What Does Admissions Want in a Reference?

FinalCut10 · 10-02-2009, 12:09 AM

I know that for US schools, they want to hear about a student's character and personality as well as his/her efforts academically. For UK schools, would the admissions committee prefer to read about a student's interest in the particular course rather than personality traits or commitment to extracurriculars etc.?

I'm asking because I just viewed my reference from my school principal (we have worked on international projects together). I thought that she would speak more about my interests in international affairs and Slavic cultures and how I've studied economics and politics outside of the classroom and in Spain (I plan on applying for PPE). However, she described how "I get" the plight of impoverished women in Senegal and my dedication to our (nationally recognized) program to improve educational opportunities worldwide. She also discussed my personality and adeptness in the art of documentary filmmaking.

I'm just concerned that this is not what adcoms in the UK are looking for in an applicant's reference. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

sarah9 · 10-02-2009, 03:27 PM

I'm not an expert on UCAS but I'm also applying to a few UK unis. I can understand why you're concerned but it still sounds like a great reference to me. IMO the stuff you said that she mentioned demonstrates that you are interested in international affairs and that you're a globally-minded person. I haven't seen my reference yet but I have some of the same concerns as you since the admissions process is so different for the UK. If you're really worried about it, you could maybe ask her to improve it? If you don't mind me asking, where are you applying?

Dionysus58 · 10-02-2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

UCAS references are designed to provide universities and colleges with an informed and academic assessment of an applicant's suitability for further study. It is the only part of the application that the applicants do not write themselves. Universities and colleges are looking for the following key facts about a student:

- their academic performance in their post-16 education
- their potential for academic success in higher education
- why the course they have chosen is suited to them
- any personal qualities which will benefit them at university, such as skills, aptitude, enthusiasm
- what they can bring to the university, such as extra-curricular activities and interests

More info here.

References should however be concentrated on your chosen course. I cant see how the plights of Senegalese woman have anything to do with it.

FinalCut10 · 10-02-2009, 05:49 PM

Thanks for the input. I sent the page that you cited, Dionysus, to my referee when I was requesting a reference. But unfortunately, she does not seem to have heeded much of its advice. However, the reference is solid and I think I will just go with it. After all, it does accurately portray who I am.

Sarah9, I plan on making an application to UCL for Eastern European Studies and Economics with a Year Abroad and Oxford for PPE. I'll probably throw in a few more schools because we can choose 5 (?), but those are my top two. I'm still researching unis, however, so those could change =) What about you?

sarah9 · 10-02-2009, 07:26 PM

I'm thinking about applying to UCL too but German w/ Dutch. My other choices are Oxford for German, Edinburgh for German w/ Linguistics, Durham for German and Exeter for German w/ International Relations. I'm also looking at Bath and Nottingham, I keep changing my mind though since we can only choose 5. I've been researching Unis for months now, and I'm still not entirely sure...plus the deadline is Oct. 15, less than two weeks (eek!)

FinalCut10 · 10-02-2009, 07:38 PM

I know what you mean, the deadline has come ridiculously fast! I'm still trying to write my personal statement to incorporate both of the courses I'd like to study since they are similar but not completely. A good friend of mine studies Spanish w/ Business at Edinburgh and she loves it! If the aesthetic beauty of a college campus has any impact on your decision to apply, then I would reconsider Bath. While the town is gorgeous, the uni is not so charming in my opinion. But, don't let me deter you!

Dionysus58 · 10-02-2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Sarah9, I plan on making an application to UCL for Eastern European Studies and Economics with a Year Abroad and Oxford for PPE. I'll probably throw in a few more schools because we can choose 5 (?), but those are my top two. I'm still researching unis, however, so those could change =) What about you?

PPE at Oxford is aright, but the SSEES is amazing. I want to go there. Did you look at ESPS at UCL?

sarah9 · 10-02-2009, 09:09 PM

Edinburgh is my first choice actually, I am on the fence with Bath especially because of the campus when I saw on it unionview. So hopefully Edinburgh or Oxford will work out. I have my fingers crossed that not than many people will be applying for German. I have the same problem with my personal statement but am hoping to have it complete this weekend.

FinalCut10 · 10-02-2009, 11:03 PM

The more I read about UCL the more I'm impressed with it, especially because of my interest in Russian language and culture. PPE, as I understand, does not include language study. I'm not really expecting anything with my UK applications - if I get in, well that's great, but if I don't, oh well.
From what I've read on admissions stats, I think you have decent shots at being accepted because you are applying for German, which is less popular than PPE for instance

Do you know which college you'd like to attend at Oxford?

Dionysus58 · 10-03-2009, 12:27 AM

So i take it you haven't looked at ESPS? lol.

FinalCut10 · 10-03-2009, 08:59 AM

Haha I just did and I think I will be applying for that one now! Thanks for drawing my attention to it! Oh my goodness, it looks amazing! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

sarah9 · 10-03-2009, 09:47 AM

Yeah I read the acceptance rate for German at Oxford was around 36% last year but in recent years one in every two applicants has been accepted. My ACT score is a few points less than their minimum requirements but I made a 5 on my AP German exam and even won a scholarship to study abroad in Germany last year. I have the same mindset as you though, and am not expecting to get in. I just want to see what happens lol. I'm applying to St Hilda's because they have the most foreign language students and pool the most students. What college did you apply to, or did you submit an open app?

FinalCut10 · 10-03-2009, 10:00 AM

I didn't apply yet, since I'm still finalizing my application. But I'm considering Christ Church or Magdalen or maybe St. Edmund Hall. It sounds like you have great credentials! That's so wonderful that you studied abroad in Germany! What town were you in? I studied Econ and Politics in Spain over the summer and it was such an amazing experience! I absolutely adore the European lifestyle!

Dionysus58 · 10-03-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Haha I just did and I think I will be applying for that one now! Thanks for drawing my attention to it! Oh my goodness, it looks amazing! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I thought you would. Haha! Its one of the most competitive (and best) courses in the country however, so don't be miffed if you don't get a place. I know people who've got accepted to read PPE but not ESPS!

If you do apply, what language do you think you'll choose and what specialisation?