Good references play an extremely important role in the
selection process All References should: State how long and in what capacity the referee has known the applicant; 1. Make clear in the first paragraph that the candidate is a strong one; unreserved support for the student should not suddenly appear in the last line 2. Make a recommendation for the intended programme (I recommend, I strongly recommend, I do not recommend, I am unable to comment ); 3. Comment on the applicants academic performance and achievements, Prizes and Scholarships won, relevant study/research skills, relevant personal qualities, motivation, and suitability for the intended programme of study, as well as his/her career aims and prospects; 4. provide other factual, concrete and comparative information about the candidate's performance; Additionally: 5. It is important that the referee has detailed knowledge of the candidate; 6. The reference must show beyond any doubt that the candidate possesses outstanding promise and potential; 7. Include any distinctive achievements which differentiate a candidate from others; 8. References must show that the candidate has obtained, or is predicted to obtain (with as much confidence as can be shown) high grades in forthcoming examinations;