Genetic Counseling Program

Application Information

The application includes:

• Application from completed by the student
• Official transcripts from all previous institutions
• GRE scores for the general exam (quantitative, verbal and writing). The institutional code is 1105 and department code is 0210 (there is no separate genetic counseling code).
• TOEFL score for international applicants
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal Statement
• A $50.00 application fee (check or money order in US $ payable to CWRU)

Admission Requirements and Process

Fulfillment of the requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies at Case Western Reserve University must be met. This includes: An applicant having graduated with excellent academic credentials from a fully accredited university or college. Complete credentials must be on file with the School of Graduate Studies

• Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses:
  Biology - minimum of one year
  Genetics - minimum of one semester
  Biochemistry - minimum of one semester
  Statistics - minimum of one semester
  Psychology - minimum of one semester
  Anatomy and/or Physiology are highly recommended
  
• Results of Graduate Record Examination scores on the general examination.
• Advocacy Experiences
  Counseling and/or laboratory experiences that are relevant to genetics, medical genetics and genetic counseling are highly recommended. Such experiences as counseling with a crisis hot line or Planned Parenthood program (paid or volunteer), working with individuals with disabilities and shadowing a genetic counselor are examples of experiences that are appropriate. The applicant should strive for experiences that provide for one-on-one interactions with others. Moreover, in the application personal statement, applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the field of genetic counseling, what led to choosing this field as a career and discuss how previous experiences have enriched his or her understanding of the profession of genetic counseling.
Interview. An interview is required. All interviews are by invitation only.

The class of 2006

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

Tuition for the 2012-2013 academic year is $1,546.00 per semester hour. Currently, other fees include student health insurance ($726 per semester) and a student activity fee of $5.00 per semester.

While the Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences is unable to provide financial aid or research/teaching assistantships to students, it does award some scholarship funding in the form of a monthly stipend to genetic counseling students. The amount of the stipend is determined yearly and will be shared with applicants at the time of their interviews. In addition, the costs of the on-line embryology course as well as the CWRU Technology fee of $426.00 per year are covered by the Department. Moreover, students receive funds to cover the costs associated with their thesis projects and second year students receive funds to travel to the National Society of Genetic Counselors' annual education conference held in the fall.

Financial aid is available to graduate students. The university has extensive information regarding financial aid and scholarship opportunities to assist students in funding their education. For additional information or assistance, please contact the Office of University Financial Aid at http://case.edu/stage/admissions/financialaid.html or (216) 368-4530.

For further information, please contact the Genetic Counseling Program Assistant, Clarice Young - (216) 368-3431 or email: clarice.young@case.edu

OR

Anne L. Matthews, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director, Genetic Counseling Training Program
Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences
Case Western Reserve University
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106-4955
(216) 368-1821
email: anne.matthews@case.edu

FAQ's

1. How much weight is given to GPR and GRE scores?

We take a holistic view of the applicant's complete file in determining admission, which means we look at everything the applicant has submitted. A high GPA score will not automatically lead to admission; neither will low scores automatically lead to a denial.
*While the CWRU application form asks for your GRE scores, please include the percentile score as well.

2. What do we look for in the Personal Statement?

The Personal Statement is extremely important and applicants need to pay specific attention to how they present themselves in their Personal Statement. Is the applicant's Personal Statement grammatically sound, and does it give us a clear picture as to who the applicant is? Applicants' should emphasize those experiences which have directly assisted them in becoming aware of and knowledgeable about the genetic counseling profession. Genetic counselors are highly motivated and hard working individuals. Thus, the admissions committee looks for applicants who demonstrate initiative, self direction, excellent communication skills and who have "gone the extra mile" to show their passion for becoming a genetic counselor.

3. Who should write letters of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation should be written by individuals who can provide an accurate picture of your academic capabilities, your communication skills (both written and spoken) and your potential to successfully complete graduate education. At least two referees should be faculty from your past institutions. Other excellent referee sources include genetic counselors you have shadowed or supervisors of internships or advocacy experiences which you have had. Please note, while CWRU provides an on-line recommendation form for referees to complete, your referee should also provide a personal letter to accompany the form.

4. How many people apply to the genetic counseling program and how many are accepted?

While the number of applications received by the Program varies from year to year, in general we receive approximately 50-60 applications each year. At this time, the Program is able to accept 6 students per year.

5. What is the application deadline and can students do the Program part-time?

January 1^st of each year is the application deadline. It is important that all required materials such as GRE scores, transcripts and letters of reference be submitted by the application deadline if you wish to have your application reviewed by the Admissions Committee. If you will be taking a prerequisite course or courses in the upcoming semester that will not be reflected on your current transcripts, please let us know in your personal statement which course or courses you will be taking to meet the pre-requisites.

The Program only has one admitting class per year - fall semester. Because of the intensive nature of the Program, we are unable to accommodate part-time students.