I got accepted to both Purdue and IU Bloomington for biochemistry!
However, Purdue only has space for me to start in the spring semester (January 2026), which means I’d have to take time off before starting. While I could use that time to work and gain experience, I don’t like the idea of missing out on orientation, worry about feeling behind, and the housing crisis.
At Bloomington, I’d start in the fall as planned, but Purdue has always been my top choice. I’m also unsure how rigorous the biochemistry program is at IU compared to Purdue. Plus, attending IU would cost a bit more.
I’m feeling conflicted and would love to hear from anyone especially if you started college in the spring—how was your experience compared to a fall start?
I think they are both fine options. I would research how spring starts at Purdue get integrated into the school community (dorms, orientation, class registration and sequencing, can you do the first semester at a CC, etc.).
Can you do CC and do gen eds if you need them or enroll at Purdue and do gen eds there till then? Can I ask what your stats were? My kid is deferred Biochem and was curious how she stacked up. She’s accepted to UIUC for biochem and they have a good program as well.
I’d go IU. I don’t see why it’d be any less rigorous. But reach out to the dept and ask to speak to a student ambassador or student in the major and ask those questions.
Other option is to enroll at a local community college and take the first semester courses you need for your major and general education requirements, so that you will not be a semester off when you go to Purdue. Be sure to check with Purdue that this is allowed for spring admits.
In-state, 3.6W, 1200 SAT, No class rank, President and Founder of 2 huge clubs at my big public school (200+ members), 2 Internships, 1 research published through school, fencing cadet, volunteering awards, social media with 300k+ views monthly.
I’ve taken like less than 5 APs because I’ve taken more duel credit. If there is anything else you’d like to know lmk.
Be careful if you have a merit award and take classes from a CC. Some merit awards are contingent on having taken no prior college courses.
I would choose IU. Absolutely gorgeous campus, great college town and atmosphere. Personally I would not want to do the spring start…everything will be off pace for the next four years, including rush, graduation, dorms…
I’m also not a fan of spring start. Honestly I didn’t even know Purdue offered that. I would ask how many students start in the spring, if you are guaranteed housing (and where), will you have a spring start roommate, and most importantly, how you will stay on track to graduate in 8 semesters since some classes are only offered Fall OR Spring, and not both. If you need a class as a pre-req it may throw off your 4 year plan of study.
