UCAS Reference as a mature student

[Mumofacutie]

Hello, anyone has experience with writing a UcAS reference for a mature student? I asked one of my former colleague, who is an optician to write my personal statement, and she agreed but she is not sure how to. I looked online and found some sources, but I have not seen any good samples whatsoever. Academically she won’t be able to describe me, as I finished my studies in 2008 (which equals A levels here) back in the country I am from, but she could write about my work ethic and personal values. I am aware that the document cannot be longer than 4000 characters, BUT does it really have to be that long? What else can she include? Please HELP! Thank you!

UCAS says:

Or you can request a reference independently from someone else – like a current or previous employer. Contact them and explain you’re looking for a personal reference/ recommendation to study so they know not to provide a standard HR reference. If they agree, head to the reference section of your application and fill in their details, we’ll email them instructions on what they need to do. Given them plenty of time to complete the reference. If you don’t hear back from them and decide to ask someone else, you can request another reference by clicking ‘Add a different person’. Once the reference has been provided we’ll email you to let you know the section is complete.

So essentially what your colleague writes is between them and UCAS - they’ll tell her exactly what needs to be included.

Thank you! She has confirmed that she received an email from UCAS with some guidance, however it would be good to see an example. I guess she will just need to start somewhere.

I may have assisted my boss with a reference as to why I'd be great for my course.

Just explained my role and experience, work ethic, consciousness, etc.

Sent to him as a guide to what sort of thinks to say. I assume he cut and pasted it in.