Admissions and Prerequisites

Decisions for admission are based on review of application materials and the outcome of interviews for invited candidates. Applicants are typically notified of offers for interview in January, and interviews are typically held in February and March. Applicants interviewed by the program will be notified of their match status through the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match in April. Currently, IU School of Medicine accepts eight students into the genetic counseling program each year.

Prerequisites

Applicants to the genetic counseling graduate program at IU School of Medicine must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate institution with at least a 3.0 GPA. Common undergraduate degrees include biology, psychology, biochemistry and life sciences; however, candidates with other undergraduate degrees are considered. Prerequisites include at least one course in each of biology, genetics, psychology and either organic chemistry or biochemistry. Courses in molecular biology or molecular genetics as well as statistics, anatomy and physiology are recommended but not required.

Particularly strong applicants have explored the profession through extracurricular counseling and/or advocacy experiences (such as observing or interning with a genetic counselor, working/volunteering as a crisis-counselor, or interacting in some fashion with individuals who have disabilities).

Apply

The IU School of Medicine Genetic Counseling Graduate Program participates in the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match through National Matching Services (NMS). All applicants must register for the match with NMS before applying to genetic counseling graduate programs. All applications and supporting materials are due by December 18 for admission the following fall semester.

Apply to IU

Application Materials

The following materials must be submitted as part of the application for admission: completed application form, official transcript(s) from all undergraduate educational programs, resume, and personal statement. TOEFL scores are required for applicants from a non-English speaking country. To submit scores, applicants should use the following codes: Institution Code 1325 and Department Code 0210. An application fee ($70 domestic and international) applies.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required. Letters should be from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic accomplishments, counseling-related activities and/or potential to be a genetic counselor (e.g. academic advisors, professors, laboratory supervisors, genetic counselor supervisors of internship experiences, etc). Recommenders may complete the electronic recommendation that is sent to them following submission of an application; however, the program also welcomes letters sent to the Graduate Secretary.
Purpose Statement

Applicants should submit a 2-3 page personal statement that covers their interest in genetic counseling, career objectives, preparation for graduate study, relevant experiences, an explanation of any problems or inconsistencies in academic records, and an explanation of their desire to enroll in the genetic counseling program.
Resume

The applicant’s resume must detail relevant experiences, including those in education; employment; laboratory and research; observation and shadowing; and counseling, mentoring and advocacy.
Applying for the Program

To apply for the IU Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, please apply through the Indiana University Central Application System (CAS). After creating an account, search for the MS in Medical and Molecular Genetics Program.

After providing demographic and undergraduate information, applicants will be asked to specify their plan of choice within the MS in Medical and Molecular Genetics program; choices are the Genetic Counseling Program and the non-counseling MS in Medical and Molecular Genetics.

All applicants will be asked to provide transcripts, TOEFL scores (if applicable), and at least three references as well as a resume and personal statement.

Applicants to the Genetic Counseling Program must also provide their NMS GC Admissions Match number.

Any materials to be mailed should be sent separately to the Medical Genetics Education Program Manager, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, IU School of Medicine, 975 W. Walnut Street, IB 130, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Questions regarding the application and admissions process may be directed to IUGCGP@iu.edu.

Match Fee Waiver

AGCPD/GCEA has established a waiver for the $100 fee associated with the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match. Prospective students who demonstrate financial need and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater can apply for a match fee waiver. Prospective students should apply for a fee waiver before registering for a Match Code Number.

Please direct any questions about the match fee waiver process or requirements to gcmatchwaivers@gcea.onmicrosoft.com.