Is there any way for me to bypass my referee on UCAS?

Hey,

I have been trying to apply Route B for Fashion courses on UCAS. I completed my form at the beginning of March and paid for it, sending it on to my referee. However, my referee refuses to write me a reference saying 'I'm not good enough for the courses' and that this would look bad on my college if they were to let me go to interview, which has left my form paid for and in limbo for a whole month now.

I considered reapplying now as an individual, but UCAS says I should apply through my current college. Is there any other way for me to apply without involving my college?

Reply 1

aleathiel

why do they think you're not good enough? they shouldnt be allowed to say such negative things about their students!! complain!

Reply 2

20083

Can't you ask for another referee?

Reply 3

madam_kitten

Nessyfencer

Can't you ask for another referee?

Unfortunately not.

I've only been at my college since September, so only two of the staff know me well enough to comment and neither of them is willing to write the reference.

Reply 4

Shellshocker

Surely they can't force a referee on you. Pick a teacher you really like and ask him/her. They'd probably be happy to do it for you. Having a positive reference will be very beneficial. Even if it's full of nonsense, at least there's something there. Having none at all will look a little suspicious!

You can apply as an individual. Even still, you're going to have to find a referee. Perhaps if you have a job you could ask your boss.

Good luck.

Reply 5

Kismet

Did you ask why they think you're not good enough? I think teachers in general are usually quite supportive and encouraging and will write a reference if they think there's any chance for you... so if they're refusing to write a reference I'd consider if they have a point. I'm not saying taht you should give up on your dream - you need to work harder to achieve it and make them believe you could do it. Anyway, if you want to apply now and see what happens, isn't there anyone else who could write the reference? Maybe a teacher from your old school? An employer?

Reply 6

teenage-monkey

That's awful! I remember my Film teacher suggesting I do a Foundation Degree to my tutor and predicting me a D. Well HA! I got an A in British Cinema recently.