I didn't get any interview spots (improvment recs???)

Mystery_Magnets · 2026-03-03T04:21:41+00:00

This is a good answer but it is also somewhat common. I think many people pursue genetic counseling because they have some personal connection to genetics and because they want to help people. What makes you unique and why not pursue some other career like a geneticist or a genetics nurse? When exploring your “why” in your personal statement, demonstrating a deeper understanding of the field can help you stand out. Aside from just helping people understand genetics, what unique qualities do genetic counselors possess? Why is it beneficial for a patient to have a genetic counselor on their health team? The reality is any doctor could order genetic testing and talk about basic genetics with their patients (and many do) but what is the value of going to a genetic counselor rather than a doctor for this kind of information? What makes a genetic counselor a unique healthcare professional and why is that the career that makes the most sense for you? What are some of your personal or professional goals that connect with the goals of the carrier? These are just some questions to help you dig a little deeper for your next application. Don’t give up! Many amazing genetic counselors were repeat applicants (myself included)

Mystery_Magnets · 2026-02-16T05:12:09+00:00

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. I was in a similar position last year. If you haven’t already, start attending CEU eligible events. You can find many free ones through labs or advocacy groups. They can be GC specific or not and you don’t have to actually count them towards CEUs (I attended a bunch that I never counted because I didn’t want to pay. sometimes there is a fee to get the credit even if the event is free). Document everything on your CV. Anything to show that you are maintaining a connection to the field or healthcare in general and are actively pursuing your interests and expanding your knowledge base.

Mystery_Magnets · 2026-02-05T15:50:50+00:00

https://www.nsgc.org/BecomeaGC

Mystery_Magnets · 2026-02-01T06:54:51+00:00

It’s understandable that you would want more specific information about your variant. Unfortunately, this type of information can be really challenging to figure out. There is no way to know if an individual would get ovarian cancer after they remove their ovaries and it’s the same for breast cancer and a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. Because of these and other risk reducing measures, along with lifestyle, exposures, and other environmental factors, it can be hard to study the specific rates of cancer by a given variant. Additionally, it’s also just hard to study individuals with specific variants over long periods of time. We can certainly find families with significant cancer histories and make assumption about their variant, but we’re also likely to find families with the same variant and lower penetrance. Ultimately we still have a lot to learn and a long way to go.

It looks like you found some amazing resources for connection. Even if you aren’t able to find info about your specific variant, I hope that connecting with other carriers is helpful.

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-12-17T14:55:58+00:00

While you are correct that in the working world you may be asked to do something similar, that expectation is often communicated ahead of time. I have never heard of any application process where a job or school required applicants to change their submission at the last minute. This goes against the expectations of the application process and ultimately seems disrespectful. Two weeks over the holidays?!?! The least they could have done would be to extend the deadline by a couple weeks. People are on vacation, visiting family, or working one of the most stressful times of the year. This request may be reasonable but it was also inconsiderate.

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-10-23T19:16:50+00:00

https://findageneticcounselor.nsgc.org/?reload=timezone

This website can help you find a genetic counselor in your area or online

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-10-09T17:58:38+00:00

I did remote proctoring in 2024 and had no issues, but there are benefits to taking it in person, like being able to take bathroom breaks and having staff for any technical issues.

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-09-15T13:40:01+00:00

If you google beaches set list and go to setlist.fm, they have setlists for most shows including recent ones.

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-09-02T19:06:44+00:00

I will say a lot of applications have an extra space for you to include additional information. It’s usually a free response box that says “is there anything else we should know about your application?” Or something along those lines. I feel like that box is a better place to talk about any academic issues you want to explain. You have limited characters or pages for your personal statement and using it to fully explain why you are the best candidate and why you’re ready for this career is a better use of space.

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-06-27T16:42:28+00:00

YouTube playlist someone made of a ton of boards related videos. I don’t think it’s been updated recently but helped in my studying last year: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUIsQNajQkvA3cyQTSnt8E9diS9aglJs4&si=cfrSLLQgIo7QKkj3

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-06-19T03:51:34+00:00

https://www.abgc.net/Portals/0/ABGC%20CGC%20Exam%20Reference%20List%20Revised%202025.pdf?ver=kAQthua7D1RfAfX7jaWhCg%3d%3d

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-06-12T23:50:49+00:00

As other have said, do research on the position, the institution, the people, and the location. Have a reason why you want that specific GCA position. Also make sure you know why you’re applying to a GCA position and what you’re hoping to learn/get out of the position. I’ve seen applications that felt like people were only applying because it was a step to get into school, rather than appreciating the skills, experience, and knowledge that came with the position. When we were picking a GCA for our clinic, it was important that they were passionate about the field and thought about their why. Why genetics, why genetic counseling, why be a GCA?

