how long should a reference be?

how long should an average reference be? i know it can be 48 lines, but surely it never is that long. Ive just got my reference and its only ten lines long! is this too short? and just how important are references anyway? are they more or less important than your personnal statement? help!

Reply 1

Knogle

10 lines? Yikes, that's too short IMO.

I don't think anyone can categorically say how important references are, because none of us here are admissions tutors. But safe to say that a brief reference may reflect negatively on your application.