UCVM - personal reference

[hoanguye]

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Hi,

For the UCVM application, I understand the 3 references has to come from a professor, an employer or volunteer supervisor, and a personal reference who is a non relative.
I don't really know a prof well enough to ask for a reference, so when I emailed admissions they said they have accepted references from TAs in the past, but for the personal reference who is a non relative, can this include a close friend of yours who has known you for 7+ years?

Thank you!

 

[cheeto]

Hey,
for the references I used a vet I had known and worked with since I was in highschool, a undergrad prof who I knew very well and a lady I had known and worked with in a non profit organization for a couple years. The organization was animal related. I chose to use her as my personal reference because she knew me on a personal level but also in professional way so she could objectively write about me. She was able to talk about my role in the organization and relate that to how I would be a value in the community etc (that was one of the questions last year). Im sure using your friend will be fine but before you ask really look at the questions the U of C is requesting they fill out and determine if that person has something of substance to say about you and can provide them with concrete examples. Anyone can write a reference about how awesome you are but you need someone to say you are awesome and provide proof. When asking my references I first went through the questions with them and provided them with my resume and list of community involvements and then after they understood the questions I asked them if they would feel comfortable answering those questions about me and filling out my reference form. At the U of C references accounted for 5% of our admission scores last year.