Say it isnt so! A Useless reference?!

[okora]

I'd just read a post on another forum of a physics student who had read his reference and was complaining that it was very general "he is a hard worker, punctual..." standard reference. He'd said it was so generalised it didnt even mention the course he was applying for. He was worried that this "bad" reference could be detrimental for him. It really sounded as if his referee had just written a template reference for the whole of the college and inserted name in the blank space provided.

Whether he was allowed to read his reference or not, I do not know, as i'm sure a lot of people including myself havent layed eyes on ours...but it got me thinking, whilst i thought it was slightly rude of him to read his reference, just how much weight does go on references in the medical application process? does anybody know?

In the mean time, we'll just have to give our referees the benefit of the doubt and trust that they have done us some justice.

[DMXX]

References carry a fair amount of weight in the deciding process; I make that observation from both what I've gathered here, and from personal experience.

When I first applied for Medicine in 2006, my Form Tutor did my reference. It was just as that physics student described... Generic, not specific in any way, and didn't sell me as an applicant.
...I ended up with absolutely no offers from any Medical school, or even my Biochemistry choice. Sure, my Personal Statement wasn't too good, but I really do believe that my shoddy reference had a hand in that.

In 2007, last year, I asked my Physics teacher for a reference; she wrote a brilliant one for me, and I asked her if I could read it, not knowing it's the norm to not see it. She was more than happy to show it to me.

I've asked the same teacher to write my new reference, because she really built up the reasons why she feels I'd be an "ideal medical student" (her words, not mine. XD).

This is our future. After what happened with my form tutor, I don't exactly feel very comfortable with letting somebody play with my future, if they don't know what they're doing. I think it would've been good for everyone else out there to at least asked what their reference looks like after it's written.

I only hope to God nobody here had their opportunities wasted at the hands of someone else, like with me 2 years ago...

[okora]

aaww sorry to hear about that. Better luck this time round


i didnt think that a reference played that big a role.

[iheartmedicine]

I think that a mediocre reference probably does not hurt or help you. I think a poor reference will hurt you and I think a great reference will help you. This is my opinion on the matter.
I just do not think that tutors at schools or at Universities, unless they have had many years to get to know you personally, will be able to write a brilliant reference for you. So, I reckon that many will be of this mediocre type. This is just my opinion, though, so feel free to disagree.

[Little Miss Laura May]

Well my sixth form has had a LOT of experience of writting references with the amount wanting to to go to oxbridge! but i think that the reference does weigh alot. Sorry. the way they did it was each teacher wrote wot u were like in that subject/form, and then it was all put together. I got to see mine nd think that it is V. Important/ Usefull to do so, even if it was just to check everything was ok. I mean the teachers had the wrong predicted grades B in chemistry wen i was told i was going to get an A, this was a shock nd I wudn't get into medicine!! Changed now thank god!
... I did change my bio down tho- AS grade (resitting a module nd think getting an A overall will be v. hard)

So ask ur teacher to see it even if they say no its still worth it!!

xx

Good Luck Everyone!!

[okora]

its good you checked it and i'm glad you got that error corrected.

however saying that even though i would like to see what was written about me...i dont know if its just me, but i feel a bit weird looking at references, as these are things written in confidence...i dunno, is it just me?

[iheartmedicine]

I did not feel funny about seeing my reference. I think it is very important for numerous reasons and also interesting to see how others view you.

[Little Miss Laura May]

Yeh I didn't feel weird at all, and afterall in a practical sence there maybe something mentioned in it that u maybe asked about in interviews and whatnot.

[In N Out]

you have the right to look at your reference at the end of the day its your application and you should be the 1st to know whats on it. I know wot u mean about looking at ur ref i was lyk dat but our college encouraged us to take a look at it b4 it wnt off.

[Dr_Potato]

Look mate; if you ever feel you reference does not reflect your abilities, you can always write an additional note to supplement your application. Keep your points brief and relevant to your application explaining why you feel that you need to write "this additional info".

There is nothing to stop you from doing this and nothing "against the rules"; as a courtsey do ring and ask admissions of each skool if they would consider this additional info; and then get those "pigeon carriers" moving.

After all even admissions know that there can be "human differences"; after all "Which course are you applying for mate ? and what is the main subject mate - humans ! innit mate !"