University of California, San Francisco Genetic Counseling Program
University of California, San Francisco Genetic Counseling Program School Profile
SCHOOL PROFILE
University of California, San Francisco
Genetic Counseling Program
Transcript
Yes
Letters of Recommendation
Yes, three letters
Resume or CV
Yes
GPA
The school lists on its site to hold a grade point average of at least 3.0 out of a possible 4.0
GRE
No, the UCSF Genetic Counseling Program does not require GRE scores. UCSF does not use the GRE for admission to any program.
Living in California
Cost of Living in California
Infamous for its peerless surf culture, picturesque national parks, and expansive wine country, California has become a renowned and cherished vacation spot within the United States. Nested on the west coast and alongside the Pacific Ocean, California remains one of the widest states in terms of land mass and population.
With over 39.51 million inhabitants calling this state their home, ambitious professionals are streaming to California for its multiculturalism, proliferating business prospects, and marvelous cities to inhabit. If you're relocating to California take a gander at homes available in this famed 'Golden State'!
The cost of living is substantially greater than the national average. Housing costs are the primary factor driving this discrepancy, however groceries, transportation, and utilities all surpass normal figures.
State taxes can be costly. The California state sales tax rate stands at 7.25%, neither the highest nor the lowest in the country. In addition, local jurisdictions may impose an additional 0.10% to 1.00% on top of that amount. Income tax rates range from 1% to a high of 13.3%, depending on filing status and income level; California having one of the highest rates in the nation, with the maximum rate applied to those earning over $1 million per annum.
California undeniably relies on a "pay to play" system, making it hard to enjoy all the state has to offer without comfortable annual earnings. California's three leading cities are counted amongst the most extravagantly priced areas across the nation. Not only are California's sales and income taxes among the highest in America, but its gas prices are also unrivaled.
A vast land of unspoiled beauty, California has something for everyone. From lush redwood forests to cliff-lined beaches, soaring mountain ranges to scorching hot deserts and miles of verdant farmland, this awe-inspiring state is a humbling expanse of natural wonders. A remarkable 4.31% of the United States is California - larger than the entirety of Germany and 1.7 times bigger than the United Kingdom - making it the third largest state in terms of land area behind Texas and Alaska.
Covering a majestic 163,696 square miles, the state of California spans from its Mexican border to the boundaries of Oregon. With such expansive region to traverse, cars are the main source of transportation for most residents living there. Although some neighborhoods may be walkable, it is only possible to travel between cities by car since everything is so dispersed. As of 2019, approximately 15 million vehicles were registered in California. With scarce public transit available, one must prepare for hefty traffic coverage and lengthy commuting periods.
California boasts the highest number of national parks throughout the United States, with nine in total - even surpassing Alaska! Living in California puts you moments away from an unforgettable experience at a national park and some of the most impressive hiking trails in all of America. Regardless of where you reside within California, you are never more than one day away from a memorable adventure.
With 840 miles of beach-lined coastline, you can choose from an array of shorelines to plant your beach umbrella and soak in some sunshine. For a remarkable adventure, venture to Pfieffer Beach in Big Sur and marvel at the purple sand caused by manganese garnet runoff from nearby cliffs. If you prefer to don hiking boots rather than sandals, California offers plenty of trails too - visit Muir Woods for stunning views of redwood trees, or traverse Joshua Tree National Park where the Mojave and Colorado deserts collide. Explore Yosemite National Park's spectacular waterfalls and revel in this state's every flavor of outdoor recreation.
In order to determine where to settle in the state of California, one must consider the divergence between Northern and Southern California. Commonly dubbed as NorCal and SoCal, both regions offer contrasting lifestyles, culture, and aesthetic to those looking for a new home.
Northern California is known for its cooler and rainy weather, while Southern California enjoys consistent sunny desert temperatures. It can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours of travel between them.
San Francisco is the epicenter of culture in Northern California, while Silicon Valley epitomizes innovation and progress. In distinct contrast, Southern California boasts Los Angeles, San Diego, star-studded Hollywood, sun-kissed beaches, and famous personalities.
Though both regions provide a plethora of amenities and chances to expand, rivalry remains the defining factor that divides them. To ensure you get the most out of your Californian experience, carefully explore both the North and South. Dive into all the opportunities these distinct regions have to offer and find out what makes them unique.
