• A cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 for your entire undergraduate career, OR
• A grade-point average of at least 3.0 for your last two undergraduate years, OR
• Exceptional work in your entire final undergraduate career (3.5 or better), OR
• Graduate work with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 or better

Yes, the video essay is a required component of the admission process. Video introductions are a personal and engaging way to convey more about yourself beyond the written application, and allow admission officers to get to know you in your own voice. If you do not submit a video, we will not be able to consider your application with all of the other information available. Review the instructions about recording and uploading a video essay.

The video essay is intended to provide an opportunity to tell us more about yourself, in your voice, beyond the information you provided in your application.  Review the video instructions

As with application essay word counts, we have set length limits to better enable equity among applicants and provide a clear sense of what we are hoping the video introduction will convey. Two minutes should be all that is needed to effectively share your brief introduction through your video.

The number of credits and choice of courses for which a student registers is a matter to be discussed by the student and the major advisor. The typical program plan is 3 semesters at varied credits from 11-14, and one summer term of 2-credits.

Please review the typical plan of study for students in the UConn Genetic Counseling Master's Degree Program.

A prepared applicant will have successfully completed at least one course in each of the following topics:

• General Biology or Molecular Biology
• Psychology
• Genetics  (must include aspects of Mendelian and molecular genetics)
• Biochemistry
• Statistics
• Embryology* OR Developmental Biology

*The UConn Institute for Systems Genomics offers a 7-week online, asynchronous course that fulfills this requirement: ISG 5101 - Principles of Human Embryology and Teratology.

The Genetic Counseling Program provides a list of 6 specific classes and suggested experiential learning opportunities as prerequisites for admission.

Just like in genetics - nothing is guaranteed. Meeting or exceeding the minimum requirements for academics, does NOT guarantee admission.

Since each graduate program has a limited number of places, a successful applicant must have a record competitive with other applicants in the same application cycle.

• Undergraduate (and Graduate, if Applicable) Transcript(s)
• Letters of Recommendations (3)
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Personal Written Statement
• Personal Video Essay
• Supplemental Writing Sample
• Diversity Statement
• Evidence of proficiency in the English language must be submitted if you are not a native English speaker
• A Unique National Match Registration Number (UConn Program Number is 15811)

It is highly recommended that applicants have experience in a volunteer or work-related position involving a counseling component, e.g. a crisis intervention center, family planning clinic, health center, support group, or serving as a resident advisor or peer counselor.

Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the field which may be achieved by interviewing or shadowing genetic counselors or volunteering in a genetics clinic.

You may find valuable suggestions in the Pre-GC Student Checklist.

1. You must first register with the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match System  ($100 fee) to get a NMS number.  The Match System ID # for the UConn Program is 15811
2. Your NMS registration number should be included in the bottom right of the footer for each word-processing document generated (as possible).  You will also be prompted to enter your NMS Registration ID during the University of CT online application process.
3. All applications for graduate study at UConn must be submitted using an online application system. You will be asked to provide a valid credit card for payment of the electronic application fee ($75) when you submit your application.
4. Please note that because UConn is committed to promoting a diverse graduate community, the Graduate School has agreed to waive application fees for prospective students associated with certain organizations and partnerships.
5. Please be certain to read the list of documents required for applying to the UConn Genetic Counseling Program.
6. Please note the December 15 deadline to upload all application materials, including letters of reference.
7. You should be ready to apply and we are looking forward to your application packet.
8. For logistical questions; please contact The Graduate School at 860-486-3617 | gradschool@uconn.edu  | grad.uconn.edu.

The GC Admissions Match is a process performed by the National Matching Services Inc. for each application cycle. For information about the process, review the information posted on the NatMatch website or listen to a DNA Today podcast about interviews, ranking, and matching: Genetic Counseling Grad School Interviews, Ranking, Matching (Part 2).  UConn's Genetic Counseling Program Match Program Number is 15811.

Maintenance of good academic standing in The Graduate School requires a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher at all times while enrolled in a graduate program.

The Genetic Counseling Program has minimum scholastic standards by which students must abide to remain in good standing with the Program and for credits to count toward a plan of study.

Students may earn a graduate degree only in the program to which they have been admitted. Ordinarily, a student is granted admission to pursue graduate study in one (1) field at a time.

Genetic counseling graduate students must reside in the United States because accreditation requirements require the fieldwork component of the curriculum be completed under the supervision of an ABGC certified genetic counseling supervisor. The U.S. Homeland Security regulations and structure of the UConn curriculum as an online program make us regrettably unable to provide F-1 student visa paperwork to international students.

International students who are currently residing in the US on a visa other than an F-1 visa should check to see if their current visa allows for participation in our program. Please note that international students cannot participate in our program on a tourist visa.

If you feel that you are unprepared to submit a strong application, you may be a good candidate for and interested in our other graduate programs in the Institute for Systems Genomics.  Do you want to consider a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Genetics and Genomics, a Graduate Certificate in Communication and Counseling, or a Master's of Science in Health Care Genetics?  Each of these programs will provide you with a better understanding of the genetic counseling profession, the rigor of a UConn degree, and alternative career options should you be unsuccessful with the NMS Match program.  Please note: the other programs are not accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling Programs (ACGC) and thus completion does not equate to eligibility for the board examination. Completion of any UConn degree does not afford an applicant guaranteed acceptance or a higher ranking for the genetic counseling program admissions process.