UCAS Application: How to Choose a Referee

When you apply to university through UCAS, one of the crucial parts of your application is your reference. This is a document that gives admissions tutors insight into your abilities, character, and potential as a student. But who can write your UCAS reference? What should it include? And how do you ensure it's submitted correctly? Here's a guide to help you navigate this process.

Who Can Write My UCAS Reference?

The person who writes your reference should ideally be someone who knows you well and can speak to your academic abilities, work ethic, and suitability for higher education. Most applicants will ask a teacher, tutor, or someone from their school or college who has worked with them closely. Common choices include:

• A-level tutors or teachers: They can speak to your performance in relevant subjects and your predicted grades.
• Head of Sixth Form or College: This person may also offer insight into your overall academic progress and character.

However, if you’ve recently left school or college, or if you’re returning to education after some time away, there are alternative options:

• Current or previous employer: If you’ve been in the workforce, a manager or supervisor who knows your professional abilities and academic potential can write your reference.
• Training provider or apprenticeship supervisor: If you're undertaking an apprenticeship or vocational training, your supervisor could act as a referee.

The key is that whoever writes your reference should be able to speak to your academic abilities and why you're a good fit for higher education, based on their experience with you.

Who Can't Write My UCAS Reference?

UCAS has strict rules about who can and cannot write your reference. To avoid any risk of your application being rejected, make sure you do not ask:

• Family members: Parents, siblings, or other relatives.
• Friends or partners: Current or ex-partners are also prohibited.
• Acquaintances who don't know you well academically: Anyone who isn’t familiar with your academic work and future aspirations should not be asked to write your reference.

If UCAS finds out that any of these individuals have written your reference, your application may be cancelled. It's essential to be cautious and ensure you pick a referee who meets the requirements.

What Should Be Included in the UCAS Reference?

A well-written UCAS reference provides universities with information about your academic performance, suitability for the course you're applying to, and any personal circumstances that might be relevant to your application.

Key areas that should be included:

Academic Performance:

• How you have performed in school or college.
• Your strengths in specific subjects, especially those relevant to your chosen course.
• Predicted grades for any pending qualifications (if applicable).

Suitability for Higher Education:

• The referee should explain why they believe you're well-suited to the challenges of university-level education.
• This could involve references to your dedication, motivation, and intellectual curiosity.

Personal Circumstances:

• If relevant, the referee can discuss any personal issues that have affected your performance, such as health problems, family circumstances, or mental health challenges.
• If you have any learning difficulties or disabilities, the referee can mention these, but only with your permission.

Additional Skills or Achievements:

• Any extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or unique experiences that demonstrate your character, ambition, and potential.

How to Submit Your UCAS Reference

Applying through a school or college:

• If you're applying through a school, college, or another educational institution, your reference will be submitted by the institution on your behalf.
• UCAS doesn't allow applicants to view their reference if it’s being submitted by a school or college, so make sure all your application details are accurate before submitting it for review.
• Your referee will complete their section of the application, and once they do, they’ll submit it to UCAS directly.

Applying as an individual:

• If you’re applying independently (without going through a school or college), you can still ask a registered institution or another organisation to write your reference.
• In your UCAS application, you can select the option to "Ask a registered school, college, or organisation to write your reference only."
• The institution will then add their reference to your application. Ensure that they have all the necessary details to submit it on time.
• You can’t submit your application until your referee has completed their part of the application, so allow enough time for them to write and submit the reference.

How to Choose the Right Referee

Here are some tips to help you select the best person for the job:

Consider your educational or work history:

• If you’re still in education or have recently been, choose someone who has closely followed your academic journey and can comment on your grades, achievements, and motivation.
• If you've been out of education for a while, an employer or someone you’ve worked with in a training environment can be a good fit, as they can highlight your skills and work ethic.

Discuss your application with them:

• Before sending your reference request, have a conversation with your chosen referee. Make sure they understand the courses you're applying to and your career aspirations.
• This will help them tailor the reference to be as specific and impactful as possible.

Don’t overwhelm them:

• Remember, you only need one reference for your UCAS application. If you feel you need additional references, contact the universities directly to inquire whether they accept multiple references.

Give them time:

• Don’t wait until the last minute! Give your referee enough time to write a thoughtful and comprehensive reference. Once they’ve agreed to help, confirm the deadlines and ensure they know when UCAS expects the reference to be submitted.

How the Reference Should Be Written

When writing your reference, the referee will need to follow some guidelines to ensure everything is done correctly:

• Written online: The reference must be completed online in the reference section of your UCAS application.
• Language: The reference should be written in English (or Welsh if applying for courses in Wales).
• Predicted Grades: If the referee is a teacher, they can include your predicted grades for pending qualifications.
• Personal Circumstances: The referee can mention any personal or academic difficulties you’ve faced, but only if you’ve given your permission.

Final Reminders

• Check your application carefully: Before submitting your UCAS application, double-check that everything is correct, including your reference. UCAS cannot accept your application without a completed reference.
• Be mindful of deadlines: Give your referee plenty of time to write and submit the reference. Don’t leave it to the last minute!
• Follow UCAS guidelines: Make sure your reference follows all the UCAS rules to avoid your application being rejected.

Choosing the right referee is a key part of your UCAS application. By picking someone who knows you well, is supportive, and can write a detailed and thoughtful reference, you’re setting yourself up for success in your university application journey.