1. Undergraduate degree:
B.S. or B.A. Most students major in the biological sciences, but this is not required.

2. Transcripts documenting:

• science up through and including biochemistry
• at least one upper level Human Genetics course (300 or 400 level)
• a general statistics course

3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores in the following sections:

• General Test: Verbal, Analytical, and Quantitative (GRE scores must be no more than 5 years old)

Advocacy experience helps demonstrate a candidate’s comfort with being in some sort of counseling or supportive role. This may be accomplished through a volunteer or paid position with a community-based agency such as a crisis intervention program, Planned Parenthood affiliate, domestic violence program, hospice program, etc.; through a position as a resident assistant or student advisor; or through some related activity. The advocacy experience should provide sufficient opportunity to work in a responsible, one-on-one (in person or by telephone) relationship with a variety of individuals seeking information, resources, guidance, counseling or other support services made available through the sponsoring agency or organization. Advocacy experience typically includes some form of reporting or performance review, so that the trainee receives training in interpersonal skills and ongoing supervision. Most applicants complete this experience on a part-time basis in the evenings and weekends while attending school or working full-time.