The goal of the Prospective Genetic Counselor Guidance Program (PGCGP) is to provide prospective genetic counseling applicants opportunities to virtually engage with professional Genetic Counselors for the purpose of advancing applications to Genetic Counseling graduate programs.
Our resources and mentorship opportunities are available to all prospective applicants!
Genetic Counseling programs have become increasingly competitive, with a much larger pool of highly qualified applicants seeking admissions than there are available positions. Many programs require or strongly encourage applicants to have exposure to the field and/or be familiar with the profession. However, when practicing Genetic Counselors are in such high demand, access to local genetic counselors may be limited or nonexistent, which can discourage many prospective applicants from considering the profession.
Anyone who is planning on applying to a Genetic Counseling program is welcome to use our website resources, linked informational meetings/case conferences, and our application for informational interviews with one of our volunteer GCs in order to subsidize their resumes.
If, through an informational interview with one of our volunteer GCs, we find that the applicant would benefit from long-term virtual mentorship, we may recommend and help facilitate that relationship.
Please note: The PGCGP is not affiliated with any genetic counseling graduate program. Utilizing our resources does not guarantee acceptance to graduate school.
Instagram: Follow us on Instagram at @iwanttobeagc!
Location: Our GC volunteers are located throughout the United States and provide guidance to prospective students virtually via video chat, phone, and email.
Hours: GCs may host a variety of informational opportunities, including CV/resume building, personal statement writing, interview workshops, case conferences, shadowing patients, and one-on-one discussions. Some of these opportunities (such as shadowing) will take place during working hours. Applicants will be expected to make time to attend and dress and behave professionally, as they would during any other shadowing opportunity. If a formal mentorship opportunity is recommended, it may be held in the evenings, or as the Mentor's schedule allows.
Email: If you have other questions not addressed on our website, feel free to email iwanttobeagc@gmail.com, and we will get back to you as soon as we are able.