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