So you’ve decided you’re coming to Milton Keynes College. We must say, you’re great at making decisions!

If you’re wondering what happens next, we’ve pulled together an easy-to-read guide on getting your application in, what will happen at your interview, and what to expect next.

1) What do you actually want to study?
This isn’t always an easy question to answer, the truth is that we don’t expect you to know exactly what you want to do at this stage. A good starting point is to think about what you’re interested in and what you’re good at. You also need to think about what you value, how you learn and what you want your next steps to look like. Use our Course A-Z to discover all of the courses and apprenticeships we offer, and you can even chat with our careers guidance team if you want to discuss your options.

2) Application
Once you’ve decided what you want to study, you simply need to go to the course page you want to apply for, and click ‘apply’ in the top right hand corner. There are five essential sections for you to fill out. The first is your personal details, which you will pass with flying colours. You’ll then need to fill out the equal opportunities section, in which you can let us know if you have any support needs that we need to be aware of. Next up is your education history. Now the likelihood is that you haven’t even done your GCSE exams yet, let alone got the results yet. Please provide your predicted grades, so our tutors can see what kind of level you’re working at. The last section is a declaration, essentially where you sign off your application and tell us that everything is true to the best of your knowledge. That’s it – you’ve applied!

3) Your interview
Everyone who applies to study with us is required to have a consultation interview, to make sure we are a great fit for each other. You will need to demonstrate your interest and motivation for the subject – think of it more as an informal discussion about whether the course and the College are right for you. You’ll chat about your experience and knowledge of the subject, as well as your predicted GCSE grades. We also want to make sure we provide you with the best experience possible and help you make your first steps towards your future. Once we have spoken with you, we can make you an offer for a course. Please note: interviews may take place virtually while social distance restrictions are in place.

Louise James, Head of School of Business and Management, said: “We use the consultation process to see the applicant as a whole person, rather than a series of application form notes and exam grades. So we are looking for candidates who are confident, personable and can engage in a conversation with the interviewers, rather than someone who can churn out stock interview phrases”.

See here for more specific tips on how to smash your interview

4) Discovery Day
You will be invited to attend a course-related induction day. On this day you will meet your tutors, see the facilities you’ll be working in and get to know other students who will be joining the course at the same time as you. You’ll be able to experience a full day in College, find out what our cafes and canteens offer, and just generally get to know the environment. Please note: these may take place online due to the current restrictions.

5) Your first day
Your first week will involve induction sessions, settling you into your new life and routine, including your timetable, and getting to know your way around your new home! You will probably already know that you won’t be required to be in College all day every day, so you’ll have much more independent time. If you feel a bit lost or out of place, please don’t worry. You must remember that everyone is in the same boat. Everyone is new, everyone is nervous and we are here for you!