<p>Hi all. I'm new to the site, and I wasn't quite sure where to post this. I found a thread in one of the UC forums about genetics, but the student was already accepted into a genetics program for undergraduate studies I believe. Please point me in the direction if there is already a thread on this. The university I will be attending in the fall does not have a genetics major, and from what I found on the national society of genetic counselors website is that you do not have to be a genetics major to be accepted in a graduate level program. I was just wondering if there are any current students that are studying to become genetic counselors and what their major is, or was at the undergraduate level. I was thinking of double majoring in clinical lab science emphasis on cytotechnology and psychology, if possible a minor in Spanish would be nice. I have no experience in Spanish, but I'm thinking of moving out West. I believe one of the graduate programs said Spanish or an Easter Asian Language knowledge is preferable in admissions. So even if I don't minor a course or two in Spanish would be beneficial. I'm kind of regretting not taking Spanish in high school. To finish my degree(s) I'm thinking of summer, and winter courses starting as soon as possible. Will the majors I'm thinking of be helpful for genetics? I know the psychology will be for the counseling aspect. </p>
<p>I'm attending a University of Wisconsin school, and I know UW-Madison offers genetics. I didn't apply for UW-Madison because of the large class sizes. I could work on transferring, but I'm not sure if I want too. I was told the class sizes become smaller starting at the junior and senior level courses. I'm thinking for the research and experience I would be better off at Madison. There is only one hospital by my university that has genetic counselors on staff that do research. It is about one hour to two hours away. I haven't had freshman orientation yet, I plan on asking the advising counselor then because right now I'm an undecided major. Madison requires more courses such has physics, and chemistry for the genetics degree (undergraduate level) They also require more math. Those courses I'm not so good at. I was better at biology but I have test anxiety. I was working on that back during my Freshman year because after my concussion I had and still have trouble remembering. Counseling was part of my treatment since I told them I was having trouble with memory and school. Sadly it's still an issue. You may be wondering why if I suck math, chemistry, and physics am I looking at a science major. I'm looking because my family is affected by diseases such has three different cancers and I would like to be a help to patients. Helping people was one thing I wanted to do. I figured being a genetic counselor lets me do both. Sorry for the length, and thank you in advance for any help that is offered.</p>
<p>If you want to know what background you need to go into genetic counseling, why don’t you email a few graduate programs and ask? For the time being, here are UW-Madison’s admission requirements:</p>
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Biochemistry usually has organic chemistry as a pre-requisite, so you would be looking at 5+ semesters of chemistry as an undergraduate. You said that sciences are not your strong suite. If you are passionate about genetics, I would encourage you to give the sciences another try, with the support of a counselor if necessary.</p>
<p>If you continue to find the science prerequisites for genetics-related programs overwhelming, maybe you can get excited about other careers in the health care field. Have you looked into Public Health at all? Do you think you might care about health care policy, administration or education? Or if you want to work with individuals in need, how about plain counseling or social work?</p>
<p>Thank you for the information. I’ve spent sometime on Madison’s website since posting this so I will definitely do as you suggest and email them. They aren’t my top choice for graduate school, but my mom made me put them on since they are in-state. I’m also going to see what my advisor recommends at orientation. I plan on taking a list of what Madison requires. When I last talked to the Chemistry department at the university I’m attending he recommended a Biochemistry major, but that is if I wanted to apply to Pharmacy school. My mom wants me to email the graduate programs, and see if they give preference to applicants who attended there during their undergraduate work. A academic advisor we meant with at another university said any university will tell you this if you ask, but I’m not so sure they will. She just wants to know in case I will have to transfer down to Madison. A friend of mine said if I’m going to transfer I should do it after freshman year. I recently got a returned email from a hospital who is willing to set up a job shadow with a genetic counselor for me so I will be calling them tomorrow to set something up. I plan on asking the counselor some questions about their academic background in regards to their undergraduate years.</p>
<p>I plan on using the tutoring services at my university expect I’ve noticed they charge 8.50 for a 50 minute session for one on one. So I know for sure I will use the free group tutoring, and I will use the one on one for the sciences and math if necessary. I’m looking at administration as a back up, but I’m not sure. Counseling has always been an option for me, and is one of the reasons why I was thinking of majoring in psychology so if I didn’t get into a genetic counseling program I could apply for a masters program in psychology. Thank you again for the help. My parents just think this is crazy since all the majors I’ve looked at require a masters or a ph d degree and have limited seats. I’m almost thinking they want me to give up on a field that is so competitive. Thank you again I greatly appreciate the feedback.</p>