Name

Erin Larson

School

University of Minnesota

Degree Program

First year Master of Science student in Genetic Counseling

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology from Arizona State University, 2008

Research Interests

General genetic counseling’ cultural and public health issues

Hobbies

Travel, reading, hiking

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I selected University of Minnesota’s genetic counseling masters degree program because it offered me a great education at a reasonable cost compared to other universities. I was also interested in finding a program that would give me hands-on experience right away in my first year, and University of Minnesota gave me that opportunity.

I have had an interest in genetics since high school. Genetics was my favorite class in high school, and I sought out several college courses after that. When I finally learned about genetic counseling, a career which combines science with patient care, I felt that I had found the perfect way to combine my interests into a career.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

I prepared for graduate school by shadowing a genetic counselor during my undergraduate studies. That experience gave me an idea of how genetic counselors interact with patients and the sort of research that they do, which the admissions board seemed to appreciate.

I also took as many courses related to genetics and genetics counseling as I could manage during my undergraduate studies. I earned a psychology minor and took several classes in ethics and biology. I wanted to be completely prepared for graduate school.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, my application required me to take the GRE. I purchased a study book a few months before the test and reviewed the math and vocabulary portions. I was surprised at the time by how much of the math I had forgotten, so I spent extra time relearning the mathematical concepts that I needed for the test.

I think that the admissions board wanted applicants to score in the 70th percentile or better, but in my opinion, they did not weigh the test results very heavily in the admissions process.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

My personal statement included information related to my experience in the Peace Corps, my interest in the field and my desire to help others in a public health setting.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

I chose a professor to write my letter of recommendation who taught a small class in my undergraduate studies. Many of my classes were enormous, so I did not get to know my professors very well and few of them knew who I was. This professor only had about 16 students in his class, however, so I felt that he could give a more detailed and honest recommendation.

What types of questions were asked in your admissions interview?

The admissions interviewers asked me questions about my interest in genetic counseling work, the sort of qualities that I felt would make me a good candidate for the program and the methods I intended to use to overcome challenges. I prepared for the interview by trying to predict questions I would be asked.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in genetic counseling?

Yes, my tip for students who are considering applying to a graduate genetic counseling program is to get in touch with people who work in or are familiar with the field. Undergraduate biology professors are a good place to start. I also found that many genetic counselors were willing to answer my questions. If prospective students can shadow genetic counselors for 1 or 2 days, it will give them a great grasp of the profession and will also look great on their applications.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

My program takes 2 years to complete. Students in my program typically spend their first year finishing coursework and shadowing genetic counselors at least once a week. In their second years, students work mostly in clinics and on their theses.

Does your program have an internship component?

Yes, my program has an internship component, which we refer to as “shadowing.” The shadowing requires students to sit through genetic counseling sessions and observe how the genetic counselor deals with patients. After the students in my program have been shadowing for a little while, they can start practicing their own cases.

The school sets up the shadowing opportunities for students, who rotate through different hospitals and clinics in the area. From what I have seen, they usually end up working with a genetic counselor for a set number of hours each week before moving on to another counselor.

Students start shadowing right away in their first semester and continue until their second years, when they start dividing their time solely between their theses and independent work in a hospital or clinic.

One word of advice I have for students who want to get more out of their shadowing is to watch how genetic counselors interact with patients, because that is the most important component of genetic counseling work. I like to observe how the counselors adjust their questions and behavior to suit each patient.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

The program director for our department is the advisor for many of the students, since it is a small program. If I developed an interest in a particular area of genetic counseling, I could go to her and she would point me in the right direction. She is also very open and willing to speak with me about any issues that I may be having with the program itself.

I think honesty is the best policy with advisors, so I try to keep the lines of communication open. Advisors are excellent resources for students who want to use their programs to achieve ambitious career goals.

Does your masters program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

No, my masters program does not require comprehensive exams prior to graduation, but it does prepare me for my national certification exam to become a genetic counselor.

How does a masters program differ from undergraduate study?

The biggest different between a masters program and an undergraduate program is the amount of work required. I thought that my undergraduate degree was difficult, but this program has been a true challenge. However, all of the courses relate to my career, and that keeps me going even when the workload seems particularly tough.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your masters program cost?

Tuition for my masters program costs around $15,000 a year, but I had expected this expense. I did not find the cost particularly shocking, especially for this field.

The secondary costs surprised me though. In addition to the cost of rent, which is very high, the program included some fees at the beginning that I had not anticipated. The cost of books, on the other hand, has been consistent with what I paid during my undergraduate studies.

How are you funding your education?

I am funding my education with student loans. Although I do not recall the process for financial aid, I do know that my program offers teaching assistantship positions for students’ first year. That helps to offset the cost of tuition, but does not fully cover it.

The teaching assistantship requires about 10 hours a week of work and involves teaching 2 biology labs. Unfortunately, that teaching assistantship is unavailable to students in their second year.

How difficult do you anticipate it will be to pay off your loans after graduation?

I anticipate that it will not be too difficult to pay off my student loans after graduation. The job prospects for genetic counselors are good, even if the salaries are not the greatest. As long as I live simply and find a job within a reasonable period of time, I should not have a hard time getting out of debt.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a masters degree in genetic counseling?

The time commitments for a masters degree in genetic counseling are intense. During their first year, students in my program spend about 30 hours a week in class and much of their time outside of class studying. For their second years, students devote about half of their time to a thesis and the rest to working in a hospital or clinic. I have very little free time at the moment, and I anticipate that I will have very little free time in my second year as well.

How has graduate school affected your family life?

Graduate school has affected my family life by limiting the time and energy I have for spending with my family. I am often busy with tests and projects, although I try to find a couple of hours to spend with my family if I have been particularly busy for a few weeks.

In general, however, I recognize that this program is just 2 years of my life. I may not have a perfect balance of school and social life while I’m completing it, but my family and friends are very supportive, and they understand that the program is keeping me busy.

I also try to take things 1 day at a time, which is a time management philosophy that keeps me sane. I try not to procrastinate, because playing catch up is too hard, but I also do not worry too much about all of the assignments that I will need to complete by the end of my program.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I see myself working as a genetic counselor, possibly in a public health setting. I am open to working abroad as well.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a masters degree in genetic counseling?

One insight that I have for students who are interested in pursuing a masters degree in genetic counseling is to do your research and figure out exactly what it will mean to be a genetic counselor. Understanding genetic counseling as a profession looks great in an admissions interview, but it also can help students figure out if they have the passion necessary to complete masters programs.

I also think that people who genuinely love people and science will be able to find an element of genetic counseling to enjoy, although it may require shadowing several different genetic counselors or going through a few rotations in different settings.

Finally, I want students to know that the job market looks great for genetic counselors. The field is growing and although the salaries are relatively small, the job is really fulfilling, which makes it all worth it.