From Undergrad to Grad:

On the way to grad school, can use the same backpack!

Over the summer we brought you the summer series “Back to school…again.” In this series,  some of our students who had taken time in between undergraduate and graduate school in genetic counseling shared their thoughts and experiences. This fall we are starting another exciting series of advice from our students who started their graduate degree immediately after finishing their undergraduate degree. In this four-part series students will answer the following questions:

1.    How did you prepare to apply to graduate school?

2.    Do you have any advice for people who want to apply while they are still in school?

3.    How has it felt to transition from undergrad to graduate school?

4.    Any recommendations for surviving grad school?

This week students will answer the first question: How did you prepare to apply to graduate school? We hope you enjoy our fall series: From undergrad to grad 

How did you prepare to apply to graduate school?

I talked to new counselors who I shadowed about the application process. I also went to a few open houses for information. 

I was part of an internship class that taught us about how to build a great resume, how to interview, and helped us fine-tune our professional skills. The final project for the class was finding a summer internship. 

Studying and preparing for graduate applications can require a lot of books! 

My internship was with a genetic counselor who also gave me advice for applying and read over my personal statement. 

I researched the programs I was interested in and made a list of what pre-requisites they required, average GRE scores, application deadlines, tuition cost, etc. It helped me keep narrow down the schools I wanted to apply to! 

I had one of my professors read my personal statement and she gave me really helpful feedback. 

Advice for Class of 2020 from Class of 2019

We are excited to welcome the class of 2020 to the University of Pittsburgh Genetic Counseling Program!  The second-year students have compiled some tips and a bit of advice to share in hopes of making the next two years go as smoothly as possible.  

Some of the class of 2019 and 2020 at our welcome picnic

You will be provided with a wealth of information over these two years that will ensure you are a competent and thriving genetic counselor. I was amazed at the growth I had, both in the classroom and my few months in the clinic. Learn as much as you can but know that a lot will come over time. I joined this field because I wanted lifelong learning - and that means I will never know everything, and that is okay!

My best advice is to keep things in perspective. You are all going to be incredible genetic counselors, in less than 2 years! The day-to-day can sometimes be difficult, but I have found that gratitude and positivity are two great motivators. Speaking of the day-to-day, I am a big advocate of being organized and staying on top of school work.

Study parties are a great way to stay on top of school work!

Make sure to take time out for yourself and enjoy the little things - whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, dinner with friends, or calling a loved one back home. 

The University of Pittsburgh is a great place to be!

 I am a huge advocate for staying organized!  Some days you may need to triage between studying, assignments, readings, etc. so knowing what you need to get done and when is a huge help!  Don’t forget that everyone is here to help you become a successful genetic counselor, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help when you need it.  Of course, I’d also recommend taking the time to experience all Pittsburgh has to offer, it’s a great city!

Don’t forget that there is so much more to learn outside of school through clinic and extra-curricular activities - try to get a diverse experience. Your peers are a fantastic resource, not only for academics but also for stress release and comfort. Take your time and enjoy these two years- they’ll go faster than you think. You’ll do amazing, and I hope you all enjoy it!

Be ready to accept and ask for help. This is all new and exciting material and it’s important to take care of yourself, and one of the ways to do that is by getting help when you need it! Take some time for yourself on a regular basis to practice some self-care. And remember you’ll have learned more by the end of each day than what you knew before and that is a magical thing! 

This bit of advice has become important for me to remind myself of lately, in moments when it seems like I am just trying to power my way through and get finished with the program: being in school doesn’t mean you are hitting pause, waiting to start your “real life”, or taking a professional detour. Especially because I came back to get my master’s degree after several years working, it can sometimes feel like people view a return to school as one of the above. I also remember feeling similarly when I started my undergraduate degree- like I couldn’t wait to speed through and get to my “real life” or start “adulting”. The truth is, this is life, and it is one of the times it will be the fullest (a blessing and a curse at times haha)! Try to be present- soak up the contact you will have with incredible people from the field, being at the center of it all, hearing the newest news, and watching yourself grow exponentially in your personal and professional skills.

Some of the class of 2019