Admission to DGS

DGS Program Admissions Standards

Admission to the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program is competitive. The following guidelines have been established to help students applying to the program prepare for the admissions process. This is a guide only and is not intended to provide absolute standards of admission. All applications are given individual attention, and there are no predetermined, absolute minimum standards, aside from those established by the Department of Allied Health Sciences itself. The size of the applicant pool, and the academic records and non-academic experiences of the applicant pool varies from year to year, and influences to selection process.

Admission decisions are based on the following criteria

  1. Total Grade Point Average (TGPA) of 2.2 is necessary to apply to any program in the Department of Allied Health Sciences, however, a TGPA of 2.7 or higher is often necessary to be competitive for admission to the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program.
  2. Science Grade Point Average (ScGPA) of 2.7 or higher is recommended to be competitive for admission to the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program. Courses in the biological sciences and chemistry are used to calculate the ScGPA. If science courses are retaken to improve one’s academic standing, the ScGPA is calculated twice; once including the original and repeat grade(s), and once with the repeat grade(s) only. Resultant improvement in academic standing will be factored into the admission decision.
  3. Evidence of KnowChromCorePic2ledge of the Profession. Evidence of knowledge of and commitment to the professions may be demonstrated by, but is not limited to, observation, volunteer or work experience in a cytogenetics, molecular, or related laboratory. Informational interviews with individuals working in cytogenetics or molecular diagnostics, and attendance of educational activities related to the professions are additional ways to gain and demonstrate knowledge of the disciplines. Although not required for admission, this category is particularly important for students with minimally competitive academic qualifications.
  4. Personal Interview. While not required, a personal interview with the Program Director or one of the DGS faculty is recommended and may be helpful to some individuals.