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How to Apply to the Medical Genetics Program

We sincerely hope that after examining our M.S. program in Medical Genetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and judging its strength, you will choose to apply for admission.

If you choose to apply, first review the Graduate School Admission Requirements,
then apply online.

Below is a summary of the components that must be included in your application and how to submit them. We must receive all application components by February 1.

  1. Reasons for Graduate Study in Medical Genetics (may submit online)

    To help us with the difficult task of assessing your potential success as a genetic counselor, you must submit a written statement that summarizes your perception of what a genetic counselor does and your reasons for choosing this field of study. Be sure to include a description of any related experiences, volunteer or paid, and how they have prepared you for this profession. The essay should be no longer than three pages. Be aware that admission to masters degree programs in genetic counseling is very competitive nationally. We carefully evaluate your statement for indications of maturity (which is not a simple reflection of age) and readiness for graduate study. Please prepare your statement thoughtfully.

  2. Official Transcript(s) (send to the Medical Genetics Department)

    Please send two sets of official transcripts from each institution you attended. International academic records must be in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Documents must be issued by the school with the official seal/stamp and an official signature.

  3. Three Letters of Recommendation (may submit online)
    (Instructions for Online Letters)

    Have three letters sent to us, preferably from teachers, supervisors of advocacy experiences, or researchers, that assess your potential for a career in genetic counseling.

  4. Science GPA (send to Medical Genetics Department)

    To help us evaluate your academic record, please use the form provided to list the science courses you have taken, and compute your grade point average for these courses.

  5. Graduate Record Examinations (send to UW-Madison)

    We require the verbal, quantitative, and analytical-writing sections of the general GRE test. The subject GRE, while not required, is recommended. Please arrange to take the GRE before November so that the results may reach the Medical Genetics Department in January. When you take the GRE, indicate to the examiners that you wish to have the scores sent directly to the UW-Madison (Institution Code 1846). If you take the GRE later than November, please send a copy of your student scores directly to Medical Genetics since you will probably receive your scores before ETS sends them to us.

  6. TOEFL (send to UW-Madison)

    Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

  7. Resume (send to Medical Genetics Department)

    We recommend that you send a personal CV or resume to the Medical Genetics Department.

Transcripts, completed science GPA form, and resume should be mailed to:

Medical Genetics Graduate Admissions
University of Wisconsin-Madison
1432 Genetics-Biotechnology Building
425-G Henry Mall
Madison, WI 53706
USA

Matriculation to this program occurs in the fall of every year. We consider all applicants at the same time each year. Therefore, for you to be considered for admission, we must receive your completed application by February 1. The Admissions Committee reviews all application materials and invites the most promising applicants to an on-site interview during March or April. Applicants who are offered admission are chosen from among those applicants who complete an interview.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Marj Haanstad of Medical Genetics Graduate Admissions.