If you are applying for university or college, you will need to submit a reference letter along with your application. The UCAS Reference Letter Guidelines will help you understand what is expected of you and how to write an effective letter that will help you stand out from other applicants.
Before we dive into the guidelines, it is important to note that UCAS provides examples of reference letters on their website that you can use as a reference or edit as needed. These examples are a great starting point and will give you an idea of what a strong reference letter should look like.
Tips for Writing a UCAS Reference Letter
Here are some tips to help you write a strong UCAS reference letter:
1. Start with a Strong Title
Your title should be clear and concise, and it should indicate what the letter is about. For example, “Reference Letter for Jane Smith’s University Application.” This will ensure that the reader knows what the letter is about right from the start.
2. Include Detailed and In-Depth Explanations
Your reference letter should be detailed and provide specific examples of the applicant’s skills, abilities, and achievements. The more specific you can be, the better. This will help the admissions committee get a better understanding of the applicant’s strengths and potential.
3. Think Step by Step
When writing your UCAS reference letter, it’s important to think step by step. Start by introducing the applicant and explaining your relationship with them. Then, move on to discussing their strengths and achievements, and end with a strong conclusion that summarizes your thoughts and recommends them for admission.
Examples of UCAS Reference Letters
Example 1: Strong Academic Performance
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for admission to your university. John was a student in my AP English class and consistently demonstrated exceptional academic performance. His writing skills are particularly impressive, and I have no doubt that he will excel in your English program.
John is also a dedicated student who is passionate about learning. He always came to class prepared and participated actively in discussions. His curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject matter were infectious, and I am confident that he will bring that same energy to your university.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Example 2: Leadership Skills
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for admission to your university. Sarah was a member of the student council during her time at our school and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.
As a member of the student council, Sarah was responsible for organizing various events and initiatives. She was always well-organized and showed excellent communication skills when working with other students and faculty members. Her ability to inspire and motivate others was particularly impressive, and I have no doubt that she will excel in your university’s leadership programs.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Example 3: Strong Work Ethic
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Michael Lee for admission to your university. Michael was a student in my physics class and demonstrated exceptional work ethic and dedication to his studies.
Michael consistently went above and beyond in his coursework and was always eager to learn more. He was not afraid to ask questions or seek out additional resources to help him better understand the material. His commitment to his studies is truly impressive, and I have no doubt that he will excel in your university.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Example 4: Strong Communication Skills
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Emily Chen for admission to your university. Emily was a student in my public speaking class and demonstrated exceptional communication skills.
Emily is a natural public speaker who is comfortable in front of an audience. She demonstrated excellent communication skills during class discussions and debates, and was always well-prepared when delivering speeches or presentations. Her ability to connect with others and articulate her ideas is truly impressive, and I have no doubt that she will excel in your university’s communication programs.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Example 5: Strong Problem-Solving Skills
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend David Kim for admission to your university. David was a member of my robotics club and demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills.
David was always eager to tackle new challenges and was not afraid to experiment with different solutions. He showed excellent critical thinking skills and was able to quickly identify and solve problems that arose during our club meetings. His ability to work independently and as a team member is truly impressive, and I have no doubt that he will excel in your engineering programs.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Example 6: Strong Creativity and Innovation
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Rachel Park for admission to your university. Rachel was a student in my art class and demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation.
Rachel was not afraid to take risks and experiment with new ideas in her artwork. She demonstrated excellent technical skills and was able to turn her ideas into beautiful and meaningful pieces of art. Her ability to think outside the box and push the boundaries of traditional art is truly impressive, and I have no doubt that she will excel in your fine arts programs.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in my reference letter?
Your reference letter should include specific examples of the applicant’s skills, abilities, and achievements. It should also include a clear and concise introduction, a detailed explanation of the applicant’s strengths, and a strong conclusion that summarizes your thoughts and recommends them for admission.
How long should my reference letter be?
Your reference letter should be no longer than two pages. It should be clear and concise, and should provide specific examples of the applicant’s strengths and potential.
Should I include my contact information in my reference letter?
Yes, you should include your contact information in your reference letter so that the admissions committee can reach out to you if they have any questions or need further information.
Who should I address my reference letter to?
You should address your reference letter to the admissions committee or the specific department that the applicant is applying to.
What should I do if I don’t know the applicant well?
If you don’t know the applicant well, it’s best to decline their request for a reference letter. If you feel that you must write a letter, make sure to be honest about your level of familiarity with the applicant and focus on any positive experiences you have had with them.
What should I do if the applicant has asked for multiple reference letters?
If the applicant has asked for multiple reference letters, make sure to personalize each letter and provide specific examples of the applicant’s strengths and potential. It’s also a good idea to let the admissions committee know that you have written multiple letters for the applicant.
Conclusion
Writing a strong UCAS reference letter is an important part of the application process. By following the UCAS Reference Letter Guidelines and using the examples provided, you can craft a letter that will help the applicant stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of being admitted to their dream school.