Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Wayne State University looking for in a successful candidate?
- Whom should I ask to write letters of recommendation?
- What sort of advocacy experience is Wayne State looking for?
- What should be included in my personal statement?
- Does Wayne State have rolling admissions or offer delayed admissions?
- Is the residency of an applicant considered in the admissions process?
- How many students apply? How many are accepted?
- Do you look at my combined GRE scores or certain sections?
- Can I visit the Genetic Counseling Program?
- Is there financial assistance? Are teaching or research assistantships available?
- How are my transcripts evaluated?
- When and where are interviews held? Is there financial support for interview costs?
What is Wayne State University looking for in a successful candidate?
Individuals who enter the genetic counseling program must be prepared to undertake graduate level science courses and to develop their interpersonal communication skills. They must be dedicated and willing to learn about themselves and others.
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Whom should I ask to write letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation should be written by individuals who are familiar with either your academic or work performance. They should not be from a friend or relative. The individual writing the letter should know you well enough to comment on your character and suitability to be a genetic counselor. The letters should be addressed directly to the program directors.
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What sort of advocacy experience is Wayne State looking for?
It is important that the applicant has demonstrated experience interacting with individuals who are in a crisis or other difficult situations. Genetic counselors often interact with individuals in these circumstances. Any type of advocacy work that would give the applicant this kind of experience and insight into whether or not they are willing to be dedicated to this type of work would be appropriate.
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What should be included in my personal statement?
The personal statement should discuss your reasons for pursuing a career in genetic counseling. It should include any personal or professional experiences that were part of this decision. Any exposure to the genetic counseling profession or individuals with genetic conditions should also be mentioned.
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Does Wayne State have rolling admissions or offer delayed admissions?
All students who are accepted into the program must start the fall semester of that academic year. Interested students who are not accepted or choose not to attend will need to reapply. It is important that these individuals demonstrate that they have taken steps toward strengthening their application when reapplying.
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Is the residency of an applicant considered in the admissions process?
No, the qualifications of the applicant are considered. Approximately half of our students have been from out-of-state or from other countries.
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How many students apply? How many are accepted?
We typically receive between thirty and forty applications each year and accept four students.
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Do you look at my combined GRE scores or certain sections?
We look at an applicant's overall academic performance which includes all GRE scores, grade point average and grades in specific courses.
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Can I visit the Genetic Counseling Program?
Yes. We invite all interested individuals to come and learn more about the program and meet with the program faculty and students.
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Is there financial assistance? Are teaching or research assistantships available?
Currently the program offers a $1,000 stipend at the beginning of the second semester in the program and at the beginning of the fall and winter semesters during the second year in the program. Many students have successfully found jobs, often in areas relevant to clinical genetics or genetics related research. Students are able to work 10-15 hours per week during the first year of the program. Limited opportunities currently exist for research or teaching assistantships.
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How are my transcripts evaluated?
We look at the applicants' overall academic performance which includes GRE scores, grade point average, and performance in specific courses. The institution attended and evidence of improvement are also considered.
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When and where are interviews held? Is there financial support for interview costs?
Interviews are typically held in March and April. On occasion there is financial support to help cover the interview costs. Applicants are encouraged to inquire about support when they are invited for an interview.
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