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The person writing my UCAS reference doesn't know me

I finished college last year and was supposed to be attending Bath for Physics but decided to take a gap year and reapply to another university. Last year, I was applying for oxbridge so had the head of oxbridge admissions write my reference however since I am no longer part of the college and am not an oxbridge applicant I have to ask my form tutor from last year. I only had her for 1 half hour a week for 6 months, she doesn't know me or my work ethic and I'm worried that will reflect in my reference. Not just that, but she didn't really like me as I didn't go to many of her sessions as it was mostly just ucas preparation, which I had already finished by october. I did ask my previous physics teacher, who knew me for the full 2 years and got along with me quite well. However, he said that as per the college rules I have to have my form tutor complete it. Can someone reassure me that my reference wont be too important in my application. I'm really hoping to get into warwick and don't want this reference to ruin my chances.

Reply 1

Original post
by bethanyg0203
I finished college last year and was supposed to be attending Bath for Physics but decided to take a gap year and reapply to another university. Last year, I was applying for oxbridge so had the head of oxbridge admissions write my reference however since I am no longer part of the college and am not an oxbridge applicant I have to ask my form tutor from last year. I only had her for 1 half hour a week for 6 months, she doesn't know me or my work ethic and I'm worried that will reflect in my reference. Not just that, but she didn't really like me as I didn't go to many of her sessions as it was mostly just ucas preparation, which I had already finished by october. I did ask my previous physics teacher, who knew me for the full 2 years and got along with me quite well. However, he said that as per the college rules I have to have my form tutor complete it. Can someone reassure me that my reference wont be too important in my application. I'm really hoping to get into warwick and don't want this reference to ruin my chances.

Usually a school would simply reuse the reference from your previous application.
And, references are of very limited importance for the majority of Universities.

Reply 2

Original post
by bethanyg0203
I finished college last year and was supposed to be attending Bath for Physics but decided to take a gap year and reapply to another university. Last year, I was applying for oxbridge so had the head of oxbridge admissions write my reference however since I am no longer part of the college and am not an oxbridge applicant I have to ask my form tutor from last year. I only had her for 1 half hour a week for 6 months, she doesn't know me or my work ethic and I'm worried that will reflect in my reference. Not just that, but she didn't really like me as I didn't go to many of her sessions as it was mostly just ucas preparation, which I had already finished by october. I did ask my previous physics teacher, who knew me for the full 2 years and got along with me quite well. However, he said that as per the college rules I have to have my form tutor complete it. Can someone reassure me that my reference wont be too important in my application. I'm really hoping to get into warwick and don't want this reference to ruin my chances.

At Warwick, the reference is only one small part of the application. It does not decide the offer on its own. If your grades and personal statement are good, a simple or neutral reference is fine.

You can send your teacher a short note with your grades and interests. That can help them write it better.

If the reference is short, it is okay. Admissions know not every teacher knows a student well. You can also email Warwick admissions to ask how important the reference is. They can tell you more clearly.
Original post
by bethanyg0203
I finished college last year and was supposed to be attending Bath for Physics but decided to take a gap year and reapply to another university. Last year, I was applying for oxbridge so had the head of oxbridge admissions write my reference however since I am no longer part of the college and am not an oxbridge applicant I have to ask my form tutor from last year. I only had her for 1 half hour a week for 6 months, she doesn't know me or my work ethic and I'm worried that will reflect in my reference. Not just that, but she didn't really like me as I didn't go to many of her sessions as it was mostly just ucas preparation, which I had already finished by october. I did ask my previous physics teacher, who knew me for the full 2 years and got along with me quite well. However, he said that as per the college rules I have to have my form tutor complete it. Can someone reassure me that my reference wont be too important in my application. I'm really hoping to get into warwick and don't want this reference to ruin my chances.

Also, as a teacher myself who writes UCAS refs, we put together a load of info from all of the teachers who do know you and your strengths. Finally, references are not really 'bad'. It doesn't matter if your form teacher liked you or not! They will write a professional reference. And as the other replies say, unis don't use them very much (because they all tend to be good, so don't discriminate much!

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