Admissions

Admissions OVERVIEW

Thank you for your interest in the University of Washington Genetic Counseling Graduate Program (UW GCGP)! We are thrilled that you want to train with us. Please follow the links in each section for detailed information about our admissions process and requirements.

Timeline

The UW GCGP plans to matriculate 18 students in Autumn 2026. 

*Applicants who do not receive an invitation to interview should not expect to receive any additional correspondence from our program until after Match Day.  Your application is still considered “Under Review” during this time.

Eligibility

All applicants to the UW GCGP must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Prerequisite coursework
• English language proficiency (non-native English speakers)

Review the Eligibility page for details.

Prerequisites

The UW GCGP has a rigorous curriculum delivered in an accelerated 18-month period. To support success at the UW GCGP, we require the following prerequisite coursework before starting our program.

●    One semester/quarter of Genetics, Biochemistry, Psychology, and Statistics
●    Two semesters/quarters of laboratory coursework

Review the Prerequisites page for details.

Recommended Coursework

We recommend, but don't require, a minimum of one quarter or semester in the following subjects:

Recommended Experience

Highly competitive applicants will have personal experience in at least one setting that emphasizes skills applicable to genetic counseling. Some examples of relevant experiences include:

• Volunteering or working in a health care setting
• Volunteering or working with individuals with disabilities
• Teaching, tutoring, mentoring or counseling experience
• Advocacy experience
• Shadowing a genetic counselor
• Research experience

Application Steps

Step 1: Read

Take time to thoroughly read our application instructions, the pages linked in our admissions menu, and our FAQs. Please print out this admissions checklist to help yourself stay on track.

Step 2: Prepare

• Register for the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match. Admission to all genetic counseling training programs in the United States and Canada happens through a match process administered by National Matching Services (NMS). You will need to include your Match Code Number in your application. NOTE: If you'd like a Match fee waiver, apply for that before registering for the Match.
   
• Get transcripts. Download unofficial transcripts or scan printed copies from every college or university you've attended.
   
• Identify three people to write your letters of recommendation. Even though the system will allow you to list more than three people, we will only read three letters of recommendation. If you end up with more than three, please use the EXCLUDE option to select only three.
   
• Draft and revise your admissions essays, relevant experiences/coursework list, and more.
   
• Provide proof of English language proficiency if English is not your native language.

Step 3: Apply

• When you're ready, apply online here. You do not need to finish your application in one sitting. You can save it and come back.
   
• Pay the nonrefundable application fee of $90* and submit your application by 11:59 PM PT on December 5, 2025.

* If you need a fee waiver, you can apply for it within the application.

WARNING!

We do not review late or incomplete applications. This includes applications that are missing one or more letters of recommendation. 

Questions?

If you have questions or need assistance with your application, contact us. We're here to help.