Baylor College of Medicine Master of Science in Genetic Counseling
Baylor College of Medicine Master of Science in Genetic Counseling School Profile
SCHOOL PROFILE
Baylor College of Medicine
Master of Science in Genetic Counseling
Letters of Recommendation
Yes, two letters
Resume or CV
Yes
GPA
The school lists on its site a minimum GPA of 3.0. The school lists that applications with a GPA under 3.0 without rounding will not be reviewed.
GRE
The school did not have information regarding the GRE on the program site. However, there is a pdf for technical standards that provides some great insights
Living in Texas
Cost of Living in Texas
The people of Texas are as vibrant and diverse as their sprawling state. Home to the vivacious Lone Star spirit, the population is composed of traditional cowboys, international immigrants, a large Hispanic community, and even Native American inhabitants. Texans tend to be kind-hearted, charitable, and deeply committed to their communities; however, it goes without saying that their renowned 'don't mess with Texas' slogan remains one of the truest nationwide.
Living in Texas State is not only immensely economical, but it is also a great lifestyle choice. With zero income tax, Texans enjoy significantly lower costs for goods and services when compared to the national average. Housing prices in particular are far below other states, making the purchase of a home or rental property much more feasible and attractive. Texas is an attractive option for those looking to purchase or rent a home, offering lower housing costs compared to other states with higher populations or areas of high demand. Data from the Texas Realtors in 2023 reported a median price for a home of $326,800, whereas the national median rested at $388,800 - an economical 18% less than average.
For an individual living in Texas, MIT estimates a grocery budget of $264.75 per month. For families with children, this number rises to $603.16 or more, due to larger food costs. Meanwhile, vibrant cities like Austin and Dallas boast a lively restaurant scene that may entice you to go out for meals on the weekends. Business Insider has found that Texans typically allocate about $221 each month for restaurant visits in addition to their regular grocery bills.
Experience the character of life in Texas through a selection of its awe-inspiring events. From Austin's South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Festival (or SXSW) to the State Fair of Texas with its carnival, car show, and deep-fried delights. There's also Wurstfest - a 10-day German heritage festival in New Braunfels boasting live music, activities, and plenty of sausages! Texas ensures no moments of boredom with its many cities, distinct population, and enviable weather conditions.
Texas, a colossal state, experiences a wide variety of weather conditions across its expanse. Generally, the western region is more arid than the humid eastern area; here temperatures frequently ascend into the mid-80s during summertime and descend to an agreeable average in the 40s or low 50s. Nonetheless, Texas can suffer from flooding and an annual occurrence of roughly 139 tornadoes - though they typically remain away from major cities. Consequently, most Texans are accustomed to resting outdoors comfortably in the sunshine on a regular basis, as weather conditions rarely become unpleasant.
Covering an area of 268,596 square miles, Texas is the biggest state in the contiguous United States. This results in a range of climatic variations across this vast expanse, depending on one's geographical location within Texas.
East Texas offers a subtropical climate and humid summers, similar to the conditions of the deep south.
The vast desert expanse of West Texas mirrors that of the Southwestern region, accompanied by dry and blistering weather.
The vast expanse of North Texas encompasses infinite buttes and diverse wildlife.
The air in South Texas is sweltering and damp, the region saturated with the vibrant flavors of Mexican culture.
Living in Houston, TX
What is Houston Like?
Attracting numerous people from across the globe, Houston is among the swiftest-growing big cities in the nation. Ranked fourth for total population in all of the U.S., this vibrant metropolis offers a unique combination of cultural offerings, acclaimed eateries, diverse neighborhoods and an affordable cost of living - alluring evermore newcomers to its gates.
The Bayou City offers a harmonious combination of Southern hospitality and urban flair, hole-in-the-wall hotspots and acclaimed culinary talent, big business and dynamic entrepreneurialism. This vibrant city is also adorned with numerous waterways and public parks, presenting a great opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to pursue an active lifestyle.
The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) recently conducted a survey of 265 urban areas and found that compared to the nation's 20 most populous metro areas, Houston has the second-lowest overall cost of living, with costs 8.2% below the average.
Housing costs in Houston are notably lower than the national average, standing at 18.1%, and a staggering 89.8% less than other major metropolitan areas. Excluding New York and San Francisco, which have substantially higher housing costs and can thus distort the average, Houston's housing costs are still 63% cheaper than the other large metropolises.
Houston's median monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment stands at approximately $1,100, representing a 32% reduction when compared to the national median rent for analogous dwellings (as indicated by Zillow). Nonetheless, this data fails to capture the entire scope of the situation. Given its magnitude and complexity, Houston offers a multifarious rental market with cheap, mid-priced, and lavish apartments scattered across an abundance of neighborhoods.
One of the Most Diverse Cities in America
Lower Cost of Living in Houston
Houston ranks first in the nation for its immense diversity, garnering high scores across socioeconomic, economic cultural, and religious dimensions. A hub of international communities and ethnic enclaves, Houston offers a vibrant dining experience, a bevy of nightclubs and bars, and an extensive list of festivals and trade shows that captivate visitors from around the world. Noteworthy events include the Bayou City Art Festival, Houston Auto Show, Houston Fashion Week, Houston Gay Pride Parade, and the groundbreaking Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Houston, TX, Quick Stats
Metro Population 7,048,954
Median Home Price $368,992
Median Age 34.8 years old
Median Monthly Rent $1,189
Unemployment Rate 9.6%
Average Annual Salary $57,790
Average Commute 29.8 minutes
Making the move to Houston? Prepare for a sweltering surprise —the heat and humidity in this state located close to the equator is quite punishing. Most Texans stay inside, sheltered under air conditioning, during summer months as temperatures can skyrocket up to 109°F! Even on a mild day, it's common for highs to hit 100°F or more, and thunderstorms are a near certainty in the springtime. To top things off, hurricanes occurring with regularity prove just how destructive Texas weather can be. It's essential to do your research before relocating here so you can adequately prepare for the elements.
The Humidity and Heat Can Be Tough