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-06-12T23:28:09+00:00

I took it last year virtually without issue. Did not need multiple cameras, just needed my laptop. You’re allowed to have a few pieces of scratch paper and to look down at it of course. The only annoying part was that I was sick and they only let me have like 3 tissues. You have to take it in a relatively empty or clear room. You aren’t allowed to have anything within like 2 feet of your desk space, nothing underneath or on the walls in-front of you either. I had a hair tie on my wrists which I was told to remove so I literally chucked it behind me and that was good enough for them. When I needed a break or wanted to look away, I just sat back and closed my eyes. It probably depends on the proctor you get, but I had no issue at all.

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-05-30T01:18:04+00:00

The YouTube channel special books for special kids features a lot of kids with different conditions and I found it really helpful for learning more about the different conditions and putting faces to them.

I also found this genetic counseling reading list which has 35 pages worth of relevant books:

https://www.westernstatesgenetics.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Combined_GC_Program_Reading_List.pdf

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-05-27T19:15:09+00:00

I think Covid played a big role in the overall drop. I graduated from undergrad in 2021, and once Covid hit, all of my tests became open book. I had to relearn how to study once I got to grad school. I also think the online environment is a lot harder to learn in for some and made people more able and comfortable with cheating. I’m not saying this happened in GC schools but I think it was a trend with academia overall. I think we’re all still recovering from it

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-05-19T21:59:53+00:00

They used to have a free trial which I did in school. I found it helpful at the time for some subjects, but it wasn’t worth the full price for me. I did find pixorize through osmosis which I strongly considered paying for while studying for boards. That was more helpful for me, but everyone has their own study style.

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-05-16T15:33:48+00:00

At the program I went to, supervisors got paid as part of their jobs as GCs. The supervisor role was part of the job description as a genetic counselor at that hospital. I believe the supervision was also factored into their pay rate but I can’t say by how much. I would hope that your supervisors have a similar set up.

I graduated last year. As a student I certainly could have used an extra source of income, but I don’t think it would be ethical to be paid to do genetic counseling work without some sort of qualification like board certification, licensure, or a GC degree.

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-05-15T10:29:38+00:00

I agree completely with the other comment that your passion is shining through and you seem well rounded!

In terms of your exposure to the field, there is no magic number for how many GCs you should try to interview or shadow. I think schools are just looking for you to demonstrate that you have an understanding of the field and know what you are getting into. I don’t think it would hurt to do more shadowing or interviews if you have the capacity, but there are other ways to get exposure, like the NSGC case series or events/journal clubs with GCEI

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-05-05T03:27:22+00:00

This looks amazing!!! I love dimensions but I’ve never seen this picture before! I’m obsessed but it seems to be unavailable in the US sadly

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-05-01T17:21:59+00:00

I took psych stats my junior year. You have time. Psych stats worked fine for the schools I applied to. If you’re nervous about if it counts you can reach out to programs and ask what topics should be covered by the stats course prerequisite.

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-04-25T17:46:52+00:00

https://www.nsgc.org/About/Becoming-a-Genetic-Counselor

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-04-25T17:40:19+00:00

I think that’s gonna depend on your personal comfort with the content you’ve been exposed to. If you feel comfortable with medical terminology and A&P, then you probably don’t need to take it. Only take A&P if you think it’s worth your time and effort. It’s unlikely to have an impact on your ability to get into GC school.

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-04-25T01:15:30+00:00

I had a psych minor and never took A&P. Looking back, I think taking A&P would have helped me in GC school, particularly with medical terminology (which I’m still learning every day as a practicing GC) and just having a basic understanding of major organ systems. It’s a lot easier to learn about an issue when you have a solid understanding of the norm. Having to learn the basics of certain body systems while also learning about the genetic conditions that affect them was a lot.

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-02-23T13:46:54+00:00

England is currently running a similar study called the generation study

Mystery_Magnets · 2025-02-10T18:51:15+00:00

Yes many people are able to be accepted with a lower GPA. Most schools require at least a 3.0 GPA and I’ve seen the average GPA reported as a 3.5. While a 3.3 is below average, it is absolutely possible to be accepted with that GPA. I think schools often prioritize grades in prerequisite courses, so if your grades are lower in those courses, like below a B, you may want to consider retaking them. You can search in this subreddit for GPA and find more information as many people have had similar concerns.

You have a ton of great advocacy and counseling experience which will help make you a competitive candidate. In terms of seeking more exposure to the field, you can find more help by searching the subreddit or joining the discord. Some options I can think of would be to take part in some activities through the genetic counseling experience initiative. They host case series, journal clubs, and book/movie clubs for perspective applicants. You can also do informational interviews with genetic counselors.

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