Student Reference Requests

Year 12

Written references to support university applications:

If you require a reference to be written, for any application, prior to the start of term 4, you need to request this reference by the end of August every year.

ANU Co-Curricular Requirements

Please use the form recommended by ANU and approach your program coordinator to verify your participation. A reference application is not required.

UNSW COOP:

UNSW COOP is due during the September school holidays, however, there is school input required, which probably includes you meeting with Ms Stanfield for data requirements. You may also request 1 or 2 written references to be included with this application.

If you plan to apply to UNSW COOP, and have not started your application, start this week
You should request a meeting with Ms Stanfield asap if required
Optional written references to support UNSW COOP must be requested 3 weeks before the end of school term (Friday 2 September)

MQ Leaders/Achievers and other applications that require a referee:

Please be clear with your teachers where an application only requires their contact details. You do not need to apply for a reference request.

Why references matter.

As part of the application process for a post school pathway opportunities, you may require a reference. References are a written document that contains a statement written by a reference writer, a person who knows you well. Your reference writer is responsible for endorsing your skills, experience and aptitude. Therefore, it is important that you choose your reference writer wisely, they will need to "vouch" for your abilities and endorse you for the purpose of your application.

Please note: this reference is separate to the Graduate Reference that all students receive upon graduation from the College.

Examples of purposes for references may include:

An Australian University scholarship application
A residential college application
A ‘Gap year’ application
An overseas university application
An elite athlete/performer application
Any other requirement from a university/college/scheme/holiday program for a reference

You will need to adhere to the Reference Process Workflow below.

Please ensure your request is submitted three (3) weeks prior to the deadline to give your reference writers time to complete the reference.

Click here to access Reference Application Form

Tips for a successful reference application

Read all reference applications properly. E.g. One reference required, does not mean to supply two references.
Take care with your grammar and punctuation in your application.
Stick to deadlines for references. Be considerate of the time required for the reference to be completed and adhere to cut off timelines for requests.
Make sure to ask your referee for their suitability to complete the reference. E.g. Staff may be on leave or unavailable when your reference is due.
If a proforma or template is provided by the institution for the reference, you must use it. Provide the latest version of the reference proforma in your request for a reference.
Fill in a Question Sheet to help your reference writer to construct your reference to meet your needs.

FAQ's

Do I need a reference?

You will need a reference when applying for the following opportunities:

An Australian University scholarship application
A residential college application
A ‘Gap year’ application
An overseas university application
An elite athlete/performer application
Any other requirement from a university/college/scheme/program for a reference

As part of the graduation process from the College, every student will be supplied with a graduate reference, this is different to a reference requested to the needs above.

What is the difference between a reference and a referee?

A reference is a written recommendation and is substantial for an application.

A referee is either a person writing a recommendation or often, is the person who can speak on behalf of the applicant. Within the application process, you may have to provide a referee's contact details for future follow up from the institution. The institution may contact the referee to verify or clarify aspects of your application.

Who can I ask for a reference?

Choose your referees wisely based on how well they know you and can write a testimonial about your skills, experience and participation. Also consider teachers, coaches, employers or individuals who have known you for an extended period of time (e.g. 2-3 years)

E.g.

Compass Teacher
Classroom/Subject Teacher
Coach
Head of Year
Head of School (Upper, Senior School)
Futures Advisor, especially for Overseas applications
Head of Learning Area
OOSH Coordinator

How will I know the reference has been completed?

Once your request has been processed and a reference has been completed, you will be notified by the Futures Department that the process is complete. If your reference is not confidential (according to the process of the institution) a copy of the submitted reference may be provided to you.

Will I get a copy of my reference?

The ability to provide the applicant with a copy of their reference is dependant on the purpose of the reference.

Residential College

Residential Colleges have a policy that request schools not to supply a copy to applicants. For other purposes, you may be given a copy of your reference if the process permits.

Overseas Applications

For US applications, many institutions will request for you to waive your right to see your recommendations. We highly advise for you to agree with this as it increases your chances of admission. Consequently, the College is unable to provide you with a copy of your reference.

For UK applications: Copies of references may be requested directly through your institution that gives you an offer. The College is unable to provide you with a copy of your reference.

Other Reference Purposes

For other purposes, the student applicant will be provided with a copy of their reference if the process permits, you will be provided with a copy during the CONFIRM stage of the Reference Process Workflow.

Where can I get help with completing my reference?

You can download one of the Question Sheets below to help you to plan your responses to the Reference Application Form. If you require further assistance, please contact a member of the Futures Department.

For further information please contact:

Futures Department

futures@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

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