UCAS APPLICATIONS: WRITING A
GOOD REFERENCE
Louise Andronicou
Principal Lecturer in Law
Director of Recruitment
Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences
Louise Andronicou
Introduction
Bear in mind:
• The student has the right to a fair reference
• The recipient of the reference has the right
to fair disclosure
With these factors in mind, let’s consider some Dos and Don’ts
Louise Andronicou
Introduction
The reference is a great influencing factor for admissions tutors
Admissions Tutors seek students who have the following attributes:
•
•
•
•
•
ability to evaluate information
ability to analyse data
ability to work independently
ability to communicate in writing and verbally
have numeracy skills
With these factors in mind, let’s consider some Dos and Don’ts
Louise Andronicou
Do
•
•
•
•
•
State your relationship to the applicant
How long you have known him/her
In what capacity you know him/her
Explain applicant’s qualifications
Weave into your reference the applicable attributes
admissions tutors are seeking
Do
If the student’s qualifications are not A levels, HEIs will be
less familiar with the qualifications, so state:
• (a) The content of the course
• (b) How the course is taught/learning style
• (c) How the course is assessed
• (d) The duration of the course
• (e) The A level equivalent
Louise Andronicou
HE to Access Diploma
•
•
•
•
•
DO:
Give detail of the content of the course
Whether includes level 2 equivalent of English and
Maths
Explain how course is assessed
Your predicted result of the student
Express your prediction by way of specifying how many
credits they will achieve with merit and/or distinction
Louise Andronicou
BTEC Qualifications
Do:
• Explain which BTEC qualification
• GCSE or equivalent Maths/English?
• Learners study real-life, work-based case studies and
complete projects and assessments
• The variety of assessments and learning styles used
• Could student cope with extended writing/examinations?
Do
• Give details of the performance of the student, to date,
on the course
• Predict likely grade/type of pass of student.
• Relate the applicant's skills, experience and
characteristics to his/ her chosen study area
Louise Andronicou
Do
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Comment on other attributes of student,
such as:
Communication skills
Determination
Commitment to study
Genuine interest in course
Reliability
Ability to work independently
Ability to work as part of a team
Punctuality
Louise Andronicou
Do
•
State whether you think student would
do well on the course(s) applied for.
•
State whether you think that the student
would be suited to higher education.
Louise Andronicou
Don’t
•
Assume university admissions tutors
are familiar with non-traditional
qualifications.
Louise Andronicou
Don’t
•
Use the same reference for all students
applying to University.
Louise Andronicou
Don’t
• 3. Give two line references.
Louise Andronicou
Does the reference need to be long?
Include the information we’ve discussed but ensure the
reference is
• Well structured
• Focused
• Concise
Summary
The reference should include:
1. Capacity in which you know applicant
2. An explanation of the applicant’s qualifications
3. The applicant's academic performance to date
4. The sought after attributes of the applicant
5. Their potential for academic success in HE
6. Any personal relevant qualities
7.Relevant extra-curricular activities and interests