Everything you need to know about your application reference
You only need one reference for your UCAS application.
It’s usually written for you by a teacher or tutor who knows you – if you’re applying through a school, college or centre registered with UCAS, they’ll do this before they send your completed application to UCAS; you won’t need to do anything for it.
See below for more information about choosing a reference if you’re applying independently.
What the reference is for
We really value the information provided by your referee as it helps us to gain additional context around your application, in particular about:
- your school
- your learning environment
- the grades you are predicted to achieve
For example, the reference is an opportunity for your referee to tell us about things, such as:
- mitigating factors that may have impacted or disrupted your studies or exams, and/or whether these have also been considered/factored by the awarding body of your qualifications in determining your grades.
- specific support needs or adjustments that are currently in place for you, or that should be considered by us to help you thrive and succeed at Imperial.
- predicted grades for qualifications you’re currently studying which cannot be included elsewhere on your UCAS application.
- why and how you are best suited to the course that you have chosen to apply for, your successes and achievements (academic, extra-curricular, work or community based)
- your academic p