Living in San Francisco, California
What is San Francisco Like?
San Francisco, a stunning Californian metropolis renowned for its inimitable lifestyle and rich culture, is home to nearly 900,000 people. Ranked as the fourth most populous city in California and 16th in the United States, this coastal Bay Area abode is an exceptional place to live - with a commensurate cost of living.
Nestled within California's coastline, San Francisco proudly earned its moniker - The Golden City - in 1848 when it reigned as a golden hub of opportunity during the California Gold Rush. Boasting an abundance of culinary delights, temperate climate, historic monuments and flourishing business prospects, the City by the Bay beckons aspiring hopefuls from far and wide.
San Francisco offers plenty of activities for its residents, as well as the added bonus of generally pleasant weather conditions and nearby hiking spots. Before relocation, one should bear in mind the downsides of life here; notably, the outrageous cost of housing which leads to a rampant homelessness crisis.
The City of San Francisco has remained dedicated to its inclusive spirit, welcoming thousands of newcomers from around the world each year. This fervent acceptance continues to be a hallmark of the city, which has steadily grown in population over the years.
Navigating around the city by foot or bicycle provides a rewarding workout, but commuters should consider other forms of transportation. Traffic and parking woes can make owning a car undesirable, so public transit is an advantageous choice for daily commutes and even casual outings.
San Franciscans take full advantage of the abundant public transit selections available. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) runs from 8 SF stops northeast to Oakland and beyond into the East Bay. The Muni, San Francisco's local public transport system, interconnects the remainder of the city with streetcars, buses, and underground trains. For those journeying beyond the city limits, utilizing a car or Caltrain is essential. Caltrain operates between San Francisco along the peninsula to San Jose and into the South Bay; providing an optimal solution for those residing in proximity to either of two SF stations looking to avoid congested Bay Area traffic.
Saying San Francisco is Expensive is an Understatement
Public Transportation is Amazing in San Francisco
San Francisco is undeniably one of the most costly cities in the United States, ranking as the second-most expensive city after New York City with a cost of living that is 80% higher than the national average. Home to an abundance of CEOs and billionaires, Billionaire's Row in San Francisco displays opulent mansions and estates, such as that of PayPal's creator. Tourists are invited to explore San Francisco's landmarks but they should take note: living there comes at a hefty price.
According to data, households that make $117,000 annually are classified as "low-income" and those desiring comfortability must bring home no less than $120,000 every year. Per a new study, if you want to live in the Bay Area, wealth is perceived not until your net worth surpasses $3.8 million dollars. Compared to Los Angeles, San Francisco stands out as definitively more expensive.
When considering the advantages and drawbacks of residing in San Francisco, budgeting is likely foremost on one's mind. If you're contemplating life in San Francisco, prepare for dramatic price inflation. It's not only rents that are extravagant; everything comes with a hefty price tag. I recall a pizza dinner shared with my two cousins, where the cost was an astounding $75 each! A cup of coffee is routinely priced at $5 and craft beer can be purchased for $8 a pint. Parking meters epitomize outrageousness, with some charging an exorbitant fee of $6 per hour during peak hours.
San Francisco, CA, Quick Stats
Metro Population 4,725,584
Median Home Price $1,122,946
Median Age 39.3 years old
Median Monthly Rent $2,155
Average Commute 33.4 minutes
Unemployment Rate 9.1%
Average Annual Salary $86,590
With a cost of living that is so high, it is no surprise that the housing market is just as expensive and competitive. Even though prices are through the roof, homes are known to sell pretty quickly. The longest time a home is on the market in San Francisco is 18 days. The median home price in the city is $1.7 million, and the prices continue to increase. Rent is also some of the most expensive in the country.
The rental market in this area is the costliest in the country, with the average rate for a one-bedroom apartment remaining at $3,000 and a two-bedroom unit costing $3,950. Despite these prices being relatively unchanged, they are still exorbitant.
The average rent for a three-bedroom is around $5,700 a month. Even if you are working at a world-class technology company in Silicon Valley, it is not likely that an average individual can afford to dish out that much money just for an apartment.
Numbeo ranked San Francisco's cost of living as the fifth highest in the U.S., trailing only New York City, Honolulu, Oakland, and Seattle. To cover costs associated with renting an apartment in this city, people may need to consider getting a roommate to share expenses.
Housing is Expensive in San Francisco
