Admissions
Application Period: September 1 – December 15
The UT Southwestern Medical Center Genetic Counseling Program (UTSWGCP) has Accredited New Program status from the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling.
Important Dates/Events
- September 1: Application period opens
- December 15: Application deadline (applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST)
- February – March: Virtual interviews for selected applicants
- Late March/early April: Optional Visitation Day
- April: Match Day (date determined by the National Match Service’s Genetic Counseling Match Program)
- August: New cohort begins its studies
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Equal Opportunity
We welcome applications regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. Our commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Requirements
For 2025-2026 academic year:
- Complete a baccalaureate degree in any field at an accredited institution
- Earn a recommended GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in academic coursework
- A complete application (available September 1) including:
- A statement of your professional career goals, why you are interested in genetic counseling, and why you desire to obtain your graduate degree at UT Southwestern (maximum 500 words using 12-point Arial or Times)
- Supplemental question responses (maximum 250 words using 12-point Arial or Times)
- A resume/CV
- Transcripts from all colleges attended
- Three letters of recommendation from instructors, employers, undergraduate advisers, volunteer supervisors, or academic/research mentors.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores if you are an international student
- A strong understanding of the genetic counseling field via shadowing opportunities, internships, informational interviews, webinar attendance, or other experiences.
- Skills and experiences that can be transferable to working as a genetic counselor. Experiences can include advocacy work, crisis counseling, volunteering, or relevant work.
Holistic Applicant Evaluation
Application Review
Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee, which takes a broad range of factors into consideration, including:
- Quality and quantity of academic preparation
- Knowledge and understanding of the genetic counseling profession
- Service and leadership, including awards and honors
- Interpersonal skills
Interviews
Virtual interviews with selected applicants will be conducted in February and March. Applicants will interview with members of the Admissions Committee and the program leadership team.
Optional Visitation Day
An optional visitation day will be available for candidates who want to get to know UT Southwestern and/or the Dallas-Fort Worth area as they make their ranking decisions. Attendance at this event will not factor into the Admissions Committee’s ranking of candidates.
The Match Process
UT Southwestern’s Genetic Counseling Program is part of the National Matching Service (NMS) Genetic Counseling Admissions Match. All applicants must first register with the NMS before applying to participating genetic counseling programs. Detailed information about the match and registration information can be found on the NMS website.
The Genetic Counselor Educators Association (GCEA) has established a waiver for the $100 fee associated with the NMS Match. Prospective students who demonstrate financial need and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater can apply for a match fee waiver. Prospective students should apply for a fee waiver before registering for an NMS number. Match fee waivers cannot be awarded to applicants who have already registered for the Match and paid the registration fee.
Applications for the match fee waiver are due by October 4, 2024. Applicants will be notified by October 30, 2024 as to whether they have received a waiver. There are a limited number of waivers, so not all applicants will receive a waiver. Instructions for how to register for the NMS match will be provided to those who receive a waiver.
More information and to apply to the Match.
Student Support
Providing information and support regarding everything from wellness and health services to campus safety and accounting, UT Southwestern’s Student Support office has the answers or knows where to find them.
Questions?
Please send all questions regarding the admissions process via email.
Last updated 09/04/2024.
