FAQ

GC Program FAQ

Is the UConn Genetic Counseling Program an Accredited Program?

Yes! As of April 2022, the UConn Program has been granted the status of Accredited, New Program by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling Programs (ACGC). New Program status is defined as a program that holds accreditation and is within 4 years of having opened. These programs have not yet undergone a site visit and self-study from ACGC.

What can I expect for traveling to fieldwork/internship placement sites?

The majority of Fieldwork Rotations are across the state of Connecticut. Other rotation partner sites include one in Providence, RI as well as Maine. The program will make every effort to coordinate as many clinical placements as possible in the home state of matched students if this is desired by the student. However,  the process for adding a new fieldwork rotation site location into the official UConn network of approved affiliates can take some time, so we cannot guarantee that all students will be able to complete all fieldwork placement requirements for all 6 rotations in their home states.

Accepted students will be added to a Slack communications channel for opportunities to chat with other graduate students and each other about living arrangements, ride-shares, residential areas, etc.

What are the program costs?

In-state tuition, Out-of State Tuition, New England Regional Tuition and additional fee costs are posted on our website within Program Fees. Graduate students should refer to the Office of the Bursar for current tuition and fee information, procedures, and policies pertaining to graduate program costs and payment.

How many months and how many credits are in the UConn genetic counseling program?

The 21-month program and plan of study includes: 12-credits in semester 1, 14-credits in semester 2, 2-credits in summer 1, 13-credits in semester 3, and 10-credits in semester 4, for 51 total credits.  

Can I apply for a tuition waiver or teaching assistant position to help pay for tuition?

No. The Genetic Counseling Program is a professional degree; as such, students finance their matriculation through personal resources and loans.

Please review our webpage about available student financial support.

Many additional sources of funding for graduate education exist through both internal and external opportunities. Opportunities to seek external funding can be found through the Office of National Scholarships & Fellowships. A searchable database of opportunities can be accessed through the website, in addition to resources helpful to graduate students seeking to prepare competitive applications. There may be aid available based on demonstrated financial need.

Does the Program accept students in spring or summer?

No. The program start date is the fall semester only. The genetic counseling MS plan of study starts with classes in the fall semester that are pre-requisite to the classes of the spring semester.

Do I have to maintain a minimum GPA to remain a student in UConn’s Genetic Counseling Program?

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 program also has minimum scholastic standards students must abide by to remain in good standing with the program and university. This information is provided in detail to matriculated students as part of our student handbook.    

Can I enroll in another degree program while at UConn?

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.

How many students are selected for the program at each admission cycle?

The next UConn Genetic Counseling Program cohort class size will be ten (10) students.

Do special procedures or deadlines apply for international students? 

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.

How do I know if genetic counseling is right for me?

We have compiled a list of tasks and questions that will help guide you toward an answer to this question.

Not sure? Unprepared?

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.

Application FAQ

What is the minimum GPA required to apply?

The following are minimum requirements for acceptance to the University of Connecticut. Please also note the UConn Genetic Counseling Program is making a commitment to a holistic admissions review.
  • 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
However, just like in genetics, nothing is guaranteed. Meeting or exceeding the minimum GPA requirements 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.

Do I need to take the GRE to apply?

No. UConn's Genetic Counseling Program does NOT require the submission of GREs during the application process, and will NOT review GRE scores during the admissions review process if submitted with an application packet.

What is the purpose of the application video essay? What information should I include?

The video essay is a required component of the admissions process. It is intended to provide an opportunity for you to tell us more about yourself, in your voice, in a personal and engaging way beyond the information provided in your written application.  Review the video instructions here.

My application video essay is over two minutes long. Is that okay?

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.

What are the prerequisite courses and training?

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

*With the exception of Embryology/Human Developmental Biology, the rest of the prerequisites must be completed by the application deadline. Applicants accepted to the program who have not previously completed an Embryology or Human Developmental Biology  course will complete a 7-week online asynchronous course ISG 5101: "Principles of Human Embryology and Teratology" in the summer prior to matriculation. (ISG 5101 is also offered during the fall semester, if interested in taking it before applying.)

What materials do I need to prepare before applying to UConn’s Genetic Counseling Program?

A checklist for required application materials is available.
  • 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)

Do I need counseling experience to apply to UConn’s Genetic Counseling Program?

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.

When is the application due?

The deadline to upload all application materials to the UConn Graduate School online portal is January 1st by 11:59 PM.

How do I submit my application?

  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 January 1st 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.

How does the MATCH process work?

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.

Where do I apply?