‘The knowledge you’re partially responsible for a student’s university success can be daunting,’ says Charlie. ‘How do you condense everything an admissions officer needs to know in just 4,000 characters or 47 lines?’‘Whether you’re new to the job or a veteran, these top tips will help you crack the art of reference writing. Here’s a checklist of the specific (526.78 KB). You can also watch our.’TIP – talk to the studentA ten-minute chat about a student’s experiences and aspirations will help bring the reference to life. Don’t forget to read their personal statement too, and familiarise yourself with their application.TIP – give real-life examples‘Real and concrete examples of how the student has performed are the most powerful thing to put in a reference,’ says David Winstanley, Head of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Sussex. ‘Avoid bland terms like “this student was good at chemistry”.
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Tell us how and why they have excelled.’TIP – include special circumstancesExplain any discrepancies between a student’s predicted grades and what they achieved. Admissions officers should be aware of circumstances like illness and bereavement, or any which might warrant special consideration.TIP – reveal their potential‘Talk about the student’s potential. Universities want to hear about their enthusiasm and self-motivation, as well as academic grades,’ advises Steve McArdle, Head of Sixth Form at Durham Johnston School.TIP – save spaceDon’t waste valuable space on your school’ or college’s qualification provision or how you determine predicted grades. Instead, find the information on your centre’s website and link to it in the reference.TIP – take your time‘References are an important part of all applications but in marginal cases they are vital,’ says Bob Savill, Head of Admissions at the University of Chichester.
‘They can make the difference between getting an offer or not.’ Remember this as you’re writing, and take the time to get it right.TIP – aim for a Booker Prize-winning last lineA final sentence which reflects on the student’s potential is a powerful way to end. Leave the admissions officer with an idea about how the student will thrive on their degree course.And finallyAdmissions officers have developed special powers to sniff out ‘cut and paste’ paragraphs.
Make sure everything you write is relevant to the individual student.
AskUK Rules.Put a clear question in the post title.Include a description in your post body.(for now).No Personally identifying information.No uncivil posts or comments.No spam, shitposts, or referrals.and before you ask usPolitics, Brexit, and Leaving the EU.For up-to-date brexit news and discussion, go to or.Answers to Brexit questions are often 'I want to ask about.Housing and Legal Issues.Financial Advice.Getting a UK Visa.I'm new or coming to the UK.or.FAQs and External Support.Related Subreddits. Lecturer here. No harm in having your workplace referee comment on your academic ability, to the degree they reasonably can. For example, depending on the job, there's a reasonable likelihood they'll be able to comment on your literacy/numeracy at the very least. No need to give them your grades; they (presumably) never taught you, so no point them trying to comment on how you did in history in 1981; that information is on your application regardless.Keep in mind that references usually aren't critically important at the best of times. They all essentially say the same thing with about the same platitudes. Personally when looking at a mature student's application, I'm primarily looking to answer the questions 'are they doing this for the right reasons?'
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This form may be printed and personalized to suit NACE member needs. Dear Name of Employer. This reference letter is provided at the request of (or with the written authorization of) name of former employee.It is my understanding that individual's name has applied for the position of job title with your organization. The information contained in this letter is confidential and should.
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, 'are they sufficiently motivated?' And 'do they have the academic ability to achieve well?'
References are usually far less revealing than a personal statement/candidate interview. In other words, don't stress unduly about it.You might want to get in touch with the university's registry department and explain the situation; they'll be able to alleviate concerns and guide you best, but I suspect they'll give you the same advice in less blunt language. Good luck!.
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