examples of ucas undergraduate references

We use it to assess not only the student’s current achievements but also their future potential. The UCAS Academic Reference plays a very important role in our decision making process. However, in its own literature regarding the UCAS reference, University of Manchester Director of Admissions Michael Sanders writes: There is no one answer to this question, and different universities will have varying criteria for what they are looking for in a school’s reference for a student.

What do universities look for in a reference letter? Generally, subject teachers will contribute to a UCAS reference, then final edits will be done by the Head of Sixth Form, school counsellor, or Head of Department. A UCAS reference is not written by an individual, it is designed to function as one voice from the school. It’s important to remember that the UK reference is different from the letter of recommendation sent to US universities.

So what are the essential components for every UCAS reference, and how can you ensure you’re portraying your students in the best possible way?Īs important deadlines for UK university applications grow closer, we at BridgeU have put together a guide, outlining some of the strategies and techniques to help your students to write a personal statement which is both engaging and truly individual. With the reference being such a vital component of a student’s UCAS application, there’s an understandable pressure on teachers and counsellors to get it right – especially when you have multiple students and you want to ensure that everyone gets an equal share of your time.Įven trickier can be fitting all your school has to say in just 4,000 characters (or 47 lines… sound familiar? It’s identical to the limit your students have to stick to with their personal statements). Much like students, teaching and guidance staff will have to prepare and write a reference within a given time frame.

Universities cite the UCAS reference as a deciding factor which affects whether a student gains a place on their chosen course or not it could also have an impact on whether a university offers a student a conditional or unconditional place. It’s the only part of the UCAS application which the student won’t have any control over. The UCAS reference sits alongside a student’s personal statement as an essential component of a UK university application. Read our complete guide to collating & writing the UCAS Reference. A good UCAS Reference can affect whether a student is accepted to a UK university.

Examples of ucas undergraduate references