When submitting a university application, it is compulsory for a reference from someone who knows you well to be written. This is often a teacher at school but can also be an employer if you haven’t been in education for a while. A strong reference can greatly enhance your application showing that you show universities that you have the correct suitability and character for their course. Before securing the perfect reference however, you must learn how to request one effectively.
Why do I need a good reference?
A UCAS reference is a written recommendation that supports your application that supports your application. It offers important insight into you:
- Academic performance and potential
- Personal character
- Suitability for your course
- Extracurricular interests
Universities value references because they provide a relatively unbiased assessment of your capabilities from someone who has observed you first hand. This makes choosing the right referee and making a strong request absolutely essential.
How to pick the right referee
Before making your request, carefully consider who would be most well suited to talk about your strengths. The most common options are:
- Teachers (often your form tutor) – Ideal if you are applying from school or a gap year as they will know your academic strengths and you personally to write an honest reference
- Employers – Good if you haven’t been in education for a while. They will know your working mentality and is especially good if the course you are applying to requires experience from a job.
If neither of these common options apply and you have someone else in mind, contact your chosen universities to ask whether they’d accept that reference. It is important to keep in mind, however, that UCAS will cancel your application if you try to submit a reference from friends, family, partners or ex-partners.
Take a look at UCAS’ own guidance on referees here.
How to ask for a reference
Try to ask early
Give your referee enough time to write a well thought out reference, ideally more than a month or so. A last-minute reference could lack detail and depth, significantly weakening your application.
Be professional and polite
A reference should be a reflection of a well-adjusted individual suitable for higher education. Therefore, it is advisable to be a courteous and polite to your referee to further establish your character. Make sure to show gratitude to your referee for their time and effort put into your reference.
3. Provide key information
Your referee is not able to see your key application information on the website so it is your responsibility to provide your referee with the following:
- A copy of your personal statement (if finished)
- A list of courses and universities you’re applying to
- Any relevant academic achievement, extracurricular activities or work experience
- Your reasons for choosing the course and future aspirations
- Any qualities you’d like to highlight
Giving your referee more information can only help in allowing them to write a thoughtful and personalised reference.
Follow up politely (if applicable)
Even though your referee likely is busy and it is advisable to let them take their time when it comes to writing your reference, at the end of the day, it is your application. Consider sending a polite follow up email if you haven’t heard anything in a while.
Say thank you!
Once your referee agrees to provide the reference, thank them for their time and effort as it often is quite the undertaking. A small token of appreciation such as a thank you note or email can go a long way in maintaining a good relationship with your referee.
Example reference request email template to use
Subject: UCAS Reference Request
Dear [name],
I hope you’re well. I am currently in the process of applying to university through UCAS and would be very grateful if you could provide a reference for me. I believe that your insight into my personal character and academic work would be highly beneficial to my application.
I am applying for [Course] at [Universities], and I would hope to highlight my strengths in [relevant skills and achievements]. If you agree to write my reference, I would be happy to provide any more details about my application.
I understand this is a significant undertaking but I would be incredibly grateful if you would agree to be my UCAS referee.
Thank you so much for your time and support.
Kind Regards,
[Your Name]
A strong reference request for UCAS can be a game-changer in terms of securing a place at your desired university. By choosing the right referee, making a good, professional request and providing the right information, you can maximise your chances of receiving a compelling recommendation. Remember, a well-written request can only help your referee to write a great reference. However, your reference is only a small puzzle piece in the overall picture which is your application. Take the time to get a great reference and you’ll be one step closer to achieving your university aspirations.
Once you’ve submitted your application, learn more about applying for finance here. You don’t even need to have a firm offer in order to apply.
