Helpful BSDS Application Tips from a Student Ambassador

February 20, 2025

Topics

Alka Link, a B.S. in Data Science (BSDS) and Women, Gender, & Sexuality major, shares her insights on crafting a strong application for the BSDS program.

Reflecting on her own experience, she emphasizes the importance of starting early, selecting a recommender who knows you well, and writing authentically about your passions. Alka encourages applicants to be intentional with their essays, showcasing their unique perspectives and goals.

Her advice highlights how preparation and authenticity can help applicants put their best foot forward in the admissions process. Read on to learn more thoughts from Link.

Time Flies, Planning is Key

It is crazy to think that at this time last year, I was compiling my application to be a B.S. in Data Science (BSDS) major.

While applying to any program can feel overwhelming, it was a gratifying experience and a great opportunity for me to reflect on my journey and articulate my goals.

From brainstorming essay topics to picking a recommender, I found that planning and authenticity were my most valuable tools in building my best application.

Be Proactive

I started my application for the School of Data Science early in the application cycle; it was vital for me to have as much time as I wanted to perfect my resume and writing supplements. Even though the application is due in late April, I recommend jumping on it early, especially since you don’t want to juggle finals and a major application.

Being proactive also applies to choosing and contacting your recommender. I chose the professor I thought knew me best as a person and not just as a student. I asked my College Advising (COLA) professor to write my recommendation. He saw me weekly in a small class, and it was evident that he was eager to teach us and get to know us.

He was also my advisor, so I had talked to him before about my ambitions to become a Data Science major. I emailed him early in the application cycle, and we met briefly to discuss the application process, and he agreed to write my recommendation. I followed up with him throughout the semester, and it was so exciting to update him when I got accepted into the School.

Be Yourself

When approaching the application questions, I found it best to be the most authentic version of myself. For the UVA-wide essay, I wrote about a part of my identity that shaped who I am today and let my personality shine through. It also helped the admissions office see the type of person I was outside the classroom and how I could bring my unique perspective to the School of Data Science.

I recommend being very intentional with your essays. For example, I talked about my second major, Women and Gender Studies, and how that relates to the field of Data Science. Write about things that you are passionate about and be yourself.

Final Thoughts

Your application should ultimately reflect who you are—your experiences, interests, and aspirations. By starting early, choosing the right recommender, and crafting essays that genuinely represent you, you’ll put your best foot forward and be in the best position for success.

Check out some of the upcoming School of Data Science BSDS events to learn more about the application process and receive tips directly from the admissions committee! Also, reach out to me or another BSDS Student Ambassador if you have any questions or want to learn more about how we approached the application process! We’re here to help and wish you the best of luck!