the place.

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August to September
Enrol in college
Young person happy and celebrating with hands in the air

You may be asked to go to college to enrol. This means you are signing up to going to college.

You may be asked to sign forms or you may do this online. You should ask for help if you are not sure what you need to do. Your Careers Adviser or Teachers in school can help you.

You are now ready to start your course!

Top Tip

You can still get in touch with Careers Wales at any time if you need any help. Find out the different ways to get in touch on Contact us.

Alaw, Careers Adviser

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