When applying for a university or college, you will likely need to provide a reference letter. This letter can make a big difference in the admission process, so it’s important to make sure it meets the UCAS reference letter guidelines. In this article, we’ll explain these guidelines and provide some examples to help you get started.
Guidelines
The UCAS reference letter guidelines outline what should be included in the letter and how it should be formatted. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- The letter should be written by someone who knows you well, such as a teacher, employer, or coach.
- The letter should be no longer than two pages.
- It should be written on official letterhead if possible.
- The letter should include specific examples that illustrate your character, abilities, and achievements.
- The letter should be positive and enthusiastic, but not overstated.
You can find examples of UCAS reference letters online and edit them as needed. Make sure to tailor the letter to the specific course and university you are applying to.
Examples
Academic Reference Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to [University Name]. As [Student Name]’s [Subject] teacher for the past two years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing their exceptional academic abilities and dedication to their studies.
[Student Name] consistently earned top marks in my class and demonstrated a deep understanding of the material. They were always prepared for class, participated in discussions, and asked insightful questions. In addition to their academic achievements, [Student Name] is a kind and compassionate person who is always willing to help others.
I have no doubt that [Student Name] will excel at [University Name] and make a valuable contribution to the academic community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Employment Reference Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to [University Name]. As [Student Name]’s supervisor at [Company Name], I have had the pleasure of working with them for the past two years.
[Student Name] is an exceptional employee who is always willing to go above and beyond what is expected of them. They are a quick learner, always asking questions, and are not afraid to take on new challenges. [Student Name] is reliable, punctual, and has excellent communication skills.
Outside of work, [Student Name] is involved in various community activities and has a passion for [Interest]. They are a well-rounded individual who is always looking for ways to improve themselves.
I highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to [University Name]. They have the drive, intelligence, and determination to succeed in any academic environment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to [University Name]. I have known [Student Name] for [Number] years and can attest to their outstanding character and commitment to excellence.
[Student Name] is a kind, compassionate, and honest individual who is always willing to help others. They are involved in various community activities and have a passion for [Interest]. [Student Name] is a natural leader who is respected by their peers and admired for their integrity.
I have no doubt that [Student Name] will make a positive impact on [University Name] and the wider community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sports Reference Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to [University Name]. As [Student Name]’s coach on the [Team Name] team for the past two years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing their exceptional athletic abilities and leadership skills.
[Student Name] is a talented [Sport] player who is dedicated to their craft. They are always the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave. [Student Name] is a team player who goes out of their way to support their teammates and encourage them to do their best.
Outside of the field, [Student Name] is a kind and respectful person who is admired by their peers and coaches. They are a natural leader who is always willing to step up and take charge when needed.
I highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to [University Name]. They have the drive, dedication, and leadership skills to excel both on and off the field.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Art Reference Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to [University Name]. As [Student Name]’s art teacher for the past two years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing their exceptional artistic abilities and creativity.
[Student Name] is a talented artist who is dedicated to their craft. They are always experimenting with new techniques and materials and are not afraid to take risks. [Student Name] has a unique perspective and is able to express themselves in a way that is both original and thought-provoking.
In addition to their artistic abilities, [Student Name] is a hardworking student who is always willing to help others. They are a kind and compassionate person who is respected by their peers and admired by their teachers.
I highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to [University Name]. They have the talent, work ethic, and creativity to make a valuable contribution to the artistic community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Volunteer Reference Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to [University Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Student Name] as a volunteer at [Organization Name] for the past two years.
[Student Name] is a dedicated and hardworking volunteer who is always willing to go above and beyond what is expected of them. They are reliable, punctual, and have excellent communication skills. [Student Name] is able to work independently or as part of a team and is always willing to take on new challenges.
Outside of volunteering, [Student Name] is involved in various community activities and has a passion for [Interest]. They are a well-rounded individual who is respected by their peers and admired for their dedication.
I highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to [University Name]. They have the drive, work ethic, and leadership skills to make a valuable contribution to the university community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a UCAS reference letter?
A UCAS reference letter should include specific examples that illustrate the student’s character, abilities, and achievements. It should be positive and enthusiastic, but not overstated. It should also be no longer than two pages and written on official letterhead if possible.
Who should write a UCAS reference letter?
A UCAS reference letter should be written by someone who knows the student well, such as a teacher, employer, or coach. It should not be written by a family member or friend.
What should I do if I don’t have anyone to write a reference letter for me?
If you don’t have anyone to write a reference letter for you, you may be able to provide a personal statement instead. Check with the university or college you are applying to for their specific requirements.
When should I ask for a reference letter?
You should ask for a reference letter at least a month before the application deadline to give the person enough time to write it.
Can I see my reference letter before it is submitted?
It is up to the person writing the reference letter whether they share it with you or not. However, it is generally not recommended to ask to see the letter as it may be seen as inappropriate.
What should I do if my reference letter is not very positive?
If your reference letter is not very positive, it may be worth asking the person who wrote it if they can provide more specific examples or revise it. If this is not possible, focus on other aspects of your application that can make up for the less-than-stellar reference letter.
Conclusion
Writing a UCAS reference letter can be a daunting task, but it’s an important part of the application process. Keep the guidelines in mind and use the examples provided to help you get started. Remember, the letter should be positive, specific, and tailored to the university or college you are applying to. Good luck!