How to Apply

The Genetic Counseling Training program is a graduate school program in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Upon successful completion of the 21-month training program, graduates receive a Master's of Science degree in Medical Genetics and are eligible to sit for the national certifying exam sponsored by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Our administrative, academic and clinical home is the Department of Pediatrics.

Application Process

Prospective students should apply online following the Graduate School admission requirements. Below is a summary of the components that must be included in your application and how to submit them. To be considered for admission, we must receive your completed application by February 1.

The Admissions Committee reviews all application materials and invites the most promising applicants to a mandatory, preadmission, on-site interview during March or April. Applicants are notified of the offer of admission typically by the end of April, on the universal acceptance date. Accepted students begin classes in the fall.

1. Reasons for Graduate Study in Medical Genetics

(Upload to the "Statements" section of the online application)

To help us with the difficult task of assessing your potential success as a genetic counselor, you must submit a written statement that summarizes your perception of what a genetic counselor does and your reasons for choosing this field of study. Personal insight into related experiences and how they have influenced your decision to pursue this profession is helpful.

Be aware that admission to a masters degree program in genetic counseling is very competitive nationally. We carefully evaluate your statement for indications of maturity (which is not a simple reflection of age) and readiness for graduate study. Please prepare your statement thoughtfully. The essay should be no longer than three pages, Times New Roman, 12-point font, justified, 1.5 line spacing with 1-inch margins. 

2. Official Transcript(s)

(Mail to Medical Genetics Graduate Admissions; see address below)

Please send two sets of official transcripts from each institution you attended. International academic records must be in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Documents must be issued by the school with the official seal/stamp and an official signature.

3. Three Letters of Recommendation

(Submit as part of the online application)

Have three letters sent to us, preferably from teachers, supervisors of advocacy experiences, or researchers that assess your potential for a career in genetic counseling. Instructions for Online Letters of Recommendation

4. Science GPA

(Create separate online account with the Department of Genetics using link below. Do not use Internet Explorer for this purpose.)

To help us evaluate your academic record, please create an account and use the online grade submission form to list the science and math courses you have taken (e.g. biology chemistry, physics, calculus, statistics etc.). The online form will compute your grade point average for these courses. This online form is automatically submitted to the Department of Genetics upon completion and it is separate from the online Graduate School application.

5. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

(Ask ETS to send to UW-Madison, institution code 1846)

We require the verbal, quantitative and analytical-writing sections of the general Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). The subject GRE, while not required, is recommended. Please arrange to take the GRE before November so that the results may reach the Medical Genetics Department in January.

When you take the GRE, indicate to the examiners that you wish to have the scores sent directly to UW-Madison (institution code 1846). If you take the GRE later than November, please send a copy of your student scores directly to Medical Genetics Graduate Admissions (see address below) since you will probably receive your scores before ETS sends them to us.

6. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

(Mail to Medical Genetics Graduate Admissions; see address below)

Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

7. Resume

(Upload to the "Supplemental Application" section of your online application)

Please include a personal CV or resume with your online application.

Questions?

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Marj Haanstad of Medical Genetics Graduate Admissions.

Medical Genetics Graduate Admissions
University of Wisconsin-Madison
1432 Genetics-Biotechnology Building
425-G Henry Mall
Madison, WI 53706
USA