Hi,

I am about to apply for the Cambridge LLM and Oxbridge BCL. I understand that the academic reference portion of the application is very important, with some forums mentioning that it is as important as your resume and grades to date. With that understanding, I wish to give myself the greatest odds of success, and I am thinking of providing my academic referees with example of where I have excelled in school. The issue is that I am having trouble providing specific examples, because I do not know what my academic referees will be asked. With that said, does any one know what academic referees will be asked by Cambridge / Oxford for the LLM and BCL programmes respectively?

Many thanks!

Hi! None of the aforementioned colleges would be inquiring about the candidate (under ordinary circumstances). The refrees are expected to upload a document wherein they should endorse (ideally) the candidature and outline the skills backed by qualities.

However, the portal does contain few basic set of questions having the likes of 'How long have you known this person' and 'which category would this student fit' (Top 2%\5%/10% etc).

I hope this helps

Hi thanks for your reply.

After perusing the websites of both oxford and cambridge, I get the clear impression that referees will be expected to submit a reference letter where they describe the candidates suitability for the programme. For example, Oxford says: "(A referee's) reference letter should comment on the applicant’s academic achievements (or relevant professional achievements, if professional), your assessment of their work under your supervision, their suitability for the course they are applying to, and any other information you consider relevant"

I appreciate your help, but where did you get your information from? Will appreciate it if you could direct me to the site!

Hi! None of the aforementioned colleges would be inquiring about the candidate (under ordinary circumstances). The refrees are expected to upload a document wherein they should endorse (ideally) the candidature and outline the skills backed by qualities.

However, the portal does contain few basic set of questions having the likes of 'How long have you known this person' and 'which category would this student fit' (Top 2%\5%/10% etc).

I hope this helps

Please check your mailbox. Thanks!

Hi! Would you happen to know if LSE also places such an emphasis on academic references? Also, does the referee's own CV have an added benefit to the academic reference? Say you are applying to Cambridge and your referee is a Cambridge alumni, is that usually more advantageous? I am looking to apply to both Cambridge and LSE for the LLM programme and I can obtain references from both Cambridge and LSE alumni who have lectured me. I have ranked within top 2% for a number of study units and I am wondering if I should only approach the lecturers which have the most impressive academic backgrounds.