Application Tips from M.S. in Data Science Online Program Ambassadors

Applying to graduate school is a big step, whether you’re in Virginia, across the U.S., or abroad. At the University of Virginia School of Data Science, students in the M.S. in Data Science Online program are learning from anywhere while connected to the nation’s first school of data science in Charlottesville, Virginia. 

To help future applicants put together their strongest applications, three of our program ambassadors share their top tips, covering everything from researching the program to telling your story and starting early.

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Jett Badalament-Tirrell 

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Hometown: Stony Brook, NY 

Undergraduate Institution: The University of Virginia 

Major: B.S. in Cognitive Science with Computer Science concentration 

• Research the School/Program. I recommend doing a good amount of research about the program before filling out the application. The more you know about our program, the more you can demonstrate your fit and willingness to engage.

• Don't psyche yourself out! The program welcomes students from all majors and levels of experience, so as long as you finish the prerequisite courses—or plan to complete them—send your application!

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  Becky Desrosiers

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  Hometown: Philadelphia, PA 

  Undergraduate Institution: Averett University 

  Major: BS in Equestrian Studies: Business Management

• Be specific and concrete. You just wrote an answer for your application. Now ask yourself: what does that look like in real life? If you don't have a specific picture of a concrete action plan, your answer might be too vague.
• Get a second pair of eyes. The first time I wrote my application, I thought it was good but it was rejected. I needed someone else to help me find my blind spots and write the application that ultimately got accepted into the program.
   

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Cameron Preasmyer 

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Hometown: Quartz Hill, CA 

Undergraduate Institution: UC San Diego 

Major: Business Economics

• Show your passion. Not only for Data Science, but also for learning. You don’t need to know everything up front, that’s what the curriculum is for. Without omitting your current expertise, tell a story about why you’re eager and excited to learn more about Data Science
• Start early. Make a rough draft that you can revise regularly. As you go about your day, give some thought to your draft, and think about where you can improve it. This will ensure you have the best version of your answer written down when you go to submit.

Ready to apply? Admissions is rolling, and you will receive a decision within 2-3 weeks of submission. Visit the M.S. in Data Science Online Admissions page to learn more about prerequisites courses, qualifications, requirements and FAQs. 

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For more information on Deadlines and Events, click here. If you have any additional questions, feel free to connect with the Admissions Team.