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)
The UW MS in Data Science is a professional master’s degree program designed for students seeking Data Science careers, rather than academic research. What leads you to pursue an MS in Data Science and what draws you to the University of Washington’s program? Why is the University of Washington the best place for you to earn your degree? (This should not be a general statement of purpose.)
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 visualizations and sonifications 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?
- What do you learn about data communication from this example?
Visualizations and sonficiations:
Essay 3: Teamwork and Conflict Resolution (350 words maximum)
Professional Data Scientists need not only strong technical skills, but also need to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. Please describe a time you had a conflict with another person on a specific team, at work, at school, or somewhere else. What actions did you personally take to improve your collaboration with this person? How did this improve your working relationship?
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. How will you personally make Data Science more equitable, anti-racist, and inclusive if admitted, and what unique perspectives would you bring to the field?