Before University

A reference is a summary of your academic and personal achievement. The reference gives the admissions tutors a view to what you are like and your suitability for the course applied for. A member of your family or a friend should not write it, but it can by someone who has been involved in your educational welfare, ie a teacher, head teacher, careers advisor.

The reference on your application form should be completed by someone who knows you well enough to write about you but is not:-

• a member of your family
• a relative
• a friend

A reference needs to include more than just the name and address of your referee. If you are at school or college, or you have left recently, you should ask your head teacher, principal, teacher or tutor. If you are a mature student ask a person who knows you to be your referee for example, an employer, or teacher.

All references must be in English. If the first language of the applicant is not English, you should comment on the applicant's ability to write and speak in English. Any breaks in education should be noted and also how the student compares with others in his or her class.

The referee must ensure the applicant has completed the form correctly and has attached the completed and stamped acknowledgement card, international reply coupons (if appropriate) and the correct fee. Please use black ballpoint pen or type the reference. The type size must be at least 12 point or larger. You must not separate the two halves of the form. If you are using a word processor, a stick-on version of the reference page can be obtained to use in a printer. Please write as clearly as possible as the application form will be reduced in size during processing.

At the top of the page, in the spaces provided, give your name, how you know the applicant (for example, employee) and the name and address of your school, college, company or organisation.

After the applicant's name, please give the reference. Try not to repeat the information that the applicant has given, unless you want to comment on it. To help the universities and colleges, try to comment on the applicant as follows:

• academic achievement and their potential, including predicted results or performance
• their suitability for the course
• any factors that influence performance
• personal qualities, such as motivation, powers of analysis, communication skills, independence of thought
• career plans
• health or personal circumstances
• non-academic interests or activities

No matter how you chose to complete your form, whether it's paper-based, electronic or online, don't forget to check the following:

• Has the applicant filled in all sections of the application form?
• Are the qualifications correct?
• Have you given your name, occupation and address?
• Have you completed the reference?