
What do universities look for in a school or college UCAS university application reference?
Just like applicants who dread writing their
personal statement, there are no doubt some
form teachers/guidance and career advisers
who approach the annual exercise of writing
the matching UCAS reference with some
trepidation and anxiety!
First, I want to reassure you that those
references are indeed read, and even
appreciated, by university admissions
selectors. Your references help us to
understand your pupils better, to gain a greater
insight into why they want to study the chosen
degree subject and ensures that we have as
complete a picture of the applicant as possible.
The 4000 characters (or infamous 47 lines!)
in the UCAS reference provide university
admissions teams across the country with vital
information that supports every applicant, and
therefore is a key component of the overall
application.
My top things to consider when school colleagues are writing a UCAS reference:
1/ Tell us what we want to know
We value your opinion on the suitability of the
applicant for their chosen degree subject. An
honest reflection on their abilities, motivation,
and potential for the subject of study and/
or career is very helpful to our admission
selectors.
You can also include information about
their skills and attributes that will help
them succeed at university, using specific
examples from their academic and personal
achievements if possible.
2/ Tell us what we need to know
We especially need to know if there are extenuating circumstances which affected your pupil in their senior phase of education, for example serious illness, bereavement, were they in care or are they a carer, did they experience financial difficulties, etc.? It would be helpful if this information included when or how long it was a factor, or an estimate of how it may have influenced school exams. This information can support that given in the personal statement by the applicant and can also be very helpful in explaining any discrepancies in the academic performance of your student.
3/ Tell us what you think we need to know
You know your students best. This is an
opportunity to give us a personal insight
into them. From their school and classroom
activities, to extra-curricular or community
engagement, please share with us how your
pupils have engaged with their world.
Moreover, given your experience and insight,
it is very helpful to draw attention to stand-
out applicants within a cohort. This can be
extremely valuable information for those
reviewing thousands of applications.
Finally, I would add that most universities
welcome ongoing dialogue with guidance
teachers/careers advisers, even after an
application has been submitted - at the
University of Aberdeen, we certainly do! If new
information comes to light that you feel would
be important for the admission team to be
aware of, please get in touch.
Want More Updates & Advice?

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Editorial has been provided by over 35 colleagues at universities and higher education institutions throughout the UK. On topics covering how to support students with their university decisions, university events, widening participation & fair access, UCAS applications (including writing school references) and more. It also includes the key student finance facts from Martin Lewis.
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