I’m have been accepted to and am considering the following programs and would appreciate hearing any advice or experiences.
Priorities:
-Strong education in genetics that will support me when applying to graduate schools or careers
-the opportunity to dance 5-7 days per week (I have been dancing for over 10 year and it has become a big part of my life. I would love to continue dance eithier through a minor or major)
-a great and kind environment (not too much of a party school) a school with a place for everyone
*none of the options are in state, would prefer to go out of state
University of Iowa: I would double major with a BS in biology (focus in genetics and biotech) and a BA in dance (school emphasizes ways dance can be applied to other majors). UIowa seems to have opportunities working and volunteering at the children’s hospital and great research opportunities. Location is a nice college town, but seems to have less exposure to large companies than other schools?
University of Minnesota: Would major in Genetics, cell biology and development and minor in dance. UMN seems to have amazing research opportunities and facilities. The twin cities area provides access to more companies and internships. The location is wonderful (despite the weather and possible safety concerns).
NC state: Would major in life sciences with genetics focus and minor in dance. The school seems to have amazing research in genetics and from what I have found is one of the best genetics programs. Raleigh seems to be a great location with tons of internship and other opportunities. I have yet to visit because at the moment it is too expensive. They have not released scholarships yet, but from what I have heard they do not give much. I am also slightly concerned that 75% of student body is in state.
Is U of IA or U of MN affordable? Do you have any affordable in-state options?
NC State’s research opportunities and close proximity to Research Triangle Park would make it a front runner but not if you can’t afford it (plus the travel back and forth). I don’t think you have to worry about the 75% in-state students.
UIowa is affordable, I am waiting to see if U of MN will be affordable. I do have great in state options but I would not be able to dance to the capacity that I would like to. I also want a new experience as my best in state school, even though it is a great school is very familiar as both my parents and my sister have gone there and all of my current friends are going there.
I also got into George Washington, Loyola Chicago and UMass amherst. I am leaning away from these schools for different reasons.
GW- expensive, seems to be less focused genetics
Loyola- possibly affordable, but I did not really love the campus
UMass- Expensive, but got scholarship so could become affordable
I think you’ll have to wait and see how the financials pan out and make your decision based on that. Will a career in genetics require you to pursue a master’s degree in order to find employment? Do you have medical school aspirations? Both of those are expensive endeavors, so you should keep that in mind as well.
82%+ is in state at NCSU. You are unlikely to get much of a scholarship. They just don’t give much money out. Great health and biotech job opportunities in the area.
What are you planning to do in genetics? Grad school? Med school? You can certainly find entry level employment with a BS, but most/all careers in genetics require an advanced degree.
There will be a lot of genetics research in NC and the major looks excellent, but affordability is in question. The same goes for Minnesota- they are very strong in genetics but affordability is unknown. Remember- grad school also costs money.
Congrats on Iowa! It looks like a very good opportunity for you (volunteering at the children’s hospital, research) and it is affordable. You can always apply for summer internships. In the meantime sit tight and see how the costs pan out for the other schools.
Iowa is a good school and will provide you with what you need for grad school. It will be up to you to take advantage of these opportunities. Also keep in mind that you do not have to head straight to grad school. You can take time to work, volunteer, strengthen your application- that is very common.
OP I don’t know if you are coming back, but the University of Iowa has some fantastic opportunities open to upper level undergrads and recent graduates (these programs are competitive, but many will be).
Within the Iowa Institute of Human Genetics is an undergraduate internship in genetic counseling. This includes a stipend, shadowing opportunities, seminars, multiple specialty clinics etc. FYI: this graduate degree allows for hospital work, lab genetics, and industry genetics (all 3).
There is also a genetic counseling undergraduate mentorship program discussing how to rank programs (grad programs are part of the match), the application process, how to get appropriate letters of recommendation, etc. With acceptance to these grad programs being extremely competitive….this type of mentorship/level of assistance is highly valuable should you go this route. Do not discount this opportunity as you will get a lot of important information.
Iowa also has a bioinformatics summer internship program within the Iowa Institute of Human Genetics- full time with a stipend for undergrads. Interns work under a faculty member.
Get excited for Iowa! There is a lot of research going on. You can compare programs if the other schools come back with an affordable cost.
and UMN sounds very good too 