No references.

Patrick20

I was hoping to apply for a few courses for this year(I know its late but worth a shot) Anyway, I've just realized that I'm supposed to have a reference and I have no way of getting one. I'm 22(so technically a mature student?) have been out of school since 18 and my school has been knocked down so I can't get an old teacher to do it. I'm unemployed apart from being a carer but thats for a family member. Should I just write to each university individually, tell them about my circumstances and hope they allow me to apply without a reference?


Thanks for the help guys.

[Deleted User]

Is there anyone who can be a personal reference? I did some charity work which required a personal reference. A teacher friend of mine wrote it. I would phone admissions first though, explain your situation and ask if a personal reference would be OK. Another option, depending on how long you have been unemployed for, is seeing if your previous employer will do a reference for your UCAS form.

Edit: You do not count as a mature student until you are 25. This is unless you have been supporting yourself for 3 years (you will be asked to prove this), are estranged from or have no parents/ guardians or are married.

GEEGEE8

Have you had a look at the UCAS points required for the course?

Patrick20

drinkupretty wrote: »

Is there anyone who can be a personal reference? I did some charity work which required a personal reference. A teacher friend of mine wrote it. I would phone admissions first though, explain your situation and ask if a personal reference would be OK. Another option, depending on how long you have been unemployed for, is seeing if your previous employer will do a reference for your UCAS form.

Edit: You do not count as a mature student until you are 25. This is unless you have been supporting yourself for 3 years (you will be asked to prove this), are estranged from or have no parents/ guardians or are married.

Been unemployed for a year now and where I worked people were coming and going all the time. Doubt anyone would remember me.

GEEGEE8 wrote: »

Have you had a look at the UCAS points required for the course?

Yes I've got enough.

MrsManda

As already mentioned, your first point of call should be speaking to the admissions tutors of the courses to which you want to apply and ask if a personal reference would be good enough.

UCAS advises:

You need to provide details for a referee and a reference unless all your universities and colleges have already agreed that no reference is required.
If you don't need one, please enter:
'not required' in the fields for name of referee, post/occupation/ relationship, organisation name, address (first two lines only), telephone and email
and
'I have agreed with my choice(s) of university or college that no reference is required on my application' in the reference field.
You can then mark the reference section as complete

Other options could be:
Track down a teacher from your old school - if the school got knocked down, what replaced the school? Presumably there would be a school which took the pupils from the knocked down school? Some of the teachers may have also moved. Facebook may be your friend here as a lot of schools have pages where you could ask if anyone knew were certain teachers are.

Do a few months voluntary work (not necessarily useful if you want to attend from September but good if you leave it until the year later) and ask for a reference.

If you receive benefits and attend the Jobcentre on a regular basis they may be able to give you a basic reference.

As you are a carer, the doctor/ other medical professionals who look after the person you care for may be willing to give a reference about your dedication if you have a good relationship with them.

Oldernotwiser

I second tracking down a teacher - the school may have been demolished but many staff will be working in the area. Start with the telephone directory.

annhall5

Yes. I agree with MrsManda.