1. How will the course be assessed? Exams, coursework or a mixture?
2. How many students will be on the course?
3. What careers have recent students gone on to?
4. Is there an opportunity to take a placement? If so, will the college organise this?
5. What sort of student support provision is in place?
6. Do the staff seem knowledgeable and accessible?
7. What sports and enrichment activities are available at college?
8. When will I be interviewed for my course?
9. What grades do I need? Will I still get a place if I don't quite get the grades?
10. Which qualifications and combinations of qualifications do they accept/prefer? Do they accept BTEC and GCSEs?
11. Am I able to apply for more than one course?
12. What do they look for in your application and personal statement?
13. Does the college have an application deadline?
14. What the course will be like when you’re there (suggestions from a careers' adviser, student or college tutor).
15. What does the course cover?
16. How many hours a week will I be in timetabled teaching?
17. What facilities are there for breaks and lunch?
18. Are there spaces I can use to study/research when not in class?
19. How much flexibility is there?
20. How will the course make you more employable? Do they offer or arrange placements/work experience?
21. Where have previous students gone after finishing?
22. What's on offer here that will provide opportunities for me to develop employability skills? Does the college have connections with local employers?
23. Are there any jobs on the college campus available for students?
24. Are there any volunteering opportunities?
25. What academic support is available?
26. What sports and societies are available?
27. What are the transport links like? Are most things available on the college campus?
28. Will the college timetable allow room for a part-time job?
29. What bursaries, scholarships or financial help is available? How do you apply?
30. If I get stuck with an assignment, who can I go to for help?
31. Lots of colleges offer the subject, so why should I choose you?
32. What have the grade results been like for the last 2 years?
33. Do you offer taster days and how many subjects can I sample?
34. What is the process if I pick a course, then find it’s not for me? What would be my options then?
35. Once I’ve applied to college, how long will it be before I get an interview date?
36. If I drive or ride a moped, is there a place to park?
37. Are there any additional costs for my course? For example, hair, engineering, catering or construction may require protective equipment or specialist kits.
38. What time does college start each day?
39. Is there access to a careers service?
40. What help is there to get into university, an apprenticeship or work after college?

Here are some example questions that may help you when you are being interviewed for a place to study at a local college/sixth form, an apprenticeship or a part-time job.

Being interviewed is your chance to prove yourself. It helps to be prepared!

1. Q. Why have you applied to this college/apprenticeship/job?
   A. Mention any additional experience (or qualifications) which are relevant.
2. Q. Can you tell me something about yourself?
   A. Stress on the relevant facts about your education, work experience, skills and personal life.
3. Q. What are your strengths?
   A. This is your chance to sell yourself. Stress your skills and experiences and what you enjoy doing!
4. Q. What is your weakness?
   A. Only list one! Be confident while answering this question. Turn your weakness into your strength.
5. Give an example of when you have had to take initiative.
6. Q. How do you find working in a team?
   A. Give an example of working with others and how you found it.
7. Q. How would your friends describe you?
   A. Be bold enough to use some positive characteristics that your friends would agree with.
8. Q. How reliable are you?
   A. The interviewer wants to know how you work to deadlines. Give an example.
9. How do you prioritise various activities?
10. When would you be available to start college/work/etc?
11. Do you have any questions for me? Always have at least one question planned to ask about the college/organisation/etc.

1. Q. Tell me about yourself.
   A. This question seems easier than it is. How do you reduce your whole life to a few sentences? And it's hard to avoid commonplace answers like "I'm friendly" or "I'm a good student." Of course, you want to demonstrate that you're friendly and studious, but also try to say something memorable here that really makes you different from other college applicants. Did you teach your dog to play the piano? Do you make a killer roast dinner? Do you do your best thinking when on a 100-mile bike ride? Do you read books late at night with a torch?
2. Q. Why are you interested in our college?
   A. Be specific when answering this and show that you've done your research. What specifically about the college distinguishes it from others you are considering? The interviewer is hoping that you are interested in the college for reasons other than peer pressure or convenience. Similarly, if you say you applied entirely because of a parent or teacher’s recommendation, you'll be suggesting that you lack initiative and have few thoughts of your own.
3. Q. Who in your life has most influenced you?
   A. There are other variations of this question i.e. Who's your hero? What historical or fictional character would you most like to be like and why? This can be an awkward question if you haven't thought about it, so spend a few minutes considering how you would answer. In this question, the interviewer may want to see if you can think on your feet or think creatively, or even get you to try and reveal more about your character. Therefore, identify a few real, historical, and fictional characters you admire, and be prepared to articulate WHY you admire them.
4. Q. Why do you want to study ...?
   A. It is OK if you have not decided what course/s you want to study when you apply to college - your interviewer will not be disappointed if you say you have several interests and have not yet decided. However, if you have identified a course, be prepared to explain why. Avoid saying that you want to study something because you'll make a lot of money one day - your passion for a subject will make you a good college student, not your love of money.
5. Q. What do you do for fun in your free time?
   A. "Hangin out" and "chilling" are weak answers to this question. College life obviously isn't all work, so the college admissions staff want students who will do interesting and productive things even when they aren't studying. Do you write? Fish? Play a sport? Answer a question such as this one to show that you are well-rounded with a variety of interests.
6. Q. Do your predicted grades accurately reflect your effort and ability?
   A. In the interview or on your application, you often have an opportunity to explain a bad grade or a bad year at school. Be careful with this issue - you don't want to come across as a moaner or as someone who blames others for a low grade. However, if you really did have valid reasons, let the college know.
7. Q. What can I tell you about our college?
   A. You can almost guarantee that your interviewer will provide an opportunity for you to ask questions. Make sure you have some, and make sure your questions are thoughtful and specific to the particular college. Avoid questions that you can easily find the answer to yourself, such as "when is the application deadline?" or "how many subjects do you offer?"