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Should I ever submit additional material or references other than that provided through the UCAS process?

Generally, you should aim to include in the UCAS reference all the information that you believe is required to assist the admissions decision maker in assessing your students' applications. Sending additional information in a separate email or letter, unless specifically requested by a university or college, frequently will only serve to complicate the application process, as the additional material may not be quickly or automatically matched with the original application materials.

There are however specific situations when a follow-up reference may be warranted:

  • where there is a specific change in circumstances after the initial UCAS application is submitted (eg applicants drop courses, changes to staffing or teaching provision)
  • when an applicant is on a one-year course (eg an Access Diploma) and there has been more opportunity to observe and assess the applicant's development and performance. This is particularly the case if the application has been made in September or October
  • at any point prior to commencement of the degree (including after the applicant may have received an offer) if there are circumstances that occur which are likely to have an impact upon the applicant's potential to achieve their predicted qualifications at the level indicated in the original reference.

Referees should ensure that when circumstances impact on a cohort of students, all of the universities and colleges concerned are contacted, and that as much detail is provided as possible to ensure that the new material is easy to match with the original application (eg full name, date of birth, Personal ID and degree course).

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