Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Admissions & Applications

Undergraduate Admissions
The Diagnostic Genetic Sciences (DGS) major is available for UConn students in their junior and senior years. Students will apply in the spring semester of their sophomore year as part of a competitive application process for program entry the following fall. This is a full-time program and cannot be completed on a part-time basis.

Information for Incoming Freshmen
Students who enter UConn as freshmen with the intention of applying to the DGS program may declare any related major. However, we highly recommend declaring the Allied Health Sciences major and indicating an interest in DGS to allow for advising within the department. You’ll spend your freshman and sophomore years completing prerequisite courses before applying to the DGS program, which will begin in your junior year.

Information for Transfer Students
Due to limited space in the program, current UConn students are given preference. Transfer applicants will be reviewed on a space-available basis according to general admission requirements.

General Admission Requirements

Diagnostic Genetic Sciences admission is competitive. The following guidelines were established to help students prepare for the admissions process. 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. The size and experience (both academic and non-academic) of the applicant pool varies from year to year, and influences to selection process.

Acceptance Criteria

  1. Total Grade Point Average (TGPA): A 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): A 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. Any improvement in academic standing will be factored into the admission decision.
  3. Evidence of Knowledge of the Profession: Students can demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to the professions by observing, volunteering, or working in a laboratory. Additionally, students can conduct informational interviews and attend educational events to gain and demonstrate knowledge of the disciplines. Although not required for admission, participating in these activities 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 may be helpful to some students.

A candidate certifies awareness of the essential functions and behaviors required for admission and matriculation to the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program upon submission of an application to the DGS Program.

Learn more about Essential Program Requirements

Guaranteed Admission Criteria

In order to qualify for Guaranteed Admission to the DGS Program, a student must meet all of the following:

  1. Entered UConn as a freshman
  2. Applied to DGS within two years of freshman admission
  3. Completed three successive semesters of full-time study of required coursework at UConn
  4. Earned an overall GPA of at least 3.2
  5. Met all admission requirements, completed all prerequisites, and filed an application within the Department of Allied Health Sciences by the February 1st deadline

UConn students who do not meet the Guaranteed Admission criteria will be reviewed competitively and on a space-available basis.

Prerequisite Courses

Students must have completed the following courses to be eligible for the DGS program:

Note: Students must earn a passing grade in all prerequisite courses.

*DGS does not require a second organic chemistry, although students considering graduate programs in medicine, genetics, or genetic counseling are highly encouraged to complete the second organic chemistry.

Applying to the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program

Applicants interested in the undergraduate major or certificate program in Diagnostic Genetic Sciences must apply as described below, using the appropriate application for the desired program.

Undergraduate Major Application Information

The undergraduate major in Diagnostic Genetic Sciences is only open to students in their junior and senior years. You should plan to apply by February 1 of your sophomore year. Regardless of your previously declared major, you are required to complete a supplemental application to be considered for the DGS program.

Application Deadline: February 1 for preferred consideration

Required Application Components:

  1. Online Application
  2. Personal Statement: Submit a 500-word personal statement outlining your reason for choosing this major, experiences (if any) that led to deciding to apply to the program, and any career goals related to the program. Please submit a unique personal statement if applying to more than one AHS Professional Program (Personal Statement Information)
    Optional: Applicants may attach a one-page sheet to the personal statement to provide any additional information that the admissions committee should consider (e.g. any unusual occurrences in academics). This is the appropriate section to address, for example, an illness or family problem that had an adverse effect on academic progress or success. The student should offer an explanation with information about the positive steps toward improvement.
  3. Transcripts: Submit all that apply:
    • UConn: Unofficial (or official) University of Connecticut transcript if applying as a current or readmitted student. Transcripts must include the previous semester grades (i.e. if applying for Feb 1 deadline, transcripts must include the previous fall semester grades). Unofficial transcripts may be emailed as a PDF.
    • Other: If applicable, applicants (including current UConn students) must provide an official transcript (photocopies not accepted) for all institutions attended regardless of applicant status.
    • International: Applicants with education outside of the U.S. or Canada must submit transcripts of all coursework to a transcript evaluation agency (e.g., www.wes.org) for translation and evaluation for equivalency. International applicants should allow a lead time of six months or more to complete all requirements of entry into the United States.
  4. Letters of recommendation: Provide at least two (2) to three (3) letters of recommendation on the Admission Recommendation Form. One reference must be an academic reference (faculty/instructor/teaching assistant). The second may be employment, volunteer or academic, but not personal. The AHS form for recommendations must be used.

Submission Information

To submit by e-mail

Email letters of recommendation or official transcripts to alliedhealthadmissions@uconn.edu

To submit by mail

Mail letters of recommendation or official transcripts to:
Department of Allied Health Sciences
Attn: DGS Admissions
University of Connecticut
358 Mansfield Rd. U-1101
Storrs, CT 06269

To submit in person

Bring, sealed letters of recommendation only, to:
Department of Allied Health Sciences
Koons Hall, Room 228
(860) 486-2834
Business Hours: 8:30 A.M.-5:00 P.M. (Monday-Friday)

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