Prospective applicants to the University of Washington’s (UW) Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM) program, offered online and on campus, are taking an essential step toward becoming effective, forward-thinking leaders in an increasingly data-driven world. The MSIM program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate and lead in the evolving information management landscape.
As a prospective graduate student, you bring a valuable foundation of academic, professional and personal experiences to your graduate studies. The statement of purpose — a key component of the MSIM admissions and application process — offers an opportunity to directly articulate your background, goals and motivations to the admissions committee. This article outlines strategies to help you craft a thoughtful and compelling statement that strengthens your candidacy for admission.
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What is a statement of purpose, and how is it used?
A statement of purpose provides the opportunity to share your story directly with the admissions committee. It adds a personal touch to your application, adding context to your transcript, resume and other materials. Through your statement, the admissions committee gains deeper insight into your fit for the program and your potential to contribute meaningfully to the UW academic community.
What to include in your statement
UW MSIM applicants are required to submit a response to each of three provided prompts to complete their statement of purpose:
- Your professional goals: Information Management is a broad, interdisciplinary area of study and professional practice. Tell us about your interest in Information Management. What are your professional goals? What knowledge, skills or expertise do you plan to develop in the MSIM program? Tell us how you are prepared to meet these goals and why they are important to you.
- Leadership: Leadership is a central focus in the MSIM program. Tell us about your managerial and leadership experiences. What managerial and leadership skills would you like to develop in the MSIM program? Considering your career goals, tell us why these skills are important to you.
- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access and Sovereignty (IDEAS): The UW Information School makes a commitment to IDEAS in all that we do. Tell us about your experiences with one or more of these values. How would you contribute to advancing these values in the MSIM program and beyond?
Consider these questions carefully before you start researching and writing. The admissions committee expects thorough and authentic answers to all the questions in each prompt, ideally in a compelling 250-300-word statement. Read on for some practical tips.
Researching: preparing to write your statement
The first step in writing a compelling statement of purpose is reflecting on your personal, professional and educational experiences and how they’ve collectively informed your decision to pursue an MSIM degree. In addition to reflecting on your past experiences, consider how earning an MSIM supports your future plans. You should be able to articulate specific learning outcomes you anticipate from the MSIM program and connect those outcomes with your goals.
Furthermore, as the University of Washington Information School (iSchool) specifically seeks applicants who will advance its values, you should explore the iSchool Mission & Values and the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access and Sovereignty (IDEAS) commitments. Consider how you can incorporate relevant aspects into your statement.
Outlining: creating a compelling application package
After you have completed your research and generated ideas for each topic, you are ready to outline your short essays. Through the statement of purpose topics, the mission and the vision of the school, the UW iSchool and the MSIM program have told you what they value and what they can provide to students. Reflect on your experiences and goals in relation to those items and craft strong topic sentences for each prompt to build your essay around. Consider which of your various stories will make the impact you intend and sketch them into your outline. Once you are satisfied with the general direction of your outlines, you are ready to write.
Writing: tips for crafting an effective admissions statement
When writing your statement of purpose, aim for a clear, engaging and authentic tone that reflects who you are. It should be professional, but not stiff or overly formal. Use the active voice and strong, specific language to tell your story. Instead of vague generalizations like “I’ve always been interested in technology,” try something more vivid and detailed, such as describing a project that sparked your interest or a moment that shifted your perspective. If it feels natural, consider using a narrative arc — starting with a challenge or turning point that led you to where you are today and pointing forward to where you hope to go. Remember that the statement of purpose is only one part of your whole application package and your goal is to bring clarity and texture to the rest of your materials.
Finalizing: adding a polishing touch to your essays
Before submitting, take time to revise your statement while remembering the following:
- Who is your audience?
- What message do you want your audience to walk away with?
- Do the words, tone and style of your essays convey that message in a way that resonates with who you are?
- Do your statement of purpose, resume, transcripts and letters of recommendation tell a complete and compelling story about who you are and where you are going?
Finally, be sure to read it aloud, check for grammar and typos, and ensure that everything you mention (like job titles, dates or names of programs) is accurate. If possible, ask a trusted friend, mentor or advisor to proofread it before you submit.
Formatting: technical requirements
You must submit three separate responses (corresponding to the topics outlined above) using the UW online application system. Each response should be 250-300 words long.
Need assistance? We’re here to help
Applying to the UW iSchool MSIM can accelerate your journey toward an impactful information management career. The statement of purpose is a critical part of the application process. Crafting a compelling personal statement is key to optimizing your admission portfolio.
If you’re ready to start the application process, connect with an enrollment advisor for personalized guidance on how to make your personal statement stand out in your application to the online or residential degree tracks. Or, if you are ready, you can start or continue your application today.