At the University of Minnesota we receive more than 60 applications each year and from that group we select 25 applicants for an interview. Applicants come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Most have a Biology major but this is not necessary. We have accepted students with other majors such as chemistry, music, public health, etc.
Below are important instructions to follow for applying to the genetic counseling program. These ensure that your application is directed to us in the program in time to be considered for admission. Please call or e-mail with any questions at (612) 626-3267 or
1. Go to the University of Minnesota Graduate School website at
http://www.grad.umn.edu/prospective_students/ and complete the online application to the graduate school.
Please note the following important information:
a. On the first page, the application will ask for your major. Please enter the following:
Molecular-Cellular-Dev Biol and Genetics MS – 057131508. This will route your application to the program. Without this number, your application will not get to the program.
b. Please enter your GRE scores on the Graduate School application.
GRE codes: 6874 institutional code,
0203 departmental code
c. On the last page of the application, there are 3 statement questions. You may combine them and submit only one statement. Please use the following questions to guide your statement:
• How did you become interested in pursuing a career in genetic counseling?
• What personal experience have you had which led you to know you would enjoy a career in genetic counseling?
• Describe what you are looking for in a career?
• What aspects of genetic counseling can you foresee that might present difficulties for you and how would you deal with those difficulties?
• What do you think are your greatest personal strengths that would help you become successful in a genetic counseling career?
• Describe what you are looking for in a graduate program.
2. There are 3 ways your letters of recommendation can be directed to the program:
a. Mail the letters on the recommender’s letterhead to the address below.
b. Email the letters to
gcgrad@umn.edu
c. Upload the letters into the University of Minnesota Graduate School application system.
3. We are able to access your transcripts in the graduate school system. There is no need to send us additional copies.
4. Your application must be entered into the system in total by the deadline of January 15, 2010 in order to be considered for admission.
Mailing address:
Bonnie S. LeRoy, MS, CGC
Graduate Program of Study in Genetic Counseling
Department of Genetics Cell Biology and Development
University of Minnesota
420 Delaware St., SE, MMC 485
Minneapolis, MN 55455
gcgrad@umn.edu
