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GUIDANCE FOR REFEREES

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;

UCL Student Funding Office March 2013

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