We know these are genuine judgements offered in support of applicants.Īs each referee will approach these topics differently, it is very difficult to compare different

Why we find subject-specific content less useful We do not use these points from references in our offer-making. Lengthy subject-specific descriptions of an applicant’s performanceĬommentary on the applicant’s nature and disposition for studyĬomments comparing an applicant relative to their cohort or past studentsĭetails of general extra-curricular activities or positions of authority within a school (such as Head Boy or Girl) - applicants will usually include these in personal statements We particularly appreciate information on any extenuating or mitigating circumstances so they canĪcademic references often include descriptions that we find less helpful: All provided references are read and considered in full as part of our selection process. We may considerĮmployer references in certain limited circumstances. We are looking for academic references – if you are an employer or know the applicant inĪnother role, you should encourage them to contact us about their options. Qualifications and personal statements), but they are nevertheless a useful tool when we make References do not form part of our core consideration (unlike predicted grades, achieved We use academic references to contextualise and reinforce the other parts of a UCAS application. What we want you to include in Section Three.What we want you to include in Section Two.What we want you to include in Section One.Why we find subject-specific content less useful.

Ucas independent reference example