- Six steps for applicants
- Apply and Adviser Track
- Our role in the process
- Training sessions
- Non-UK advisers
- Guides and resources
- UCAS Tariff
- Conferences and events
- News
- Important dates
- Student finance
- Student number controls
What exactly are universities and colleges looking for?
Universities and colleges are keen to know what you think of the student's potential for success at higher education level. How much research do they do around their subjects? Do they have commitment and motivation? If they are currently studying, do they enjoy their subjects - and any particular aspects of their subjects? Do they show skills which are important for higher education study such an analytical skills or independent thought?
Providing a reference
- How do I add a reference?
- One member of staff who is a referee can't edit a reference, why is this?
- What exactly are universities and colleges looking for?
- How can I give my students the best chance of getting offers for everywhere they have applied?
- This applicant left our school two years ago and I don't know what he has been doing since, what should I write in his reference?
- How much detail should I give about a student's personality?
- I was not aware of this applicant's career plans until I read about them in her personal statement. I am not convinced that she has made the best career choice.
- Where do I enter the predicted grades?
- Should I refer to a student's performance in specific modules?
- Should I include a reference for an AS level subject the student is not taking to A level?
- This applicant has wanted to go to a specific university since she attended a summer school there in Year 10. Should I highlight this?
- Should I vary the text about the school? I want to avoid 'cutting and pasting' and my references being the same.
- Does the reference need to be completed by the head teacher or college principal?
- Should I ever submit additional material or references other than that provided through the UCAS process?
- Should details of our school's policy on certification of qualifications be included in our students' references?
- We missed the predicted grades off - can we add them?
- I'm an independent referee - how do I add a reference?