The journey to becoming a certified genetic counselor looks different for everyone. For me, it took two exam cycles to finally earn that special “C” before “GC”— and let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. That letter didn’t come just from hard work and content review; it came from personal growth, reflection and a major shift in how I approached studying.
Round One: Doing It My Way
When I prepped for the exam the first time, I thought I had all my bases covered. I had a solid study plan, followed a detailed schedule and joined the Study Rare Board Exam prep course. On top of that, I was part of a study group. Sounds like the perfect setup, right?
But here’s the thing — I didn’t fully engage. I still stuck to my old habits of studying alone, convinced that I worked best in isolation. I told myself that I was more focused and productive that way. Group studying felt inefficient and distracting. So, while I technically “joined” the studying group, I wasn’t really in it.
Despite all that, I went into the exam feeling prepared. So, when I missed the passing score by just a few points, I was crushed. Defeated. Exhausted.
A Wake-Up Call
In the days that followed, I had to sit with the disappointment. After the shock wore off, I found myself having a tough but honest conversation with myself: Maybe this happened for a reason. Maybe it was time to rethink the way I approached challenges. Just because something worked in the past didn’t mean it would always work.
I remembered people saying that group studying could make a big difference. That collaborating with others, especially in a field like genetic counseling where we all bring different strengths, could be incredibly valuable. But I had brushed off that advice. My old ways had never failed me before. Why start something new now?
The Game Changer
Then, a few weeks later, I got a message from a CGC friend (shoutout to Devin Shuman!) asking if I wanted to connect with others who also didn’t pass this time around. The idea was to create a community in which we could support each other through another exam attempt. I hesitated for a second — but thankfully, I said yes.
That “yes” changed everything.
I met five amazing GCs who were in the same boat. From day one, the connection was different. We weren’t just there to study — we were there to lift each other up. To be real about the disappointment. To vent, to laugh, to strategize and to push forward — together.
More Than a Study Group
What we built went far beyond a traditional study group. We shared materials we made from scratch, met weekly to stay on track and taught each other clever ways to remember complex conditions. (One of us even wrote a song to memorize all the NF1 characteristics — yes, it was brilliant.)
We also opened up about our personal experiences — the self-doubt, the anxiety and the burnout. That emotional support was just as important as any flashcard or study guide.
And in the end, it made all the difference.
Why Knowing “Your People” Matters
Looking back, I can confidently say that I would not have passed the board exam without that group. The shift from solo studying to community-based learning wasn’t just a tactical move, it was a mindset shift. I learned to ask for help, to listen, to teach and to grow with others.
If you’re on your own path to becoming certified, especially if it doesn’t go exactly as planned, don’t underestimate the power of community. Find your people, and lean on each other.
Because sometimes, the key to success isn’t just knowing more. It’s being surrounded by those who remind you that you’re not alone.
Header photo by Andrew Moca on Unsplash