International Applicants

Please also visit the website of the Penn Office of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) for important information on admission requirements and application procedures for international students.

Transcript Evaluation

A course-by-course evaluation of all international transcripts of previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work by an independent evaluation service based in the United States is required.  We recommend CertiFile because the evaluation can be requested directly from your application in CollegeNet and the report will link directly to it. 

WES ICAP service. can also be used, but transcripts need to be mailed to the program address:

       Kathleen Valverde, PhD, LCGC, Program Director

       Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program

       Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

       3711 Market Street, Suite 802

       Philadelphia, PA 19104

Because this can be a lengthy process, it should be started as early as possible.

English Language Proficiency Test

A strong command of the English language is necessary for successful study at Penn, particularly in a counseling field. Applicants whose native language is not English or who have not earned degrees or diplomas from post-secondary institutions in English-speaking countries (e.g. the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand) must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores to demonstrate English proficiency. The TOEFL is rarely waived; therefore, we encourage applicants to take the test to avoid delays in completing the application.  The minimum TOEFL score required for admissions consideration is 100. The TOEFL must be sent directly from ETS using the institutional code 2900. To locate a testing site near you or to schedule an exam, visit the TOEFL website.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also accepted and the minimum score for consideration is a 7.0. You may upload a copy of your IELTS test to the standardized test score section of the application.