They will be useful for applicants with a very strong science background, for example, who wish to apply for a science-heavy course.They will have good knowledge of your specific subjects, but will be less useful for extra-curricular activities.They can provide an overview of your performance across many subjects, as well as extra-curricular achievements.

Don't leave it too late to tell them about the amazing volunteering that you've done, for example, or the relevance of your application to a certain medical school. If there's something important that you would like your referee to know, then be organised and proactive.

Ideally, they'll be able to get to know you on a deeper level beforehand. Try to find out who, give them your personal statement and arrange a meeting. Most students find out that their ‘school’ will be writing their reference. Your referee needs to understand that it's not a general commentary.Ģ) A school teacher assigned by your school However, that same teacher could confirm your capacity for hard work, teamwork, or any other quality you wish to highlight. You wouldn’t get a reference from your favourite maths teacher to confirm a genius for numbers not previously mentioned. This means you need to open communication early to check whether they are happy to supply your reference. The person should be familiar with your application and know how best to support you. Generally, a school teacher, mentor, or any authority connected with your education or work experience can write it. Some schools use it to filter out candidates before making offers for interview and others factor it into their final decision. If you didn't achieve what you thought you would, it's an opportunity for a third party to explain what happened which held you back. It shouldn’t just be a general commentary on your character. In an ideal world, your reference supports what you have said about yourself, building a cohesive picture of your suitability for a career in healthcare. Why is a reference important for medical and dental school? If you are just starting to think about university, learn about the whole process of getting accepted into medical school.

So what's the key to getting a great reference? Two words: careful planning. Universities use this reference to assess your suitability for the course, and despite being important, it's no cause for panic. Think about it as a way to support what you've said about your qualities and skills through an external authority figure. Your UCAS reference is a chance to boost your application.

Ucas tutor reference examples