Application Instructions

Applicants to the Genetic Counseling Program should submit their application online through the Rackham Graduate School. The application deadline is January 5, 2024. The online application will be available mid-September: http://applyweb.com/apply/umgrad/.

In addition to submitting the Rackham Graduate School application, you must also register with the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match by December 13, 2023. Please contact the National Matching Services, Inc. (NMS) directly with any questions. (www.natmatch.com/gcadmissions) and for information about the limited number of Admissions Match Fee Waivers for the 2024 admissions cycle. 

Match Fee Waivers

The Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors has established a waiver for the $100 fee associated with the NMS 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 an NMS number. For detailed information, please visit: https://natmatch.com/gcadmissions/applicants/register.html#waiver

 

Rackham Graduate School Application

Please complete the entire application as instructed on the Rackham website. Additional details are provided below. Please contact the Genetic Counseling Program Student Services Coordinator, Molly Martin at [email protected] if any questions arise regarding the online application  

PAGE 1: GETTING STARTED
Complete as requested.   

PAGE 2: PROGRAM SELECTION 
Scroll down to Human Genetics and select Genetic Counseling, MS and the appropriate term (Fall 2024). Please note, the online application is typically not available before mid-September. Therefore, if you attempt to start an application before September 8, you will be prompted that we are “No Longer Accepting Applications.” Please return to the online application in mid-September to start your application.

PAGE 3: PROGRAM SELECTION CONT'D; FEE WAIVER  

If you are applying for the Dual Degree Program with Genetic Counseling and Public Health, please answer yes to the question regarding applying to a dual degree with a non-Rackham program, and choose Public Health from the drop down menu. You will ALSO need to submit a separate application to the school of public health (http://www.sph.umich.edu/).

Complete remainder of page as requested.

PAGE 4: PERSONAL INFORMATION 
Complete as requested.

PAGE 5: EDUCATION INFORMATION
Complete as requested.

Regarding transcripts:

  1. Upload a copy of your official transcript from your degree-granting institution. You will upload transcripts from other institutions later in the application.
  2. If you are admitted and matriculate at the University of Michigan, an official transcript must be submitted directly from your degree granting institution to Rackham. 

Additional guidance regarding transcripts can be found at:   https://www.rackham.umich.edu/admissions/transcripts

GRE scores: GRE scores are not required and will not be reviewed as part of an application if provided.

PAGE 6: LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY; AWARDS AND ACTIVITIES

Complete as requested.

English Proficiency Test (for International Students): See minimum scores for accepted tests,  including exemption criteria, at: http://www.rackham.umich.edu/admissions/tests 

PAGE 7: LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION 

Complete as requested.

We require three recommendation letters. Your letters may be from anyone who can comment on your academic, employment, or advocacy experience.

We require all recommendations be submitted electronically.  After you have registered the individuals writing your letters, they will receive an email notification with a link that will tell them where to submit a recommendation. When they enter the electronic recommendation system they have the option of completing a standardized form and also uploading a personalized letter. The individuals submitting your recommendations should be strongly encouraged to submit personalized letters on your behalf.  It is really important that a letter is sent in addition to the score sheet.

If you need to change a recommender or letter after you have registered someone, please contact the Genetic Counseling Program Student Service Representative, Molly Martin, at [email protected] or (734) 764-5490.

PAGE 8: EMPLOYMENT HISTORY; RESUME AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Complete as requested, including uploading a copy of your curriculum vitae or resume.

PAGE 9: PROGRAM-SPECIFIC INFORMATION 

Additional Education Information: Complete as requested. Please upload copies of official transcripts from any community or junior college, non-degree study or study abroad coursework. These should be uploaded as one document, as the application will only allow for one upload. Official transcripts from these additional institutions do NOT need to be sent to Rackham.  

Academic Statement of Purpose:  Write responses to the following questions. Your answers should be uploaded as a PDF into the online application, as directed. Your response to each question should be limited to 500 words. (REQUIRED)

  1. What aspects of training and/or working as a genetic counselor do you think present potential challenges for individuals entering this field?
  2. Describe your advocacy experience, including the training process for this experience, the number of hours you worked per week, the impact it had on you as a person, and your choice to pursue a degree in genetic counseling.
  3. Reapplicants only: We applaud your dedication to pursuing a career in genetic counseling and are excited to learn more about your journey. If you applied to any genetic counseling graduate programs in previous cycles, please describe your growth and activities since your last application.

PAGE 10: ADDITIONAL ESSAY AND INFORMATION 

Personal Statement:  In addition to the essays required on page 9 of the application, you will be asked to provide a Personal Statement.  In writing your personal statement, please specifically address how your background and personal experiences motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree in genetic counseling.  Your personal statement should be limited to 500 words and non-redundant with the material in your other essays, i.e., Academic Statement of Purpose.  Your Personal Statement should be uploaded as a PDF as directed on the application web site.

Admissions Code of Conduct: Complete as requested.

Additional Information:  In addition, if you've had an interesting, challenging, or significant personal experience that is not brought out in your application, please describe this experience in the Additional Information box on page 10. You may use this space to include any additional information about your application that you believe the Admissions Committee should know. The admissions committee will spend a great deal of time and care reviewing each application; it is worth your time to let them know who you are, what you've done, and what you hope to do. 

PAGE 11: AGREEMENT AND CONFIRMATION 
Complete as requested

 

Application Checklist

  1. Complete registration for the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match system by December 13, 2023. Program: University of Michigan (129)
  2. Complete online Rackham Graduate School Application, including:
      • Application Form, pages 1 through 11
      • Upload copies of official transcripts from degree granting institution(s) electronically (page 5 of application) AND copies of official transcripts from any other institution you have attended (page 9, as a single document).
      • Register three individuals to submit letters of recommendation (page 7 of application).
      • Upload Curriculum Vitae or Resume (page 8 of application)
      • Academic Statement of Purpose (essay questions & NMS registration date on page 9 of application)
      • Personal Statement (page 10 of application)
      • Submit application fees to Rackham Graduate School

3. Submit English Proficiency Test scores (for International Students): See minimum scores for accepted tests at: http://www.rackham.umich.edu/admissions/tests

ALL MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY JANUARY 5, 2024