We asked programs what they are looking for in applicants and what they wish prospective students would know before applying to GC programs. We've summarized their thoughts below!

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Qualities that programs most value in applicants

Common strengths that program leaders notice among their most successful applicants include emotional intelligence, self awareness, strong communication skills and a collaborative spirit, resilience, maturity, empathy, and a deep commitment to academic excellence. They highly value experience in advocacy, counseling, shadowing, and research, and of course they like to see applicants who fully understand what GCs do and have proven their passion for it.

 

Ways some applicants are underprepared for GC training

Program leaders have cited a few areas in which they wish applicants were better prepared. Some of these may have more to do with how an applicant presents during the interview process than with their actual experience or training, but if it’s not on your CV, and it’s an important part of what would make you a good fit for the program, make sure you practice how to present it in an interview. Consider those aspects in the section above, and make sure you can speak to specifics about the program, including their mission and values. Remember that an applicant’s writing ability is vital. Make sure that your application essay and any other materials you submit are well-written, spell-checked, and edited to follow their guidelines. You might be surprised at how rare good writing actually is.

 

Misconceptions

There are many misconceptions about GC training, including that online programs are less rigorous than on-ground programs or that if a program is new, it is less equipped to train students. ACGC accreditation is only granted to programs that are prepared to train students effectively, so there is little reason for concern. While you likely won’t love all aspects of training, it doesn’t mean that these aspects aren’t valuable. However, they vary from program to program, so make sure you are happy with a program’s process and faculty before applying to it. And ask questions! Better to be fully informed so that you can be adequately prepared.

 

Fieldwork

Finding fieldwork rotations, especially for online programs, and doing all the administrative work to secure them, is a big job. If you are told that you may have to relocate for these rotations, please take it seriously. You cannot tell the program during your interview that you are willing and able to travel, only to refuse to do so once you are their student. Due to the increasing number of programs and the increase in cohort sizes, fieldwork rotations have become harder to secure. For this reason and others, many programs have created simulated clinics, which are incredible resources to fill the gaps when needed and provide extra support for students. Please remember that these cases are far more sophisticated than role-plays, and are generally considered equivalent in rigor to standard clinical cases.

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What to highlight

We asked program leaders what information or perspectives applicants should highlight. Not surprisingly, they suggested that applicants make their CVs really shine and fully explain not only why they want to be genetic counselors, but why they hope to come to their program specifically. Do your best to highlight the positive attributes and experiences that you will bring to the program and the field of genetic counseling. In other words: why they should pick you over someone else. Don’t be afraid to emphasize your accomplishments. Many applicants are stronger than they portray in their applications or interviews; it’s okay to share your achievements confidently, and allow your passion and potential to truly come to life during the admissions process.

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