Writing Effective References - Tips and Guidance for Professional Development

1. Writing effective references Sam Sykes Professional Development Executive Security marking: PUBLIC

2. How to avoid… Didn’t I just read exactly the same thing in another applicant’s reference? What do they mean by ‘something she found challenging’? Something positive that stretched her? Or something she barely coped with? How much of this is about this applicant? Just now, he was a he, now he’s a she! Is this reference about the same person who wrote the personal statement? Security marking: PUBLIC

3. References • Similar format to personal statement. • Should form a partnership with the personal statement. • Particularly important for competitive courses. • Should be in line with predicted grades. • Make sure it’s written for the right student. Security marking: PUBLIC

4. What to include • Academic performance, including predicted grades. • Suitability for the course. • Relevant skills and qualities. • Current or past achievements in particular subject areas. • Relevant extracurricular activities. • Factors that may affect performance. Security marking: PUBLIC

5. A common format Information on the school/college In the changing qualification landscape, the reference plays an important role. To help you, SPA’s National Expert Think Tank (NETT) on curriculum and qualification reform created this guidance for school and college references – what HEPs would like to know. Special circumstances (if applicable) Subject by subject report Suitability for chosen course Concluding endorsement Security marking: PUBLIC

6. Top tips Provide context Two sets of eyes Try not to be negative or dishonest Phrasing and vocabulary Remove repetition Admission not omission Explain any discrepancies Quality check Security marking: PUBLIC

7. Support ideas • Subject tutors could keep an observation log through Year 12. • Early identification of those who need to meet 15 October deadline. • Arrange meetings with applicants, as referee needs to know choices (and how well researched). • Referees should always see a copy of the personal statement. Security marking: PUBLIC

8. Key words from admissions tutors A profile of performance and potential, prepared by professionals. ‘Objective’ ‘Insightful’ ‘Meaningful’ ‘Must add value to the application’ ‘Specific’ Security marking: PUBLIC

9. Manage applications – check, approve, and submit Adviser portal – same business rules Add a reference Add predicted grades One personal statement Up to five choices Deadlines – 15 October and 15 January

10. Sort and filter functionalityfor student status pre and post-submission Real-time data on applicant status post-submission Adviser portal – what’s different? View applicant’s ‘Education’ section while entering predicted grades Self-service registration and password reset Shortlist of qualifications search and multi-upload View applicant’s personal statement while entering reference Ex-students linking to centre –easy to identify Revamped Applicant Status Report

11. We’re on the road… showcasing our new adviser portal! Join us to find out how managing applications is changing for the 2020 cycle, and to see a live demo of our new adviser portal. www.ucasevents.com/adviserportalroadshows Security marking: PUBLIC

12. More support and guidance Contact UCAS’ Schools Team: UK advisers: 0345 123 8001 Email: adviserhelp@ucas.ac.uk Visit www.ucas.com/advisers to: • understand more about the application process • predicted grades – what you need to know • access Apply for advisers • download guides and resources • access information on training and conferences • access Adviser Track and reports guidance • get the latest news and updates on the education sector • access key dates for applicants • see examples of applicant letters Security marking: PUBLIC