Prospective Students

Application Requirements

To relieve the financial burden and accessibility challenges that travel presents, we will continue to conduct all 2027 cycle interviews virtually. We will continue to keep these interview experiences meaningful and interactive so that applicants are able to engage with students, faculty and staff from our institution.

Virtual Interview dates are as follows:

Friday, February 19, 2027
Monday, February 22, 2027
Friday, February 26, 2027
Monday, March 1, 2027
Friday, March 5, 2027
Monday, March 8, 2027

All Applicants MUST Submit the Following:

• Completed online application
• 3 recommendations from individuals who can speak to your academic and potential genetic counseling abilities - Your recommendations are managed by the online application; you will need the email addresses of your recommenders for this process. Please note: The recommenders will be provided a link by our application system to an online recommendation form that they will complete. “Letters” of recommendation are not required, only the completion of the online recommendation form.
• Application payment of $80.00 – Please note that applications will not be processed until payment is received.
• Transcripts (unofficial) from all undergraduate institutions attended.
• Resume/CV
• (Optional) GRE scores are NOT required to submit an application to the Master's in Genetic Counseling Training Program. However, if you have taken the exam and believe that your score would strengthen your application, we strongly encourage you to email your unofficial GRE scores to mgcprogram@som.umaryland.edu. Unofficial score reports cannot be uploaded to the application portal.
  • GRE scores may be no older than five years prior to application
• Essay - The essay is an important part of your application. It is recommended that you write your essay using a word processing software, prior to copying it into the online application.
  In 1,000 words or less please address the prompt below:
  Tell us about your journey leading you to genetic counseling.  What unique strengths will you bring to the profession?
• The University of Maryland Genetic Counseling Program is participating in the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match through National Matching Services (NMS) beginning with admissions for Fall 2019.  The GC Admissions Match has been established to enhance the process of placing applicants into positions in masters-level genetic counseling programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). The Match uses a process that takes into account both applicants’ and programs’ preferences.  All applicants must first register for the Match with NMS before applying to participating genetic counseling graduate programs. At the conclusion of all program interviews, both applicants and programs will submit ranked lists of preferred placements to NMS according to deadlines posted on the NMS website.  The binding results of the Match will be released to both applicants and programs simultaneously in late April.
• Please visit the NMS website at (https://natmatch.com/gcadmissions) to register for the match, review detailed information about the matching process, and to view a demonstration of how the matching algorithm works. 
• MDCGC Student Application Reimbursement Fund - The MDCGC Scholarship and Awards Subcommittee has created a fund to lessen this financial burden on applicants who are of minoritized backgrounds with the goals of helping to increase diversity and inclusion in genetic counseling training programs in Maryland and to foster a more equitable and just genetic counseling profession overall. These funds are dedicated to students of minoritized backgrounds (e.g., race, sexuality, gender, ability, etc.) for reimbursement of application fees for the genetic counseling training program in Maryland and reimbursement for the National Match Service (NMS) fee. Applicants may request reimbursement for both fees or for only program application fees. Reimbursement for the NMS fee only is not available to students not applying for a Maryland program. Applicants will be required to send a PDF of their application/fee receipts to ensure proper distribution of funds. Applications will not be considered complete until both this online application form and receipts are submitted. There is a limited amount of funding available to applicants; applications will be reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. If you have any questions, please email info@mdcgc.org.
• MDCGC Student Application Fee Reimbursement Form
• Genetic Counselor Educators Association (GCEA) Match Fee Waiver Application

  • 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 2, 2026. Applicants will be notified by October 30, 2026 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.

    Waivers are non-transferable to future match cycles or other prospective students. Prospective students who are applying for a match fee waiver will be required to write a short essay and to upload at least one of the following documents demonstrating financial need:

    1. A copy of a letter verifying unemployment benefits received within the past two years.
    2. A copy of a letter on official letterhead from a government agency verifying that you or your family have qualified for public assistance based on low income criteria anytime within the past 5 years
    3. A copy of your financial aid award letter from another / previous institution dated within 5 the past years
    4. A copy of your approved GRE fee waiver (for tests taken within 5 years of the application deadline)
    5. A copy of your federal Student Aid Report (SAR) that verifies you qualified for financial aid within the past 5 years based on a family contribution of:
    • Not more than $1,500 if the student is a dependent student
    • Not more than $1,900 if the student is an independent student

    To apply, click here: https://natmatch.com/gcadmissions/applicants/register.html

    Please direct any questions about the Match Fee Waiver process or requirements to gcmatchwaivers@educategc.org.

Professional Licensure Disclosure 

Graduates of the UMB School of Medicine Genetic Counseling program are eligible to take a national certification examination through the American Board of Genetic Counseling, a national accreditation agency. The University of Maryland School of Medicine Master’s in Genetic Counseling program satisfies the educational requirements for graduates to apply for the ABGC exam.

The UMB School of Medicine MGC Program has been determined sufficient to satisfy the state of Maryland professional licensing or certification educational requirements. The UMB School of Medicine has not made a determination as to the sufficiency of its program to professional licensing or certification requirements of any other  state or jurisdiction.  Each licensing authority sets and enforces its own professional licensing standards.  Every student should inquire directly to the licensing authority in the jurisdiction where the student plans to seek licensure in order to determine the mandatory requirements to be licensed to practice.  See American Board of Genetic Counseling for more information.

In-State and International Applicants

Maryland In-State Applicants

Applicants who wish to apply for Maryland In- State residency must complete the additional paperwork AFTER you have been accepted to our program.

• Application for in-state student classification
• Residency FAQs

All inquiries regarding Residency should be directed to the Office of the Registrar by calling 410-706-7480 or sending an email to residency@umaryland.edu.

International Applicants

Please visit the International Applicants page on the University of Maryland, Baltimore website for more information.

Submitting Application Supplemental Materials

All supplemental materials should be submitted through the online application system.