Department of Human Genetics

Admissions

 

Instructions for UUGPGC Admission Applications

1. Application Deadline: Complete applications must be submitted by January 15 for admission the following fall. For admission in fall 2012, the University of Utah is going to a uniform online admission application.
2. Please review the requirements for admission to the UUGPGC (below).
3. Complete the University of Utah Admission Application (link below).
4. Admission Interviews: After applications are reviewed, mandatory in-person interviews will be offered to selected individuals. Interviews will be scheduled in March and April. You will be notified by e-mail concerning the status of your application in regard to an interview. The program is unable to pay for expenses related to the interviewing process. Offers for positions are coordinated with a national notification process set each year by the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors, typically in late April.

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 (AP classes are acceptable).
  
  
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • General chemistry
  • Genetics
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Embryology and Anatomy are 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) scores are required. They are self-reported in your online application and official scores should be sent to the University of Utah (institution code 4853, department code 0210). Individual scores above the 50th 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 attached as well, but are not required. Candidates with a master's or doctoral degree are not required to submit GRE scores.

 

• Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) outlining your education and relevant experience must be attached to your online application.

 

• Official academic transcript(s) from each college or university attended beyond secondary level. The application will allow you to upload unofficial transcripts. If you are accepted to the program, you will receive a letter requesting official transcripts. You are welcome to send official transcripts to the University of Utah Admissions Office at the time of your application.

 

• Three letters of recommendation must be submitted according to the directions in the online application. These 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 must 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.

 

• International Students: 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). The official TOEFL score must be sent to the Department of Human Genetics [institution code = 4853; department code = 06] and must not be over two years old at the time of admission. Applicants with an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. are not required to take the TOEFL. Please note that the genetic counseling program requires a higher cutoff score than the University of Utah requires.

Apply online (click here).