04 August 2022
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We take a DNA test filled with curiosity, but it takes more than curiosity to get the full benefits of a DNA test. DNA detective Michelle Leonard has been examining DNA case studies for years, solving mysteries, and teaching others how to piece together their own DNA puzzles too. This is what she deems important:
Michelle Leonard believes that building a really robust family tree is extremely important for helping you make sense of your DNA match list. Having researched your collateral lines (i.e. the siblings of your direct line ancestors) and also researched some of their descendants too, you stand a better chance of recognising where a DNA match may fit on your tree.
Look at the DNA: look at the percentage or number of shared centiMorgans that you and a match share. The study the full range of possible relationships that this number may indicate, for instance by using the Shared cM Project Tool.
Ensure you keep great notes. When studying your DNA you will soon find yourself immersed in details. It's extremely helpful to set up a system to keep yourself organised from the outset. On the DNA Bootcamp we provide you with the tools and instruction to set up your own, bespoke, really organised system.
And lastly, if you're asking family members to test, make sure you test the right relations. What is meant by this? While it is fun for any member of the family to test, if you are the person buying the tests and if you have a specific research goal you would like to reach, then you need to think about which relation(s) may be best placed to help you. As a general rule, testing the people in the generations above you will be more fruitful than testing your peers or descendants.
