Self-reflection for university reference
This is your chance to ensure that all the best points about yourself are included in your university reference. The majority of the reference will be compiled from the subject-specific comments provided by each of your teachers. But to add depth to your reference, you can provide your own input that will be taken into account when compiling it. Please fill out the grid below. Keep your answers concise. Keep it to a maximum of 1.5 pages. Email to or (USA).
Countries/universities/ courses/majors you will most probably apply for, e.g:
UK: Warwick - Business and Management
USA: NYU - Economics
1st choice university (the one you most want to go to)
Which schools in which countries did you attend since 6ème/Year 7?
Eg: Yr7-11 - Lycée Français, London (French stream)
Yr12-13 – FIS HK (IB stream)
French Bac students: are you taking any extra options (eg OIB/Section Euro/Orientale/extra languages)?
French Bac students: what is your “specialité” in Terminale?
How do you think your teachers would describe you? 3 to 5 adjectives. Don’t ask your teachers – just think how you come across.
What was the subject of your Extended Essay (IB) or TPE (French Bac)? Write the exact title.
Which aspects of the project did you enjoy, or were you happy with?
Optional: If your EE/TPE subject is NOT related to the degree you’re applying for, give details of 1 or 2 projects/essays/pieces of work from Yr12 or13 / 1ère or Terminale that you were pleased with (preferably connected with your chosen uni course - eg for Law, a History/English/Econ assignment would be relevant, or for Engineering a science project you enjoyed.)
· What was the subject of the assignment?
· Why were you pleased with it?
· What did it demonstrate in terms of your effort/commitment/interest/ability?
Give details of 1 or 2 extra-curricular activities (in or out of school – could be a club/activity/charity work/work experience/job shadowing) If they are relevant to the degree you’re applying for, even better, but this is not essential.
Give details of:
· When/how long for – be precise
· your time commitment
· any leadership roles
· anything you found challenging (universities like students who face challenges)
· any skills you developed through these activities.
Which languages to you speak (apart from English), and to what level – native, fluent, basic?
Optional: any other information about yourself (e.g. special skills, or personal challenges you have faced) that you think should be reflected in your reference.