January 14, 2017

Husky 100 Application – Daniel Yusupov’s Advice

Daniel Yusupov is a member of the 2016 Husky 100. Here he guides applicants through the application process with his tips and insight.

Personal Statement

In the personal statement, applicants are asked to write about two experiences (one inside and one outside the classroom) and how they helped developed at least one of the Husky 100 criteria. When filling out my application, I didn’t just want to write about two unrelated activities, even if they were a significant part of my Husky Experience.

To me, the purpose of the Husky 100 application was to show how I connected my experiences inside the classroom to my activities outside the classroom, and vice versa, to make the most of my time at UW. In fact, one of the criteria they look for in applicants is Connecting the Dots, so when considering what experiences you choose to write about, think about how those experiences complemented each other to help you develop AT LEAST one (I would suggest talking about more than one) of the Husky 100 criteria.

The personal statement is only 250 to 500 words too, so it is important to be concise. Get feedback from someone: the Career Center, your endorser, a friend, anyone!

Your Story

With “Your Story,” you have a little more freedom to talk about what you want. You can either write another essay, create an e-portfolio, or create a video. No one format is looked upon as better than the others, so pick something that you are comfortable with and that you feel shows off your Husky Experience the best.

In my application, I chose to go with an e-portfolio, because I was familiar with how to make one and thought it would allow me to express my creativity in my application. In my portfolio, I laid out my Husky Experience almost like a narrative. It took reviewers through my thoughts and feelings as I entered UW, a few significant experiences during my time as a student, and reflected on how I developed from those experiences.

Again, connect the dots for the reviewers, and show them how your experiences – inside and outside the classroom – build on one another to help you grow. You are given 1000 words in this section of the application, so don’t be afraid to elaborate on more of your experiences and discuss several, if not all, of the Husky 100 criteria.

Letter(s) of Endorsement

When seeking out someone to write your letter of endorsement, think about someone who you have worked with for a relatively significant amount of time, and who knows you well. I got my letter of endorsement from an adviser for my honor society. We had worked together for about two years at that point, and she was familiar with the activities I was involved with on campus.

It’s best to find someone who is familiar with the experiences you talk about in either your personal statement or your story. Most importantly, be sure to tell your endorsement writer about the Husky 100 criteria to give them a better idea of what to focus on when writing about why you should be part of the Husky 100.

General Advice

Go to the Career Center, and have them take a look at your resume/CV and your application as a whole. Also, attend an application workshop, or watch the online workshop. It never hurts to get some inside perspective on what reviewers are looking for.

Finally, work with your endorser. They chose to endorse you for a reason, and they want to see you succeed! Ask them to go over your application and provide feedback.