References for GEM

[jason]

Hey guys,

I've done a fair bit of searching and can't seem to find any definitive answers. I am applying to graduate entry medicine this year and was wondering if you can send more than one reference with your UCAS application? There seems to be only one reference slot on the UCAS form but I was hoping to provide both an academic reference from my previous university tutor and a character reference from my current employer. If this is not possible I guess the academic reference would be more appropriate than one from my current NHS job?

Many Thanks

[Chwirkytheappleboy]

You can only have one reference. If you apply to Oxford or Cambridge they'll ask for more references, but that will be on a separate form, your UCAS application remains unchanged

Which one you choose is slightly dependent on timing... how long ago did you leave Uni? If it was 10 years ago then a reference from your employer is probably more valid. If it was 12 months ago then an academic reference is probably more appropriate

[jason]

Ah this is what I feared. Yeah, I only graduated 12 months ago so I guess ill go with the academic reference. Its just that some medical schools pin so much on the references it seems that one reference from a university tutor may be a bit underwhelming. I wonder if there is a framework or similar I should email her with to try and ensure she includes all the important "prompts", although this could seem rude and demeaning as I am sure she has wrote plenty of references over the years :S

[Martigan]

Jason

It may be worth asking the admissions depts of the uni's that you apply to.

For mine they did in the end prefer my NHS reference, however I had graduated 17 years previously...

I imagine as you're a new grad, they will want an academic one. However if you first choice uni says an NHS one would be better, you may have a hard choice ahead...

[ceih]

Yes, unfortunately only one reference. Most institutions will prefer the academic over a work-based reference, so definitely go for that one over the two.

[jcak]

Would it be possible to let your NHS referee have a look at your module results so they could talk a bit about your academic background too, sort of merge the two of them into one?

[Martigan]

Would it be possible to let your NHS referee have a look at your module results so they could talk a bit about your academic background too, sort of merge the two of them into one?

One of the things that I love about this site is there are just some many different great thoughts to brainstorm a great solution. :-)

[jason]

Thanks for the replies all! much appreciated

Hmmm the merging suggestions is a nice idea! However, I'm not to confident that my employer would be able to sound as convincing as my university tutor if its meant to be academically based :S

Really don't understand why they only allow you too send one. I mean they ask for all this relevant work experience then ask for no reference to back up your claims that you work well within a hospital environment etc etc.

Ah well, just another of the GEM puzzles I guess :P

[jcak]

Instead of merging them, ask your employer to email a bit about your current role and how good you are at it to your university tutor? That way the tutor can talk about your academic side whilst they can also add in quotes from your employer to make your current job seem just as good.

Email them both and explain your predicament, see if they can come to a solution between them. Your university tutor might have dealt with a situation like this before for all we know and have a perfect solution to this.

[Profanius]

Hi Jason

Considering you've only been out of education for 12 months you would almost certainly be expected to provide an academic reference. I know when I applied to Warwick they insisted that that the reference be an academic one unless there were mitigating circumstances.

There's nothing to stop you obtaining a personal reference from your employer and submitting it after your UCAS form. The acknowledgement emails from universities (post UCAS) often give you the opportunity to submit additional information. Oxford have their own form you have to submit in which they ask for additional references. Nottingham send out a 'record of work experience' you have to complete - I've not seen it but I'm sure there is scope here to include references too.

Good luck.