Timeline for Applicants

Congratulations on your decision to apply to the Master's in Genetic Counseling Program. We look forward to reviewing your application. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Below is a suggested timeline for those candidates who are interested in applying to the MGC Program.

As soon as possible:

• Meet with a genetic counselor - spend time learning about the profession to make sure that it is a good fit for you. In order to find a genetic counselor near you, consult the National Society of Genetic Counselors (nsgc.org) to review the list of genetic counselors who welcome contact from students.
• Obtain crisis counseling experience. Many successful applicants obtain counseling experience on a crisis hotline through their town, university, area hospital or at a pregnancy/reproductive services organization. Several of these services require that volunteers participate in crisis counseling training (which will be helpful as you enter the field of genetic counseling).

Fall of the year prior to application deadline:

• Identify three individuals who are willing to write letters of recommendation on your behalf. These individuals should be able to speak to your overall abilities and potential as a genetic counselor. Provide the individuals with the recommendation forms as early as possible so that they are able to have time to write a thoughtful evaluation of your abilities. 
• (Optional) Take the GRE examination and have your scores sent directly from the ETS to the MGC Program.
• International applicants (non-native English speakers only) should complete the TOEFL and have scores sent directly to the MGC Program.
• Develop your resume or CV. Take it to career services or a trusted resource to review and help edit the document.
• Start brainstorming ideas for your essay.

• The University of Maryland Genetic Counseling Program is participating in the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match through National Matching Services (NMS) beginning with admissions for Fall 2018.  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). The Match uses a process that takes into account both applicants’ and programs’ preferences. All applicants must first register for the Match with NMS before applying to participating genetic counseling graduate programs. At the conclusion of all program interviews, both applicants and programs will submit ranked lists of preferred placements to NMS according to deadlines posted on the NMS website.  The binding results of the Match will be released to both applicants and programs simultaneously in late April.

  Please visit the NMS website at (https://natmatch.com/gcadmissions) to register for the match, review detailed information about the matching process, and to view a demonstration of how the matching algorithm works.

• Write your essay
• Complete the online application and pay the application fee by the due date.

No later than January 6, 2025:

All applications and supporting documentation are due to the MGC Program to be considered for fall enrollment.

March/April:

Applicants will receive an invitation to participate in an interview with the MGC Program by the first week in February. Interviews are typically held the last week in February and the first 2 weeks in March.

On the interview day, be prepared to meet with several faculty members and current students. 

Late April:

Applicants will be notified of their admissions to the MGC Program on Universal Notification Day, TBD. 

Summer of the year you matriculate:

June:

Each year, the MGC Program hosts a welcome to Baltimore event for students matriculating into the program. 

August:

Orientation is typically held the 3rd week in August and classes begin the 4th Monday in August.