Your UCAS reference is an important part of the application along with your personal statement and grades. Picking the right teacher to write it means universities get a better picture of you as a student from a different perspective. Here’s some tips on how to choose a teacher for your reference.

Your chosen degree

Make sure that whoever writes your reference is familiar with the degree you want to apply to and also the subjects you study. One example would be choosing your History teacher if you want to apply for History, as they know you best! This way your reference shows LSE how academically strong and suited for the degree programme you are, especially because your teachers interact with you often enough to see evidence of your enthusiasm and drive. What’s more, their level of experience teaching their subject can also strengthen your reference, ensuring you put your best foot forward in your UCAS application.

Beyond academics

Your personal statement should be academically focused so LSE can judge your potential as a future student. This doesn’t mean there’s no room for extracurriculars – this is where choosing the right teacher is really important, as they can expand on your wider contributions to the school and to your hobbies in the reference. Your teacher explaining your commitment to, say, MUN or debating can strengthen your application and show off your diverse skill set, without you losing precious characters in the personal statement. A teacher you talk to often, a form tutor for instance, would know enough about you to comment on how you make the most of opportunities available and show passion for your subject in many ways.

Changes to the reference

UCAS has changed the format for references slightly, introducing the new three box system where referees can talk about your school or college, any extenuating circumstances affecting you and specific information about you and your chosen course. What this means for you as the applicant is that you should choose a teacher who’s not only close enough to know about your academic performance and if anything’s affected it, but also someone experienced who can give details about your school or college. Heads of Department or Heads of Year are usually great people to contact first, as their level of experience not only in their chosen subject but also in the management of the institution and its pupils makes them well-suited to writing a UCAS reference.

Use these tips to help you choose the right teacher and remember – give them plenty of notice (no one likes last minute work!) and make sure you’re on the same page about what goes in. Good luck!

Learn more about LSE’s guidance for teachers and schools on how to write a UCAS reference