Joey0817

I had a GPA of 3.28 and was rejected last year (my GPA suffered my last year of undergrad because of a family emergency). Given that I wasn't even offered an interview, I couldn't explain it to the programs. I was told by 2 programs to take 2 or 3 relevant graduate level courses and earn an A to show that I can do graduate level coursework, which I did. I applied to 6 places, was denied at 2 and got offered an interview at 4. I only interviewed at one place so far and they didn't even bring up my GPA.  Also, I didn't find out until after submitting my applications that you can (and should) do a cumulative undergraduate GPA on your resume. So if you took courses at other universities, you should calculate your new GPA which may help if those scores are higher.

Yes, I can definitely relate to this. I am 22 and applied straight out of a 5 year undergraduate program (additional year due to co-op) with over 2 years of genetics research, a paper published, genetic counselling assistant experience, over 1 year at a crisis line, peer counsellor at my university AND MORE, but I also got rejected. I was not even offered any interviews at the 4 Canadian Schools I applied to. It really sucks but all we can do at this point is stay positive, reach out to program directors and improve our application for next year. It is so common that qualified applicants do not gain admissions during their first round, so don't give up! 

@Lauren423 and @NicSL also forgot to mention that since it is also extremely common for applicants to have to apply 2-3 times before being accepted, that also naturally drives the average age up. 

Hey everyone, weird question here. What age are you for those of you getting interviews?
The reason I ask is because I am 21 and graduating in May. In my opinion and in all the people I have shadowed and worked for, they all said I have a ton of experience and no doubt will get in. I applied to 5 schools and today I got rejected to the 5th.
i have heard and seen online that admissions personnel prefer applicants  who are older and not right out of school. 
I plan to apply again in the fall and get a some sort of job like a GC assistant but I’m worried that no matter what I do, I won’t get accepted cause I’ll be a “baby” at 22. 
Are of any of you my age or close that are so far successful in the application process? I’d rather be rejected based on experience cause I can improve on that but I can’t fast forward time and make myself older sooner.

It's odd that we haven't heard anything yet, I called them earlier (~11:30 am) and apparently they're all in a meeting today. So I'm assuming they're finalizing the interview offer decisions as we speak...hopefully we will hear back before the end of today. If not, I would certainly call the admission's office tomorrow.

It's odd that we haven't heard anything yet, I called them earlier (~11:30 am) and apparently they're all in a meeting today. So I'm assuming they're finalizing the interview offer decisions as we speak...hopefully we will hear back before the end of today. If not, I would certainly call the admission's office tomorrow.

Thank you!  This is why it's good to have this forum.  Every year in the past it was on February 28th, and their website says "late February" so I was very confused.

The admin assistant for the mcgill program said they're emailing interview offers March 5th! Don't stress out too much

The admin assistant for the mcgill program said they're emailing interview offers March 5th! Don't stress out too much

Hey everyone! I wanted to post here about my experience applying as a second time applicant.
I know it sounds redundant and hopeless, but keep applying. If becoming a GC is what you really want to do, then don't give up! I applied for the first time for fall 2016. I applied to 13 schools, and got rejected (not even an interview) from all of them. I knew my problems- my GPA was lower than average, and my GRE scores were kind of bad. But, I went and tried to fix my problems by retaking some classes even after I graduated as well as retaking the GRE, and reapplied for fall 2017. I applied to 13 schools again (only maybe 3 were the same schools as last round) and ended up getting 2 interviews and got accepted this year and will be attending in the fall. 
It was really hard but I knew I wanted to be a GC so I didn't give up. Hopefully you guys will keep on pushing through if it's what you're passionate about!
If you guys have any questions or want more details or further advice just PM me, I check gradcafe pretty regularly now to check up on the GC applicants.

