{"id":24349,"date":"2020-11-19T15:47:29","date_gmt":"2020-11-19T15:47:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=24349"},"modified":"2020-11-19T15:47:31","modified_gmt":"2020-11-19T15:47:31","slug":"what-should-be-in-my-ucas-reference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/university\/what-should-be-in-my-ucas-reference\/","title":{"rendered":"What should be in my UCAS reference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re studying to go to university then at some point, you\u2019re going to have to start thinking about the application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from getting the grades, there are two key elements to your application: your personal statement and your UCAS reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your personal statement is extremely important to your application so it\u2019s important to give it the time it deserves. If you need help with that, click here<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your UCAS<\/a> reference is essential to your application and without it you are very likely to be rejected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is because your reference \u2013 just as with an employment reference \u2013 is a statement of your suitability for study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essentially, it is a note of reassurance from an established professional that you are deserving of a place, should you be offered one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Considering how limited some course places are, getting accepted is no small matter. This is why so much emphasis is placed on your personal statement and reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the UCAS reference for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"SAC<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The UCAS reference helps the University determine your suitability for higher education both in general and in relation to your chosen course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It helps the head of school or admissions office determine who, of all the applicants, will be best suited to the course beyond qualifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It works in tandem with your personal statement, as it should \u2013 in theory \u2013 support what you have said. Moreover, it will highlight how your qualifications, work experience or life skills have served you well in either a work or academic setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reference then needs to indicate how those skills and experiences are transferrable to a university degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also really important to note that your university application will not be considered without a reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who should write your reference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For school leavers, references would often be a form tutor or a subject teacher. However, for adults this can be a little trickier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your referee should ideally be someone you know in a professional or academic capacity. They should also know you well enough to write about you and to comment on your suitability for higher education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This could be a line manager, or your CEO if you know them well enough. If you are currently studying in preparation for your degree, your tutor is ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your UCAS reference should not be a member of your family or a friend. Even if you work with a friend or family member, asking them to be your reference should be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What should your UCAS reference include?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

References will vary depending on what you intend to study, your work experience and qualifications. In truth, a UCAS reference should be as individual as your personal statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a guide, your reference should include some (or all) of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n