Who should I use as a reference for UCAS?

[Dappy]

Who should I put as a reference for my ucas app? :RpS_confused:

I could use my tutor from my access course but I want to shine lol.

Any ideas?

[nasus1978]

I think you can add a character/work reference to UCAS and take an academic one to interview......would that be better?

[Delilah]

Me ;)

[Dappy]

Get writing then girl lol

[Madwife2B]

I know this is an old thread but I was wondering if my current manager has to write a reference. Thing is, she's a complicated soul and I know she'll make my life pretty difficult. Can my old manager do it? I've worked for him longer (it was for the same company) so he knows me better. Whaddya think girls?

[Dappy]

I would say yes.

UCAS says this regarding references -


Q: * Who should write my reference?

A: *
Your referee should know you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education.
If you're at school or college, or left recently, ask your principal, head teacher, teacher or tutor.
If you left school or college several years ago, ask your current or previous employer or in the case of voluntary work your supervisor.
If you've recently attended any training courses you could ask your training provider.

Who should NOT write the reference?

It is not permitted for family, friends, partners or ex-partners to write your reference. If we find this to be the case, your application may be cancelled.

There's lots more information about who to ask and what they should say about you in the reference section.

See my bold. Previous employer, previous manager... Same thing.

I don't see any problem with that, you want who knows you the best to write the reference.

[Madwife2B]

Gosh - you girls answer questions quick! This is brilliant!! lol

[Madwife2B]

Oh, and obviously, thank you!

[Dappy]

Ha we don't hang about!

:)

And your welcome.

[Delilah]

Ha ha ha! There is usually one of us about - the fab pros of having 'staff' in Oz too!

[Poppy C]

I'm going to use my previous employer as first reference
However for the 2nd I was going to use the manager of the nursery where I currently volunteer
I have volunteered there for a while so I'm not doing it for my application as its not midwifery related but do you think she would still be a suitable reference??
x

[Dappy]

Are you currently doing any studying?

I thought UNIS likes one reference to be from education and another from employment/volunteer work?

I may be completely wrong though.

[Poppy C]

I am doing a level biology - but via ICS distance learnig - so dont actually "know" anyone in my learning world!
I have a previous degree but that was 13 years ago so no point asking them....
Not sure who to use now?
Maybe I should phone the uni and ask for advice?

[Dappy]

Well when applying you can only but one reference on your application so go with your employer for that one.

If the UNI request a second reference they will usually say who can do it I.e employer tutor etc and now friends or family.

It should be fine to use the volunteering one. Don't panic!

[Poppy C]

Thanks dappy - so are you saying (not seen UCAS app form yet!) that I only need one reference?? Why is that?

[Dappy]

Thats all UCAS ask for.

I have had about 8 interviews in 4 years and I only ever put one reference in UCAS as thats all UCAS will let you do. So I would say it is important to put your best reference here as it is the one they will see first.

I was only ever requested for a second reference from Bournemouth which was when they were going to offer me a interview. (I sent back reference details, they get in touch with the person and get reference, I ended up with a interview each time).

[Delilah]

DAppy is right. You need to put a education/work reference on first then a character reference sent directly to the Uni.

[Poppy C]

Right, thanks VERY much ladies.
It all makes sense now
X

[busybee]

Hi i am doing open university at the moment but have not attended any tutorial. Will tbey still be able to supply an academic reference that will be sufficient for ucas application ? X

[Dappy]

I had my tutor from the DLC write my 2nd reference, I have NEVER met her. But she got a feel for me from on the phone, how passioante I was, how much of an interest I took and could see from my work that I was academic enough.

Should be fine. Me personally I would ask to see it first but I don't know if this is the 'done' thing.

[nasus1978]

I guees I'll be using one of my Access tutors again :( Just feel a bit awkward cos I'll have left college 18 months by the time comes!

[Delilah]

I'm sure it will be fine Nasus. Don't fret!

[MrsBanks]

email them with a photo of yourself for a reminder when you ask them for a reference, with a copy of your personal statement so they are reminded a bit more about you. It'll be fine, they'll be well used to providing references after the fact.

[Dappy]

Nass I used my tutor from the DLC for this year which is what 2 years ago now since I completed lol.