Admission Requirements
Baccalaureate Degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a grade point average of at least 3.0 out of a possible 4.0.
- Required Courses must have been completed at the college level.
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- General chemistry
- Genetics
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Embryology is recommended but not required
Advocacy Experience may be accomplished through a volunteer or paid position with a program such as a crisis intervention program, Planned Parenthood affiliate, domestic violence program, hospice program, disabilities agency, etc.; through a position as a resident assistant or student advisor; or through some related activity. The advocacy experience should provide sufficient opportunity to work in a responsible, one-on-one (in person or by telephone) relationship with a variety of individuals seeking information, resources, guidance, counseling or other support services made available through the sponsoring agency or organization. Advocacy experience typically includes some form of reporting or performance review, so that the trainee receives training in interpersonal skills and ongoing supervision for a period of several months.
Graduate Record Examination (Verbal, Analytical and Quantitative sections of the General Test) are required. Individual scores above the 75th percentile are considered competitive. Scores cannot be more than 5 years old at the time of application, unless the candidate has a previous graduate level degree. If you have also taken a subject test, these can be forwarded as well, but are not required. Candidates with a master's or doctoral degree do not need to submit GRE scores.
Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
Official academic transcript(s) from each college or university attended beyond secondary level.
Three letters of recommendation should be from individuals familiar with your academic accomplishments, counseling-related activities and/or potential to be a genetic counselor.
Personal Statement of 2-3 pages in length should describe your perception of what a genetic counselor does, reasons for selecting this career, experiences that prepared you for the profession, and career goals. Please include your advocacy experiences.
TOEFL test score (Test of English as a Foreign Language), if your native language is not English, with a score of at least 79 (550 or 213 if computer-based on older tests).
