- When are applications due? Applications are
due on February 1, 2009.
- Where do I send the application and supporting documents?
There are two choices; the preferred method is to submit the application electronically and the second option is a paper application. Please visit http://www.brandeis.edu/gsas/apply/index.html for application instructions. The application fee is $55 and the electronic application is designed to be completed in one sitting. The website listed above gives the list of materials to have on-hand before you begin the online application.
Submitting your application electronically requires payment by credit card. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) will confirm receipt of your application whether it's received by mail or online. It is the policy of Brandeis University not to process any application that does not include the application fee. Due to budgetary constraints, the Genetic Counseling Program cannot absorb these costs for anyone; therefore, please be aware that no action will be taken on your application if the processing fee is not included.
- What mailing address should I use for application and supporting
documents?
(NOTHING SHOULD BE SENT TO THE GENETIC COUNSELING PROGRAM, mailing anything directing to the Genetic Counseling Program will take 3-4 days longer to process.)
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Brandeis University, MS 031
415 South St.
Waltham, MA 02454-9110
- What are the GRE codes? Institution: 3092 Department/Program:
0210.
- What is the application process for Brandeis?
The application fee, the application itself and supporting materials are submitted to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). They process the payment, notify you that the application and fee has been received and then forward the application and supporting documents to the GC Program Administrator (PA). The PA maintains a database of applicant information and distributes all documents to the Admissions Committee. If time permits, the PA will advise applicants of application status, eg, missing GRE scores, need 2 more recommendation letters, everything's here.
The review of completed applications begins the first week of February and email invitations to interview are usually sent at the end of February. As long as the application is received by February 1, we will consider you an active applicant and interview invitations may follow pending completion of your file. Interviews take place during March and April on dates predetermined by the program. As with all Genetic Counseling Programs, we abide by the universal notification date of April 24, 2009 for offers of acceptance.
- Can I still submit an application if I haven't completed all the course prerequisites by Feb. 1?
Yes; however, it is important to include a note with the application stating that you realize you are missing a prerequisite. State that you are in the process of taking the course or that you have registered to take the course and will have the course completed by the end of the spring semester. The GC Program will also ask you to submit a brief mid-semester evaluation to the program by April 15th. When you complete the class we will need to receive an official transcript reflecting your final grade in the course. Acceptance to the Program will be contingent upon successful completion of all required courses.
- Is it permissible to send supporting documents separately?
Yes, but your file will not be reviewed until everything is submitted. The PA will make every effort to email status reports as information is received by the program.
- If I have applied to the Program in the past and didn't get accepted, how do I re-apply?
You should notify the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences via email or telephone (gsas@brandeis.edu or 781-736-3410) and tell them you would like to re-activate your application. To enhance your application, you should submit a new personal statement and recommendation letter(s) from someone you've worked with recently.
- Can I enroll in the program on a part-time basis?
No. The philosophy and integrity of the curriculum for the GC Program necessitates a full-time commitment. Classes and internships take place during the "business" week; additionally, special programming, conferences, seminars, etc occur throughout the year.
- Is it possible to hold a part-time job and attend the program?
Yes. It is common for GC students to hold part-time jobs that allow a certain flexibility with a graduate student's schedule.
- How many students are accepted? What are the average GPAs and GRE scores of the accepted students?
Typically, 8-10 students are accepted each year. Since we consider the application in its entirety, grades, GRE scores, recommendations and work/volunteer experience all play a vital role in the admissions process. We do not have any specific disqualifiers for either GPA or GREs.
- Does it matter where I take the prerequisite courses?
No. However, we recommend that you take the course from a 4-year college or university. Their courses are likely to be more rigorous and, consequently, provide you with better preparation for graduate school.
- What if I think I have taken courses that cover the prerequisites but were titled something different?
Any questions about academic prerequisites should be directed to the Program Director, Judith Tsipis (email) for approval or waiver.
- Does it matter which type of volunteer experience I have?
The most desirable volunteer activity is one which exposes you to the disability community. That being said, any volunteer experience that speaks to your interest is welcome as well.
- Are there any scholarships/financial aid available for students?
Scholarships vary from year to year; if money is available, the amount will be specified when acceptance to the program is offered. Sometimes there are Teaching Assistantships available; again, this too will be specified when acceptance to the program is offered.
Funding for graduate work, open to US and non-US citizens. Students
must be nominated by their undergraduate institution. Community
engagement as well as financial need are significant factors in
candidacy. Contact www.jackkentcookefoundation.org for information.
- Where can I find specific information on the cost of a Brandeis education?
You can more information on the following webpages: Estimated Cost of Attendance (.pdf file), brandeis.edu/gsas, and Financial Aid Handbook.
- May I contact or visit current GC students?
No. To maintain the students' privacy - and time - we do not distribute contact information. However, if you are invited for an interview, you will have an opportunity to speak with students as part of the day's schedule.
- Where can I get more information about Genetic Counseling as a career?
The best source is the website for the National Society of Genetic Counselors: www.nsgc.org.
- Does the Program accept International Students?
Yes. The International Student and Scholars Office has information regarding student visas, financial aid and work permits. Their website address is www.brandeis.edu/isso, please review for specific information.
- Are there additional entrance examinations for International Students?
All applicants whose native language is not English must submit the official score of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Thorough competence in English is required for study at Brandeis. Applicants should consult specific programs for additional test requirements. For information concerning the administration of the TOEFL, write to the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ 08541-6155.
- Is Financial Aid available for International Students?
Financial aid in the form of scholarships and fellowships is available to outstanding Ph.D. students. Limited tuition grants are available on the basis of need to master's degree students, however, the total assistance offered usually covers only a small portion of the student's expenses. Hence master's degree students, when applying for admission, should indicate a means of financial support.
- Can International Students be employed?
Regarding employment to subsidize a Brandeis education, regulations of the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service limit strictly the amount of paid work that a student from abroad may do. The International Students and Scholars Office will provide further information regarding this issue.
- Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Questions regarding Genetic Counseling Program: email: goldberg@brandeis.edu or 781-736-3179
Questions regarding Financial Aid: email: gradschool@brandeis.edu or 781-736-3409
Questions regarding Brandeis University: email: gradschool@brandeis.edu or 781-736-3410
Questions related to International Students: email: isso@brandeis.edu or 781-736-3480.
The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (www.brandeis.edu/gsas) has many helpful links for the application process,
please consult the directly on the left side of the home page.
Good luck and thanks for your interest in the Brandeis Genetic Counseling Program.
