FAQs

Review our Frequently Asked Questions to find important information about our Admissions process.

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I'm thinking about earning a master's in genetic counseling. How can I learn more about your program?
Watch our latest info session to learn about the UW GCGP and our accelerated 18-month graduate program. If you have questions after watching this recording, contact us.

How can I connect with someone from your program?

Figure out your current status and then consult our calendar:

  • Prospective applicants: Individuals who are considering applying to our program in a future admissions cycle 
  • Current applicants: Individuals who will be or who have applied for the first time to our program in the current admissions cycle 
  • Reapplicants: Individuals who have applied to our program in a previous admission cycle and who will or have applied in the current admission cycle 

Sept-November:  

  • Prospective applicants can attend an information session or the application workshop but cannot request an individual meeting or tour. 
  • Current applicants can attend an information session or the application workshop but cannot request an individual meeting or tour. 

  • Reapplicants can attend our application workshop but cannot request feedback on past applications or request an individual meeting or tour. 

Dec-May: 

  • Prospective applicants can request an individual meeting or tour. 
  • Current applicants cannot meet with anyone on the GCGP admissions committee but can contact our program email with general questions about the admissions process. 

  • Reapplicants cannot meet with anyone on the GCGP admissions committee but can contact our program email with general questions about the admissions process. 

June-Aug:  

  • Prospective applicants can request an individual meeting or tour. 

  • Reapplicants can request an individual meeting or tour and may contact the GCGP to request feedback on their last application. 

How much does it cost to attend the UW GCGP?

Visit our Costs & Financial Aid page to learn more about the fees for attending our program and financial aid options.

I'm applying this year. Can you give me some application tips?
Yes! Watch our latest application workshop to learn how to craft your best application. If you have questions after watching the recording, contact us.

Your application has many parts. How do I keep track of it all?

Print out our handy admissions checklist to keep track of all that you need to complete.

Do you require applicants take the GRE?
No. We do not require GRE scores. Do not send us your GRE score.

Do you accept applications from international students?
Yes. We welcome applications from students all over the globe. For general information on attending school as an international student in the U.S. you can check out the International Student Resource Center.  For UW specific information, please review the UW Graduate School resource page.

Do you accept applications from undocumented students?

Yes. Undocumented students are eligible for admission to any graduate program at the University of Washington.

How do I apply to the UW GCGP?

Visit our Admissions page for details on how to apply. Applications must be submitted online through the UW Graduate School.

How does the UW GCGP evaluate my application?

The UW GCGP uses a holistic admissions process based on nine attributes we consider to be essential for a genetic counselor and for success in our program. Your application will be assessed on the following:

  • Desire to be a genetic counselor
  • Alignment with UW GCGP mission, vision, and values
  • Commitment to diversity, anti-racism, and equity
  • Adaptability and growth
  • Capacity for empathy
  • Self-motivation
  • Self-reflection
  • Communication through writing

Who will evaluate my application?

Your application will be reviewed by our admissions committee which includes UW GCGP faculty, staff, and alums. Everyone involved in the admissions process has had training on implicit bias, and they've also been oriented to our program’s mission, vision, and values. We also try to bring an anti-racist and equity lens to our admissions committee discussions.

How will I know if the UW GCGP plans to interview me?

Applications undergo a rigorous review process before advancing to the interview phase. We will contact you by late January if you have received an interview. All interviews are virtual and will take place in January, February, and March. 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.

How will I know if the UW GCGP plans to rank me?
Applicants who are invited to interview with us are the strongest applicants for a given cycle, and our intent is to rank every applicant that interviews with us who we believe can successfully complete our curriculum and who will be of benefit to their cohort and the program. 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.

If I am accepted to the UW GCGP, can I defer my enrollment?
No. Due to the high demand for training slots in genetic counseling programs and restrictions of the match process, we do not grant deferrals.