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 as early as April 30. Applicants must have completed and electronically submitted (“e-submitted” or an “e-submission”) online through Slate application no later than December 1, of the application submission year, for admission to the class entering in fall of the following year. NOTE: Any specific requirements that must be included with the e-submitted application are described below.
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).
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 course 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)
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 PhD and MS graduate education classes at WCGS had an average overall GPA of 3.6 and an average science GPA of 3.6.
Graduate Record Examination: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required but will be considered if submitted. Applicants who take the General GRE Aptitude Test (which must include: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing components) may choose to submit scores toward consideration of their application. Applicants must request Educational Testing Service (www.ETS.org) to send official score reports to BioMedCAS. These official scores must arrive at BioMedCAS no later than December 1, of the application cycle. Applications that post a GRE testing date after their BioMedCAS-reported e-submission date will not include this information in the admissions committee review.
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.
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 from a counseling setting (ex: supervisor at mental health crisis line) and one letter must be of an academic type (i.e. from a prior instructor).
Interview: Competitive applicants will be invited for an interview at the MS in Genetic Counseling Program, Weill Cornell Medical College.
Application Fee: $80 nonrefundable; A fee waiver is available for qualifying applicants, contact us to learn more.
