#357 Advice for Science Grad School Applications

Happy September and back-to-school season, going with this theme we are sharing an episode from a show in our Science Podcast Network, Gene Pool Media. The podcast is called Beyond The Thesis with Papa PhD. It’s hosted by the wonderful Dr. David Mendes and in this episode that you are about to hear he interviews me. 

We recorded this three years ago, but as I was listening back to our conversation, I realized it was still relevant and timely with most, if not all, applications for genetic counseling and other graduate schools now open. We also chat about science communications and networking and other important aspects of a science career. 

Over the years I’ve mentored dozens of applicants through this application process and enjoy being a part of their journeys where I can offer advice along the way. I thought it would be helpful to adapt this into a formal group so a couple years ago we launched a Patreon geared specifically towards DNA Today listeners who are going through the GC application process. So I’ll throw that in the show notes or you can go to Patreon.com/DNATodayPodcast if you want to join, especially for our monthly Zoom chats about applications. 

As we mentioned above, this episode originally aired on Beyond The Thesis with Papa PhD, which is one of 10 shows in our new science podcast network, Gene Pool Media. Thanks to everyone who has supported the network by following us @GenePoolMedia on social. Shoutout to the podcasts in our network, you should check them out!

• RealPharma


• Beyond The Thesis with Papa PhD


• DNA Dialogues


• It Happened To Me


• All Access DNA


• #ThroughTheGenes


• Demystifying Genetics


• PhenoTips Speaker Series 


• Parálisis Cerebral Respuestas


• Two brand new shows debuting later this year 

If you have a science podcast and are interested in joining the network, go to GenePoolMedia.com and click the “Apply” tab at the top right. Or just email me directly at [email protected]. I’d love to chat with you about the benefits of joining the network.

Here and there we have been sharing episodes from other podcasts in the Gene Pool Media network.

Episode Topics: 

• Grad School Application Best Practices: Insights into personal branding, networking, and navigating the application process for grad school.


• Science Communication's Role: How podcasting and other forms of science communication have influenced Kira Dineen's career as a genetic counselor.


• Networking and Personal Branding: The importance of networking and personal branding in building a career, especially when academic grades aren't stellar.


• Genetic Counseling Career Path: The educational requirements and career path for becoming a genetic counselor in the US and Canada.


• Communication Skills: The critical role of communication skills in both academic and professional settings, particularly in science-related fields.


• Informational Interviews: The value of conducting informational interviews to build connections and gain insights into potential career paths.


• Personal Statement Writing: Tips for crafting a compelling personal statement for grad school applications.

DNA Today Relevant Episodes: 

#87 Genetic Counseling Grad School Apps (Part 1) 

#97 Genetic Counseling Grad School Interviews, Ranking, Matching (Part 2) 

#101 Genetic Counseling Match Day 

#193 Genetic Counseling Application Advice with GC Prep: Part 1 

#194 Genetic Counseling Application Advice with GC Prep: Part 2

#245 Genetic Counseling Program Applications: Part 1

#246 Genetic Counseling Program Applications: Part 2

Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday. 

While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 350 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen, just search “DNA Today.”

Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel! 

DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 

See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].