Emory GCTP

How important is it to have high GRE scores, grades, etc. when applying to graduate programs?

 
Honestly, it's all about the full package. Genetic counseling programs are extremely competitive to get into, but it's not just the bookworms that get offers! Make sure that you are working, volunteering, shadowing, or doing anything that can allow you to demonstrate your passion for the profession. When preparing to make yourself into a competitive applicant, think: "What can I do to make myself a better genetic counselor?"

What is it like living in Atlanta?

It's great! It may take time to get used to the traffic, weather or city life in general depending on where you're from and what you are used to. There is so much to do here: there's concerts, incredible food, incredible hiking/biking/jogging options, and some pretty spectacular museums. Pretty much anything you want to do, Atlanta has it. It may take you a while to get there, but there really are a lot of options to explore the city.

What is the cost of living in Atlanta?
 

It varies based on where you live, and if you want to live with a roommate or not. 5 people in the 2021 graduating class live in a one bedroom apartment. They pay about $1100-1300 for each apartment.  The rest of us live with roommates and pay around $800- 950 for places around campus.  Emory also has a shuttle service which could be something to take into consideration when looking for apartments. Groceries in Atlanta are normal prices, and gas is pretty cheap depending on what part of town you get it.

 

Questions to ask yourself before Decision Day

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These questions are good to ask yourself as you go along through the interview process, as well as, as you're making your final decisions on the Decision Day.

1. Do I feel comfortable interacting with the current students in the program?

Kia, Class of 2021: During my interview at Emory, I stayed with a student and attended the pre-interview dinner. While I was nervous, getting an opportunity to talk to the current students at the dinner gave me a much better perspective on what it is actually like being a GC student at Emory – academics, clinic, etc. Everyone seemed very close, and even before I met the others my host was telling me funny stories and facts about her classmates. The sense of community I could sense from the students made me feel excited about the possibility of being close with my cohort like that. I was able to stay with Lee (class of 2020) the night before my interview, and the fact that I felt so comfortable talking to her, asking questions, and learning about the program made me much more excited about the possibility of attending Emory. My experiences with current students during my interview was a big factor in my decision to rank Emory. Since I’ve been at Emory, my cohort has become like a family and I can’t imagine my experience with different people!

2. Do I feel that I could approach those in leadership positions if I have any problems?

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All the faculty and especially the program leadership (Cecelia, Lauren, Nadia and Ami) are really approachable. We know that we can go to them if we ever have anything difficult going on in our lives and they will do their best to help us through it and connect us with resources. We know that they are understanding and do their best to make sure that we are taking time for ourselves throughout the stress of graduate school. At the same time, we also know that they are in charge of the program and want us to do our best. Sometimes that means giving us a talk about areas where we can improve. We know that they want us to be the best possible genetic counselors when we graduate and go into the workforce. The faculty plays an important role in choosing where you want to go to grad school. 

3. Does the program’s curriculum appeal to me?

Emory’s curriculum is more intense than some other programs. I love to challenge myself, and I knew that I would be able to become a competent genetic counselor through this program.
Also, think about when clinical rotations are going to start for the program. Here at Emory, we start within the first year. It can be difficult to balance clinic and class at times, but I knew I wanted to be in clinic earlier because I learn better by doing. However, I know that's not the case for everyone. Some individuals would rather get their course work out of the way and then move to clinics, and this is important to consider that while deciding on the program for you.

4. Do I need to have a part-time job while attending school, or can I live off of loans for two years?

I personally cannot imagine having the time to have a part-time job while attending school at Emory. There just is not enough time in the day. There are opportunities to tutor or babysit or dog sit, but nothing like a part-time job and we do get a stipend as part of our Focus Internship. . It's even discouraged by the program directors.

5. Can I afford to go to this program?

Some programs are more expensive than others, especially if they have out of state tuition policies. It wasn’t something I considered. But although Emory is a private school, Emory’s tuition is comparable to other programs.

6. What opportunities does the program afford for me to volunteer?

I love volunteering. So it was important to me that a program offer opportunities to volunteer in the community. I feel like Emory gives a lot of opportunities to volunteer, through Emory and through outside clinics and summer camps. To see more about our events that we participate in, see the Event page on this blog.

7. What opportunities does the program afford me to participate in clinic and see patients?

I really liked the fact that Emory starts observations right away in the first semester, and that by October we were seeing patients in our first rotations. By the time I graduate, I expect to have over 200 core cases (only 50 are required) and two full rotations in general, prenatal, and cancer. Not many programs offer this opportunity.

8. What opportunities does the program afford me to participate in research?

Emory’s Focus Internship offers more significant opportunities to participate in research, and it has been one of my favorite parts of the program. We all get to choose from a huge list of options of interesting Focus Internship opportunities at the beginning of the program. We can choose a few which we are interested in and interview with the mentors before ranking and getting assigned a mentor and internship! Participating in research is important to me and it is one of the reasons I’m glad that I chose Emory.

9. Why do I want to be a part of this program?

I think this varies for everyone! For me, the answers to the questions above were the reasons why I wanted to be a part of Emory’s program. Find out what is most important to you and go with your gut.

10. Why might I not want to be a part of a program?

It’s okay if there are reasons why you might not want to be a part of a program. That’s why they don’t call them pros and pros lists.

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