ADMISSIONS
Are you eligible for an application fee waiver? The recruitment, retention, and support of students from underrepresented backgrounds is central to the Graduate School's mission. We strive to develop and promote efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion campus-wide. Application fee waivers are offered to eligible applicants. Learn More |
Admission Philosophy
Students are selected on the basis of past academic performance, previous laboratory research experience, and, where possible, individual interviews. We select students who show high intellectual achievement, creativity, independence, and strong motivation to become successful scientists. Our Program recognizes that students who are attracted to a career in genetics and genomics can have highly varied backgrounds.
We are committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities (e.g., mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical) who meet the technical standards of the program, with or without reasonable accommodations.
If you are an applicant with a disability who would like to engage in a confidential consultation about disability access at CU Anschutz, or who requires accommodations to complete the application or interview process, please contact The Office of Disability, Access & Inclusion.
Admissions Requirements
Coursework | Although there are no formal undergraduate course requirements, students with a solid undergraduate foundation in mathematics and biological and chemical sciences have performed best in the Program. It is suggested that applicants have completed courses
in biology, chemistry (general and organic), physics, genetics, calculus, and statistics before entering the Program.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) | The GRE General Test and Subject Test are not required for application to HMGGP but will be considered if submitted. To send scores directly to HMGGP, please designate GRE code 4875.
How to Apply
APPLICATION WILL OPEN ON SEPTEMBER 1.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS DECEMBER 1.
To apply for admission applicants must submit the following:
- Online Graduate School application (included in the application is the Research Statement, Professional Background, and Future Goals Statement, and Colorado residency form).
- A $50.00 domestic and $75.00 international non-refundable application fee. No application will be processed unless this fee is paid.
- One (1) official transcript of all academic work completed to date. To be considered "official", the transcripts must come from the issuing institution directly to the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus graduate program. Use the following address:
Electronic Transcripts should be sent to: graduate.school@cuanschutz.edu
If sending a physical transcript, please mail to:
Graduate School
Mail Stop C296
Fitzsimons Building, W5107
13001 E. 17th Place
Aurora, CO 80045
- Three (3) letters of recommendation.
- GRE test scores (optional). Use GRE code 4875.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores and financial support verification (international students only).
Questions should be directed to the program at HMGG@cuanschutz.edu.
International Applicants
PRIORITY DEADLINE FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS IS NOVEMBER 1.
Since additional processing is required for international applications, the application may not be complete even if submitted on December 1. Submission by November 1 will ensure time to complete administrative processing before December 1.
Applications submitted between November 1 and December 1 will only be considered if all application components have been received and processed.
International students must meet ALL of the requirements above and those required by International Admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline each year?
December 1
What is the GRE code for the University of Colorado, Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program?
GRE code: 4875
Will you accept the MCAT scores instead
of the GREs?
Yes, but if you are sending scores, we prefer to have the GREs.
Do you require the GRE subject exam?
No, but a good score in the subject exam would be positive for the application.
Does the program award master's degrees?
No, we are a PhD-granting program. Master's degrees are not awarded generally.
What does my completed application need?
- Completed application form (Online Application)
- Include application fee information
- Upload Statement of Purpose, CV, academic and non-academic experience
- Optional test scores to be sent directly from Education Testing Service to the University of Colorado (Institutional Code 4875) A subject code is not required.
- Submit one (1) official copy of your transcripts from each college or university attended. Official copies must be sent directly from the college or university attended. Those submitted by the student will not be accepted.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
I submitted my application, now what?
The Admissions Committee will review your application file and decide whether to offer you an interview at our interview weekends in February. If you do not receive an invitation or a letter
of decline, your application is put on a waitlist. The Committee has until April 15 to notify you of their decision. 9 applicants are invited for an interview weekend that starts Thursday night and runs through Sunday morning.
I received an invitation for an interview. What do I need to do next?
The Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program Administrator will contact you about your travel and make arrangements convenient for you. All travel arrangements are handled by the Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Human Medical Genetics and
Genomics Program. The Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program covers expenses for transportation, lodging, and meal expenses during your travel and visit. The Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program may reimburse you for some out-of-pocket
travel expenses; guidelines for reimbursement will be included in your interview packet.
What happens during the interview weekend?
The events typically include an informal welcome with several current students on
Thursday evening, Friday interviews, and informal Friday and Saturday activities. Friday begins with a continental breakfast with current students and faculty. After an overview of the program, 5-8 interviews are scheduled, along with a lunch with
current students, and a tour of campus and scientific facilities. Friday evening, several current Human Medical Genetics and Genomics students host you at dinner. On Saturday, current students coordinate interesting activities in and around Denver.
Saturday evening, there is a poster session of current students' research followed by a buffet dinner with all visiting prospective students, faculty and current students.
What can I expect during the interviews?
The
interviews are one-on-one talks with the professors, Admissions Committee faculty, and student Admissions representatives. They last 30 minutes long. You may bring any additional information you would like to share. Current students will escort you
to and from your interviews.
What should I wear to
my interview?
Most candidates wear nice slacks or pants paired with a nice shirt or sweater. You may wear a suit, but it isn't customary. Keep in mind comfort and fluctuating temperatures and weather.
Will I be able to talk with other
graduate students about their experience in the University of Colorado Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program?
Yes, our graduate students play an important and integral part in coordinating our interview weekends. Your Friday escort can answer your questions about the Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program and give you the "inside scoop" about
their experience here. Candidates will have the opportunity to attend dinners, social events, and see highlights of Denver, all arranged by our current students.