FAQ

Student Life

Can I work while enrolled in the UW Genetic Counseling Graduate Program?
The pace and workload of the GCGP are very demanding, so we don’t recommend trying to work while you’re in the program. You’ll be taking classes full time during the day. In addition, you’ll have fieldwork assignments during regular business hours during the four quarters you’re enrolled in the practicum.

Can I get university housing as a GCGP student?
Yes. The UW has housing options for graduate students.

Fieldwork

Do I have to have a car to travel to fieldwork sites?
Not necessarily. Many of your fieldwork sites are located within the city of Seattle and are accessible by public transportation and/or shuttle services. The director of fieldwork education can help you with any transportation issues.

Does my summer fieldwork rotation have to be completed in the Seattle area, or can I go somewhere else?
You’re not required to complete your summer rotation in Seattle. If you’d like to do your summer rotation elsewhere, you’ll need to meet with the program leadership as early as possible to discuss the logistics of your desired rotation. There may be additional requirements to make these rotations feasible.

Admissions

If I am accepted to the GCGP, can I defer my enrollment?
Due to the high demand for training slots in genetic counseling programs and restrictions of the National Matching Service match process, we can’t defer enrollments.

Do you require applicants take the GRE?
No, we do not require GRE scores for applicants.

Do you accept applications from international students?
Yes, we welcome applications from international students.

How will I know if the GCGP plans to rank me?
According to the rules of the National Matching Service Match System, programs are not allowed to communicate the position of an applicant on their rank lists. While programs are allowed to contact applicants after the interview process and communicate their intention to rank them, the UW GCGP chooses not to exercise this option. 

Applications to the UW GCGP undergo a rigorous review process before advancing to the interview phase. Applicants who are invited to interview with us are the strongest applicants for a given cycle. Our approach is to rank every applicant that interviews with us who we feel can successfully complete our curriculum.

We encourage applicants to rank programs based on their own level of interest and preferences.