I am in the same boat, my ubc app says submitted still! Also, my manitoba application also says "complete. under review by the department"

That's too bad  I really wish they would send out the rejection letters around the same time as the interview invites, so applicants who haven't heard of anything aren't so hopeful. Well, I think I'm out this round then. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to strengthen their application for next round? I already have genetic research experience (over 2 years, with a paper published), have over a year of distressline listening (also did planned pregnancy volunteer work for 10 months)  and I volunteered as a GC assistant for 5 months. I think my weakness is my GPA (3.3/3.4) which isn't something I can change at this point. I am feeling really discouraged because I haven't heard back from any of the schools I applied to (Manitoba, UBC, UofT and McGill). Do any of you guys have any suggestions, maybe something I can do during the year off?  

Hi guys! I am excited to say that I will be applying for the Fall 2018 cycle alongside you all! Although I am lacking in experience, I want to try applying anyways and see what my chances are! I've been lurking around the Fall 2017 forum and it has provided me with a lot of insight. I admire everyone's resilience. Let's all support one another for this coming cycle  
A little bit about me:
4th year Honours Biology student at University of Waterloo (Canada) with cGPA 3.3 (still have a year left of school)
GRE: will write end of this August (currently studying, was wondering if you guys have any study guides you recommend? currently using Manhattan Prep and Kaplan)
Volunteer: 3 years undergraduate research experience (mostly in plant and bacterial genetics)-worked in industry, academic and government settings, currently volunteering at a distressline and women's advocacy (pro life human rights organization), hopefully have a genetic counseling shadowing opportunity lined up for me in the Fall although I am being waitlsted
I don't think my experience and grades are that amazing compared to a lot of student BIOs I have read, but after seeing the resilience of all the applicants, I am determined to at least try, I don't see any other career path for me other than genetic counseling and I am excited to share my application experience with you all !  

Hi guys! I am excited to say that I will be applying for the Fall 2018 cycle alongside you all! Although I am lacking in experience, I want to try applying anyways and see what my chances are! I've been lurking around the Fall 2017 forum and it has provided me with a lot of insight. I admire everyone's resilience. Let's all support one another for this coming cycle  
A little bit about me:
4th year Honours Biology student at University of Waterloo (Canada) with cGPA 3.3 (still have a year left of school)
GRE: will write end of this August (currently studying, was wondering if you guys have any study guides you recommend? currently using Manhattan Prep and Kaplan)
Volunteer: 3 years undergraduate research experience (mostly in plant and bacterial genetics)-worked in industry, academic and government settings, currently volunteering at a distressline and women's advocacy (pro life human rights organization), hopefully have a genetic counseling shadowing opportunity lined up for me in the Fall although I am being waitlsted
I don't think my experience and grades are that amazing compared to a lot of student BIOs I have read, but after seeing the resilience of all the applicants, I am determined to at least try, I don't see any other career path for me other than genetic counseling and I am excited to share my application experience with you all !  

Hi guys! I am excited to say that I will be applying for the Fall 2018 cycle alongside you all! Although I am lacking in experience, I want to try applying anyways and see what my chances are! I've been lurking around the Fall 2017 forum and it has provided me with a lot of insight. I admire everyone's resilience. Let's all support one another for this coming cycle  
A little bit about me:
4th year Honours Biology student at University of Waterloo (Canada) with cGPA 3.3 (still have a year left of school)
GRE: will write end of this August (currently studying, was wondering if you guys have any study guides you recommend? currently using Manhattan Prep and Kaplan)
Volunteer: 3 years undergraduate research experience (mostly in plant and bacterial genetics)-worked in industry, academic and government settings, currently volunteering at a distressline and women's advocacy (pro life human rights organization), hopefully have a genetic counseling shadowing opportunity lined up for me in the Fall although I am being waitlsted
I don't think my experience and grades are that amazing compared to a lot of student BIOs I have read, but after seeing the resilience of all the applicants, I am determined to at least try, I don't see any other career path for me other than genetic counseling and I am excited to share my application experience with you all !