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struggling to get a uni reference

I finished college in 2021, didn't fully have the chance or mental capacity to think of uni, so I didn't even apply.

Long story short I decided to apply after an open day in november 2024, although i didnt exactly start applying straight away.

So ive got through most of my application (although im a bit anxious with my personal statement) but im having trouble getting a reference.

I messaged my teacher from college on whatsapp and she hasnt got back to me. I messaged her again, still no reply, she hasnt even read it. Tbh I couldnt even know if that is still her number, Idk why she hasnt seen the messages (it shows she is still active on whatsapp). also i cant email her staff email cause im not on the mailing list or smth like that.

I dont know where to go from here tbh. I wont be asking my previous workplace as when I asked for a reference it was a difficult process (they kept forgetting) that took two weeks and I quite literally dont have the time for that. I have been at my current workplace for 3 months and am feeling really anxious about asking them. Not to mention I want to have an academic reference, I thought my previous teacher was the perfect person to ask.

I could try to get in contact with my highschool. (Bit worried about the timing tho cause 9 days left...). I have tried to contact the college as a whole not just my teacher but haven't heard anything back. I could try phsyically going to the college? Or I could contact the uni and explain and see what they say.

Im just really worried that Im not going to be understood that I feel as though I have no one to actually rely on for a reference to be given properly and on time. Its anxiety inducing, and stressing me out bad.
Id really appreciate any advice or someone elses thought on the situation. Edit: Could I send my application in later than 29th Jan? The info online is a bit confusing. Could I contact the uni and ask to send the application and then follow up with a reference if I dont get one by the 29th Jan deadline? Im applying for the art and design foundation course at University of Staffordshire.

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

kass03

Original post

by muffincakes12

Hey not sure if you are employed but your employer can provide you with a reference that's if your previous teachers providing you with a reference. Also, you can always go to the college physically to enquire. Also ask your secondary or college to see if they can provide you witha reference x

thank you, i visited my college in person yesterday to ask, just waiting to hear back from them so hopefully they will contact me today, and i can go from there. x

Reply 2

mesub

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by muffincakes12

Also, I forgot to mention you have to send your UCAS application before or on the 29th January before 6pm, as 6pm the application will close and the 29th Jan is the deadline, if your UCAS application is not sent off on time, you won't be able to apply for 2025. I'm wishing you all the best of luck with your application x

This statement is not true.

After the deadline, you can still apply but there will be a 'late' flag to your application. This means universities aren't obligated to consider equally to other applicants who got in before.

UCAS Extra and Clearing are all things that you could utilise after the deadline (or even just sending an ordinary application in if the uni/course isn't competitive)

Reply 3

kass03

Original post

by mesub

This statement is not true.
After the deadline, you can still apply but there will be a 'late' flag to your application. This means universities aren't obligated to consider equally to other applicants who got in before.
UCAS Extra and Clearing are all things that you could utilise after the deadline (or even just sending an ordinary application in if the uni/course isn't competitive)

Thank you for this, I did actually see about "Extras" which I didn't know was a thing until yesterday, literally😂. So I know I've still got options in terms of how to apply, which is really reassuring because I still haven't been contacted by my previous college. Im not fully sure but I don't think the course is super competitive from what I can tell, so I still hopefully have a good chance to put my best foot forward regardless of whether I apply now, through Extras or through Clearing. So thank you for this information and clarification!

Could I just ask what you mean by ordinary application? Would this be an application without a reference?

Reply 4

mesub

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by kass03

Ordinary application is one for the "main scheme". UCAS defines it as:

UCAS

The main UCAS application scheme through which up to five institutions/courses can be applied to. Opens in September and closes to new applications at 30 June

Basically everything apart from Clearing is the main scheme (so on-time applications, late applications before clearing and then UCAS extra)

Reply 5

kass03

Original post

by mesub

Ordinary application is one for the "main scheme". UCAS defines it as:
Basically everything apart from Clearing is the main scheme (so on-time applications, late applications before clearing and then UCAS extra)