writing an effective ucas reference - advancing access · structure of reference the structure of...
TRANSCRIPT
Rachel Cox, University of Cambridge
Huw Peters, University of Manchester
Writing an effective
UCAS reference
Welcome
What is the academic reference?
How is it used by universities?
How is it structured and what should it include?
Examples
What is the academic reference?
References in Context
Academic achievement
Admissions tests
Written work
UCAS personal
statement
UCAS teacher’s reference
Interview
“As a referee, you’re aiming to give universities and colleges an informed and academic assessment of an applicant’s suitability for further study.”
(www.ucas.com – How to write UCAS Undergraduate references)
Purpose
• One of the factors on which offers are made
• The only part of application not written by the applicant
• May be scored to assess applicants’ skills and ability
• A profile of performance and potential prepared by
professionals
• Must add value to the application
• 4000 character word limit or 47 lines (whichever is shorter)
• Timeout in UCAS Apply after 35 minutes
• You can begin populating as soon as an applicant registers with UCAS
• Will not be seen by applicant prior to submission to UCAS
• Applicants can request a full copy of the application from UCAS
Key Facts
How is it used by universities?
How and when is it used?
As part of selection:• Information about school/college – for
context
• Information about applicants
• Exceptional/mitigating circumstances
For ‘near misses’ at confirmation
In clearing/adjustment
Predicted grades
Pending qualifications are listed in the reference section – so that referees can add predictions
They should be clear and need to consider:• Do they match the entrance requirements of the chosen
courses?
• Are they consistent with the student’s past academic performance?
• Do they match the information given in the reference?
If ‘No’ to any of the above, there needs to be further explanation in the reference
How to write and structure the UCAS reference
Structure of reference
The structure of the UCAS reference is not set in stone and will differ from school to school and candidate to candidate, but should include:
• Background on applicant and school
• Academic performance at post-16
• Subject by subject reportso Specific details for subject teacherso Most relevant subject first
• Suitability for course and higher education
• Extra-curricular activities and candidate’s personality
Background information
If you choose to enter details about the school/college, please ensure that they are succinct, as the reference should focus mainly on the applicant as an individual:
To give context to the application, you might include:
• size and type of school/college• number of students in student's year group and/or class sizes, and the
proportion typically progressing to HE• typical number and patterns of qualifications taken by students• information about school policies, such as approach to qualification
reform• contextual information about the catchment
Subject information
Things to include…
• Student’s academic performance in their post-16 education -current/past achievements in the subject(s)
• Specific remarks about potential for academic success - profile of academic qualities and skills e.g. analytical ability, logical thought etc
• Applicant’s intellectual flexibility and curiosity
• Suitability of chosen course/subject area
• Applicant’s super-curricular activity and wider subject exploration
• Evaluation of applicant’s performance compared to other students e.g. rank order in class/cohort
A summary about the candidate
Extra-curricular activities, personal qualities and suitability for university and the course:
• Discussion of student’s personal qualities
o Maturity, commitment, enthusiasm
o Transferable skills where not mentioned above such
as time management, organisation
• Extra curricular activities and positions of responsibility
• Suitability for the course and university
o Emphasise particular experiences or skills relevant to
the course
Suggested structure
10%
80%
10%
School or college information
(can include a hyperlink to school
website) Subject specific information
and aptitude for degree
• Focus on subject choice
• Contextual achievement
• Areas of particular strength
Any mitigating or extenuating
circumstances (including nature and
length of impact)
Concluding statement
Examples of teachers’ references
Neutral or bland
Discusses
weaknesses
without justification
Contains spelling/
grammar errors
Shows referee has
had little contact
with student
Not based on
academic or
applied
experiences
Does not describe
context of
achievement
Contextualises
performance and
is honest
Is consistent or
justifies any
discrepancies
Evaluates
motivation
Evaluates
academic potential
and provides
examples
Is detailed and
highly specific
Discusses
strengths and
skills
What makes a good reference? What makes a weak reference?
Thank you
for listening