Bachelor’s Degree:
All applicants must have earned a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent from a recognized University or College. Proof of degree conferral will be required prior to matriculation.

Prerequisite Coursework:
The minimum couse requirements include:

• 4 (four) courses of Biological/Biochemical sciences (at least two courses must have a lab component). Including:
  • 1 (one) course of Biochemistry (lab component strongly recommended)
  • 1 (one) course of Molecular Biology/Genetics
• 1 (one) course of Statistics
• 2 (two) courses of Psychology
• 1 (one) course of English Composition (or college-level equivalent-rhetoric or college writing course

We do not accept Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Please note that the Molecular Biology/Genetics prerequisite must be completed in the last 5 years or less.

Personal Statement: To be used as an opportunity to showcase why a candidate is interested in the field of genetic counseling, who you are as a person and why you would be a good fit at Weill Cornell Medical College. The personal statement should be between 300-700 words and describe yourself in a way that your CV does not.

Resume or CV

Experience in a Counseling Setting (volunteer or paid):
This is highly recommended as an indicator of the student’s understanding of and commitment to interaction with the public. Shadowing of a genetic counselor in a clinical setting is strongly recommended.

Letters of Reference:
At least three (3) references/letters of recommendation are required as part of the initial application of which, one letter must be of an academic type (i.e. from a prior instructor). A letter from a counseling setting (ex: supervisor at mental health crisis line/text line) is strongly recommended.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
All applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL examination. Application to take the TOEFL may be made directly to: Test of English as a Foreign Language, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151. The Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences Institution Code Number is 2119.

Grade Point Average:
In general, the MS in Genetic Counseling Program expects its applicants to have maintained an undergraduate average of "B" or better (GPA of 3.3) in science and humanities. NOTE: The most recently admitted MS in Genetic Counseling class at WCGS had an average overall GPA of 3.72.

Online Courses:
Online courses from accredited colleges and universities are welcome and can demonstrate a strong foundation in relevant subject areas. A few online courses—especially when taken to supplement in-person learning—are perfectly reasonable. However, applicants are encouraged to balance online and in-person coursework when possible, particularly for core science or counseling classes, as in-person experiences often offer additional opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and skill development.

Register for the Match:
For your application to be considered, you must first be registered for the match process through National Matching Services (NMS), by December 1 of the application submission year. Please review information about the Genetic Counseling Match at https://natmatch.com/gcadmissions/. Only applicants who enroll in the match process can be considered for admission. The GC Admissions Match has been established to enhance the process of placing applicants into positions in masters-level genetic counseling programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC).

Apply Online:
Application to the MS program in Genetic Counseling is made through the Slate application at https://wcgsconnect.weill.cornell.edu/apply/. The application will be made available in Fall 2025 for admission to the class entering in Fall of the following year. Applicants must have completed and electronically submitted (“e-submitted” or an “e-submission”) online through Slate application no later than January 4, 2026.

Interviews: Competitive applicants will first be invited to participate in an initial virtual pre-screen interview. A select group will then be invited for a final interview with the MS in Genetic Counseling Program at Weill Cornell Medical College (choice of virtual or in-person).

Application Fee: Waived for the 2025–2026 application cycle.

To learn more about tuition and fees for the Genetic Counseling program, please visit the Student Accounting website.

At this time, the program is only open to American and Canadian citizens.

Any Canadian student who is accepted into the program must take the WCM provided coverage and are not permitted to waive. Please visit Student Health Plan Information for further details.