December 4, 2019
It’s Almost Time to Apply!
Believe it or not – 2020 is almost here! This means that the January 6th deadline to apply to the M.S. in Data Science program is just around the corner. Many of you will spend the next month working on your applications. Because we know that writing admissions essays is not the most exciting way to begin the New Year, we have some tips to help make that task a little easier.
Make a list. Start by creating a list of everything you need to do between now and January 6th. Do you need to finish updating your resume? Have you uploaded your transcripts to your application? Write down everything you need to do and then prioritize your tasks.
Create a schedule. After you’ve written down a list of everything you need to do and prioritized the most important tasks, you should try creating a schedule to ensure that you’re able to complete everything by the application deadline. If possible, try to schedule some time to work on your application during a part of the day or week when you’re not exhausted from the rest of your schedule. You want to be able to work on your application with a fresh mind.
Crank out an essay. You’ve set aside time to work on your application, but when you sit down at your computer, you can’t seem to find the right words to write your admissions essays. Does this sound familiar? You’re not alone. Applicants often tell us that writing essays is the most difficult part of the application process. There’s a lot of pressure to put the best of yourself on display in your application, and the desire to write something “perfect” can hold you back from actually writing. The first step you can take to get the writing process started is to write down whatever comes to mind. You can then edit and tweak your writing until your essays better represent what you want to say to the admissions committee.
Take some time for yourself. If you start to feel overwhelmed, you should give yourself permission to put your application aside for the day and do something that brings you joy, such as watching a movie or spending time with your friends. Carving out time for yourself will help you recharge and come back to your application with renewed focus.
Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your colleagues, classmates, professors or your university’s writing center to ask for help with your application. Whether it’s help reviewing your resume or editing an admissions essay, don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
If you have questions about the application process, be sure to contact us at uwmsds@uw.edu. We hope you all have a Happy New Year, and we look forward to reading your applications in January!