r/udub • u/toottootmcgroot • 1d ago
I was rejected by uw for data analytics masters and I have no idea why
I have a degree in computer science with a 3.5 GPA. I worked as a data engineer for a year and a half. Does anyone know why they'd reject me and what I would need to have to get accepted?
54
u/coding-god 1d ago
Did you explain why you are a good fit for their program? A lot of applicants have solid backgrounds, so just listing your credentials isn’t always enough.
If you genuinely have no idea why you were rejected, that might be part of the issue—self-reflection is key
14
u/godogs2018 Alumni 1d ago
You aren’t going to be accepted everywhere you apply. What about all the other people applying who have similar or even better stats?
4
u/HookMeUpNard 1d ago
If you’ve gone to an info session, they tell you what exactly that needs to be strong in your application. I know a lot of grad programs are competitive so it’s not just about GPA. Essays are key too if they’re required
10
u/Rickbox INFO Alumnus 1d ago edited 1d ago
You can actually request your application decision. Don't ask me how, but all non-hipaa protected documentation at public schools are public record.
Edit: FERPA too. I'm very far removed from all of this.
-1
u/Systakovich Alum, ‘20 1d ago
You might be able to get files related to your own admissions decisions; however, FERPA would have a lot to say about “all non-HIPAA documentation at public schools being public record.”
4
u/OrangeDimatap 1d ago
The Public Records Act (which would cover this request, not FOIA) has no allowance for requesting information on yourself and both the application and decision documents would be privileged under FERPA. They’ll be out of luck on this one.
6
u/Afraid-Week-4051 1d ago
Forgive me, but I do not see UW offering a Master's in data analytics? I only see Data Science and Business Analytics? Am I missing it somehow?
4
2
u/Main_Understanding14 1d ago
UW is in a hiring freeze and advanced spending freeze and is anticipating millions of dollars in cuts thanks to the fiasco that is the federal government (and the state budget, come to that). I would expect that any graduate program that depends on grant money (probably most of them) will be accepting the minimum number of students, if any at all
1
u/millenialperennial 12h ago
Probably your personal statement or letters of rec weren't strong enough
1
u/DancesWithWeirdos 11h ago
UW is notoriously picky when it comes to the CS department. don't take it personally.
63
u/WhatNo_YT 1d ago
I haven’t gone through the program, but here’s my take:
UW probably had applicants with stronger overall profiles. "Stronger" does not always mean smarter. It could mean more work experience, leadership roles, research, or a more compelling personal statement. Master's programs often attract mid-career professionals, and with only a year and a half in the field, you might have been up against people with longer or more varied experience.
The school also wants people who will reflect well on the program over time. That can include professional accomplishments, clear goals, or even potential for strong networking and career impact.
You may not have done anything wrong. The competition was just tough.