UCAS Section 3: References
As we get ready to complete your reference section for UCAS, you need to figure out who you want to put in words of support in the optional section 3 part of the application.
Can you look at your course choices and see what, if anything specific, they want for the reference section? You can then reach out to your preferred subject teachers for bullet points about you in the course and CC me. Instead of a brag sheet, you could even share bullet points on your personal statement so they know what you're already including.
UCAS suggests going over them along with your personal statement to make sure we're covering all the bases. A checklist for the application from a school in the UK for ‘23 applications (though geared towards students graduating in the UK, does help maybe clarify section specifics). And for those of you seeking more Personal Statement tips, I just came across this helpful hub from the University of Leicester 'Personal Statement Hub' which aims to bring together a wide range of general and academic advice + content to support students with the process of writing the statement:
It's all accessible on-demand and contains blogs, videos, taster courses and MOOCs as well as a personal statement group chat for them to chat to their peers/share their challenges
https://events.unibuddy.co/university-of-leicester/virtual/645e11cfbce19b00280ab10f
Below is what Unifrog has shared that some universities have said they want in the reference section. We can then share the samples with the teachers/referees.
Some highly selective universities have said they want to see section 3, 'Other supportive information', completed for all their applicants
Last updated on 9 June 23
Optional, or not?
UCAS have said that completing section 3 is optional, and many universities have also said it's not essential. However, some highly selective universities have indicated that they want to see section 3 completed for all applicants because it's an important part of their decision making process.
If you're looking to see which universities have explicitly said they would like to see section 3 completed for all applicants, we've collated a list (along with what they're looking for) below. There are only two institutions that have published guidance saying they'd like to see this section completed for all applicants (as of our latest update), but it's very possible other universities feel the same way -
Universities that want to see section 3 completed for all applicants and what they're looking for
Cambridge University
”All applicants to Cambridge are high performing students, so we anticipate that section three will usually be completed for all our applicants.
We recommend a minimum of 2000 characters are used for this section and are happy for you to use short statements, recognising the character limitations.
We would welcome a focus on the following:
Comments from subject teachers indicating or implying an unequivocal rank order in class/cohort or a comparison with current or previous applicants. Alongside school/college contextual information, this can give insight into the applicant’s ongoing academic development or high level thinking skills and aptitude relevant for their chosen course. Examples of helpful comments include:
‘In tests at the end of Year 12 Becky was ranked second out of 63 students in Biology.’
‘Our head of Geography rates Jack among the top three students he has taught in his 25-year career.’
‘Neha was our only student to attain a gold award in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge.’
‘Henry’s History essays have been consistently assessed as being at A or A* standard.’
Evidence of a willingness to explore and discuss ideas outside the requirements of the subject specification, if applying for a subject studied at school/college. We are interested in whether applicants are already engaging beyond the confines of the syllabus.
Evidence of steps taken to find out about the subject, for a non-school/college subject. We are keen to understand the applicant’s motivation to undertake the new subject, and are seeking evidence that this is an informed choice.”
Imperial College London
”We will take this section into consideration when making admissions decisions. We encourage you to use whichever format best suits the information you wish to provide, for example prose or short, clear, factual statements in bullet point format.
Examples of information to tell us here include:
Preparedness for study – specifically in reference to the degree course applied for.
Successes in subjects relevant to the course applied for.
Commentary on candidates learning competencies, e.g. independent learning, group interactions.
An additional point of validation to items mentioned in the personal statement, for example, with respect to extracurricular achievements, competitions, undertakings at school, placements, social actions or other contributions.
Confirmation of applicant successes and achievements – academic and non-academic.
How the applicant performs in the context of their cohort, and or in the experience of their referee across and beyond cohorts.
Contributions to the community by the student.
Any other comments around outstanding achievement or personal attributes.
Predicted grades – where these have not been provided elsewhere on the UCAS form (e.g. where qualifications are pending completion).”