Four short essays are required in your application. These short essays are an opportunity to articulate your candidacy for the Master of Science in Data Science program at the University of Washington. The best essays are clear, succinct, thoughtful, well-written, and engaging. Your essays play an important role in our holistic admissions process, and we expect that they are your own original work.
Essay 1: Why UW MSDS? (350 words maximum)
Please review the information about the MS in Data Science program provided on our website. In 350 words or fewer please describe what this degree will enable you to do that you would be unable to do otherwise. You may consider any of our program elements but please be specific. This should not be a general statement of purpose, but rather a specific discussion of this program and how it might change the trajectory of your life.
Essay 2: Data Visualization (500 words maximum)
The UW MS in Data Science program places a premium on strong communication skills. In addition to excellent quantitative abilities, good Data Scientists must be able to communicate their findings in a way that makes them meaningful to a variety of different audiences.
Select an example from the list of data communications below. For the example you have selected, please write an essay addressing the following three questions:
Who is the intended audience of your example?
How does the communication method enhance or suppress accessibility in this example?
How does the communication method address bias in the data?
Communication Examples:
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
https://ourworldindata.org/water-use-stress
https://www.datacamp.com/blog/florence-nightingale-pioneer-of-data-visualization
https://www.reuters.com/graphics/CLIMATE-CHANGE/WILDFIRE-EMISSIONS/zjvqkrwmnvx/index.html
Essay 3: Communication and Collaboration (350 words maximum)
Professional Data Scientists need strong technical skills, in addition to strong collaborative and communication skills to effectively work with others. Please describe a specific time you had a miscommunication with a peer. What steps did you take to build a collaborative relationship? What did you learn from this experience?
Essay 4: Diversity and Equity (500 words maximum)
The MS in Data Science program is committed to developing a community of Data Science leaders who will promote and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession. In what ways do you contribute to creating an inclusive environment? Please be specific.