UCAS Reference Writing Miriam Clift Admissions Manager / Marketing 16 October 2014

The UCAS Application Online Application – Apply

5 choices (4 for Medicine/Dentistry)

Application fee

UCAS Track

UCAS Extra and Clearing

UCAS

UCAS Apply

Key Dates 1 September – applications processing begins

15 October 18:00 – deadline for Oxbridge/Medicine/Dentistry

15 January 18:00 – ontime application deadline

24 March 18:00 – deadline for some art and design courses

6 May - decline by default date where all decision received by 31 March

4 June – decline by default date where all decisions received by 7 May

The UCAS Application

Key Dates 25 June – decline by default date where last decision

received by 4 June

30 June 18:00 – last date for receipt of Post 24 March applications also last date for substitutions/additions

2 July – last date for applicants to refer themselves through Extra

23 July – decline by default date where last decision received by 16 July

The UCAS Application

The UCAS Reference

The UCAS Application

Why we need references To assist in selection/decision making

To distinguish between candidates with similar profiles

Honest and fair assessment of an applicants potential to study and succeed at university

Indication of applicants skills and abilities

Context

The UCAS Reference

A blank page……

UCAS References

Things to think about How well do you know your students?

How much do you involve your students?

How well do you know the requirements of the course/subject area they are applying for?

Are you/your staff experienced at reference writing?

Do you have/want a ‘house’ style?

References seen by up to 5 universities

UCAS references are OPEN

UCAS References

Key points Basics

Key information and accuracy

Style and presentation

What selectors want to see

Hints and tips

UCAS References

Basics Should be treated the same way you expect your

students to treat their personal statements

Read what your students are saying about themselves

Write a draft – then as many re-drafts as you need until you are happy

Don’t fall into the same traps as your students do!

UCAS References

Style and presentation Think about the Admissions Selector – they have to

read thousands - online

Should be well organised and look professional

No fixed rules but consider structure – Introduction – Academic Qualities – Personal Qualities

UCAS References

Style and presentation Resist the temptation to write too much – or too little!

You only have 4000 characters (inc. spaces)

Cannot use bold, italics, underlining

Save at regular intervals or copy and past from Word

Check for accuracy and relevancy

Always check your work – mistakes and omissions could be costly

UCAS References

Accuracy Have you got the right person?

Are their qualifications correct including predicted grades?

Is it the right reference?

Correct contact details in case of queries?

UCAS References

What selectors want to see……

An honest, constructive and fair assessment of the applicants suitability for the HE course they have applied for, including (but not necessarily limited to), the following key pieces of information:

UCAS References

What selectors want to see Existing achievement, referencing subjects relating

to the course for which they are applying

How they are coping with their studies

Enthusiasm, motivation and commitment

Communication and presentation skills

Analytical and problem solving skills

UCAS References

What selectors want to see Factors such as personal circumstances (or factors in

school) that may affect their performance – BE CAREFUL!

WP/Gifted and Talented initiatives the school/applicant is involved with

Information about the school/college (but keep it brief!)

Commitments that may prevent the student attending interview

Views of other staff – subject teachers, extra-curricular activities teachers etc

UCAS References

Predicted grades Don’t leave this section blank if your student is awaiting

results.

Adding them to the reference section is NOT a substitute for completing the predicted grades section

Make sure they’re accurate and the predicted grades match the qualification the student is taking

If the student has already achieved their qualifications please do confirm that the results are as the student has indicated

UCAS References

What selectors want to see 84% of UK applicants submit applications with predictions of their final

examinations grades (source – UCAS Admissions Process Review)

Under-estimated grades could result in no offer being made

Over-estimated grades could mean candidates having to seek a place in Clearing

‘It is helpful if referees are honest and clear about particular subjects students are having difficulty with. If a low predicted grade is accompanied by a glowing reference it can be difficult to see the relationship between the two’ UCAS

UCAS References

Accuracy of predicted grades – 2009 entry – source UCAS

UCAS References