What to wear for college interview - mature student

Morganarla

Evening all

Need some help...

I have a college interview tomorrow, for a course enabling me to qualify in a profession I have worked in in varying capacities over the last twenty years (vet nursing) so I'm very excited but very nervous too.

It's been quite a few years since I left education and I did not go to college after GCSEs so have never done this.

Should I wear same as for a job interview? I would normally wear blouse, skirt, courts and smart jacket for job interviews (even though the role is more hands on and casual than the interview dress suggests) but this college interview is going to be about 3 hours long, plus I will have to walk as part of my journey there.

I was thinking blouse, black trousers, flat black shoes (soft lace ups as it is either those, battered old ballet flats or courts.. But they are pretty well covered by my trousers) and a smart grey cardigan. No jewellery as per standard in the profession when working.

Is this too casual? All the other candidates are very likely to be 16-17 years old and I really don't know how they will be dressed either!

Maybe I'm overthinking it because I'm nervous... HELP!

ValHaller

You are overthinking. College interviews are not like job interviews. Colleges are more interested in the person and your ability to thrive in their environment than in your match to a specification. Apart from the jewellery issue you have identified, I cannot see any big issues of dress relevant to being a student in this environment.

What you are proposing is fine

LittleVoice

What you propose wearing seems fine to me.

However, three hours is a long time for an interview. Have they said what it will entail? If you could wear those clothes for work, then definitely fine. If you would have to be even more casually dressed and the interview requires you to demonstrate your knowledge practically, you may prefer to dress down.

The overriding principle has to be to wear something in which you are comfortable.

paddedjohn

Hi-vis jacket, jeans and rigger boots.

divadee

Most college interviews involve a maths and English test. They want to see if you get a level 2/3 in these subjects. You won't be refused a place if you don't reach that level but they will give you help to get to that level over the length of the course.

This is why the interview is that length of time.

Also what you propose to wear is absolutely fine. You will probably be the smartest one there! Most teens just turn up looking well like teens!!!

Honeypie

I think the outfit you've suggested sounds great. Smart yet comfortable and not too formal. I like it. Good luck!

Morganarla

Thanks all. I've changed it slightly and gone for the courts as well as a black v neck instead of the cardi.

It does include the maths/English tests, not nervous about those. I'm more nervous because the course is always massively oversubscribed so there's a chance I might not get in...

Getting ready now, long journey ahead to get there. Argh!

emsywoo123

Morganarla wrote: »

Thanks all. I've changed it slightly and gone for the courts as well as a black v neck instead of the cardi.

It does include the maths/English tests, not nervous about those. I'm more nervous because the course is always massively oversubscribed so there's a chance I might not get in...

Getting ready now, long journey ahead to get there. Argh!

I did my VN course as a day release to college-and you might be surprised to see that they are not all as young as you might think

Morganarla

I'm hoping not! Because I really couldn't bear to be stuck with teenagers, even if it is only for one day a week I'm trying desperately to find a day release position as well, as I didn't realize the level 3 full time doesn't qualify for maintenance loans... As an adult with responsibilities and debts, I need to have something available to pay the rent! Nice to hear of another VN (even though I'm not officially a VN yet )