Admission Criteria & Application Process

The Details

Applications to the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Graduate Program (ASGCGP) are accepted Fall through Winter each year for admission to the program the following Fall. Exact dates vary by year.

The application process consists of two parts.

1. Registration with the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match (the Match) through National Matching Services Inc. (NMS). Registering with the Match costs $100.
2. Application directly to the ASGCGP via Slate. Augustana University students and alumni are exempt from paying the ASGCGP application fee.

See important dates for the 2022 application cycle here. The ASGCGP application cycle for Fall 2022 opens September 15, 2021. 

Common Undergraduate Majors

Common undergraduate majors include biology, genetics, chemistry, psychology, social work, and public health. In addition to the sciences, desirable applicants will have had exposure to a rich and varied undergraduate education. Examples of classes which help prepare individuals to succeed as genetic counseling graduate students and future genetic counselors, and that strengthen an application but are not required for admission, include developmental biology, embryology, human development, writing, communication, business, and ethics.

Recommended and Required Undergraduate Coursework

The program does not require a specific undergraduate major. It recommends undergraduate coursework that provides a foundation for graduate study in genetic counseling. The only required course is genetics. However, the strongest applicants will have taken most, if not all, of the following courses prior to entering the program: biology, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics (required), psychology, and statistics.

Prior and Current Volunteer and Professional Experiences

Genetic counseling, at its core, is a profession built on interpersonal communication. At the time of application, it is strongly recommended that applicants have some volunteer or professional experience in an area in which advocacy and communication skills are utilized. Examples include crisis counseling, working with and mentoring youth (e.g. through Big Brothers Big Sisters or as a camp counselor), helping with Special Olympics, coaching, or providing support services for veterans. The list of possibilities is limitless. These experiences should be reflected in some way on your personal statement or CV.

Exposure to the Genetic Counseling Profession

One of the best ways to understand the occupation is to spend time with practicing genetic counselors. By interviewing or shadowing one or more genetic counselors, one can more fully understand the occupation and critically evaluate it as a career choice. Shadowing is strongly recommended. If an accessible genetic counselor is not available in your area you may view the Master Genetic Counselor Series available through the NSGC website to see vignettes and gain additional insight into genetic counseling sessions. You may also contact the ASGCGP for additional ideas.