I got into both Purdue and University of Minnesota Twin Cities for Genetics. Which has a better program for genetics specifically? Would love to hear people’s experiences with either.
Congratulations on getting into two wonderful schools. As far as which is the “better” program for genetics, they are both great. That’s getting into splitting hairs, so you don’t need to stress about that factor. (With the caveat that Minnesota has a graduate program in genetic counseling which is a factor if that’s your career goal). What’s most important is which school fits your needs and preferences the best.
Which school should you choose? I think you should base that on a number of factors. It would help if you can answer some questions:
- Are both schools affordable without loans?
- Have you visited both schools? How do you feel about them?
- What are your preferences for colleges in general?
- What do you think you might like to do after you graduate?
Genetics is pretty niche for an undergrad major, so I’d love to hear your story about “why genetics”. If you look at the curriculum for genetics majors (including at Minnesota and Purdue), it’s just a regular bio major with genetics electives.
In general, one can study biology successfully at just about any school in the country. So there’s a lot of other things that go into figuring out what the best schools are for a given person.
You have at least 2 great options in what you listed here. Do you have acceptances at any other schools that you like?
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Thanks! This is really helpful. Purdue is the cheapest option as it is instate for me. I have been to both campuses and love the UMN campus. In general I really like UMN and the surrounding area. I have an interest in being a genetic counselor, but am interested in all aspects of genetics especially the intersection of genetics and sustainability as well as the medical side of genetics, but not completely sure what I want to do after graduating/ grad school. I also want to minor or possibly double major in dance. I would probably minor at UMN as I think it could be too be rigorous to double major. UMN has a much stronger dance program. I think that the main drawback is the price, distance and safety. I could get scholarships, but I have not recieved any yet.
I have also been accepted to NC State, University of Iowa and Loyola Chicago which I am also considering.
UMN can take a while to release its merit aid awards, but have you run the net price calculator? It estimates both need-based and merit aid (for students outside of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota), and the estimated merit aid award was accurate for my son (OOS from CA). Net Price Calculator | Office of Admissions
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You can go into a genetics career from either school. I would choose the affordable option given you will likely go to grad school. Minnesota has a masters in GC…but students can get into these programs from either school.
I would ask if undergrads can get involved with research, and I would ask Minnesota if undergrads can be involved with research specifically within the GC program.
GC programs are crazy competitive (regardless of school) and there is a lot to do prior to applying in order to make yourself a competitive applicant. You have time …so do not stress about it. Gap years are common. This degree allows you to work with patients as well as in industry roles. This degree is heavy in medical genetics, molecular genetics, biology etc. You will get the medical piece in class, doing research, rotations etc.
Getting a masters degree in genetics, public health genetics - you will need to research the necessary prerequisites etc. These programs generally accept more students than GC programs. You will need to do some research in order to see if it is where your interests lie (true for all of these degrees).
Genetics is a niche major, I agree. Once you graduate you can work as a genetic counseling assistant, a clinical research coordinator, as well as many other entry level, gap year type jobs. You do not need to major in genetics to get these positions. You can also work in a lab.
Right now……
All of the schools listed will get you where you want to be. I would look at fit, opportunities (interests) and affordability- also keep in mind that you have a very strong state school. Everything else related to your career, grad school etc …will follow later. No need to know now (I realize I wrote a lot). Congrats!
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If you pursued a Dance degree at UMN it would probably be considered a Dual Degree not a double major as the programs would be in two different schools and have different mandatory non major courses. You would likely pursue a BA in Dance (School of Performing Arts maybe) as well as your Genetics degree. If the school has a Dancing Program the Dance minor may be designed to appeal to a newer dancer rather than a more experienced dancer. I would ask that about any program. Purdue does have a Dance minor. It seemed to be designed around dancers pursuing other degrees so they are somewhat selective in who they allow into the program so it may be worth considering.
Purdue is an excellent university especially for an instate university considering the cost. If you prefer a different environment and the costs become comparable and are affordable then any of the schools you mentioned are worth considering. It’s nice to have such a good option in state though.
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Keep in mind that while a genetics major is fine, you do not need this specific major in order to have a career in genetics. Even with this degree…you will still need some type of graduate school.
That being said, genetics is a great major if that is what you choose, and both schools are strong. I agree that trying to compare the major will be like splitting hairs, and ultimately your decision will be based on other factors.
If you attended Purdue (lower cost) would you have money left over to put toward grad school?
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OP- not sure if you are coming back, but I wanted to ask if you plan to revisit these schools? Attend accepted students days?
This would give you an opportunity to speak with students and professors, ask questions about the major etc.
I plan to visit for as many schools as I can, but will probably only be able to visit/revisit two or three 
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You have been accepted to excellent schools - the rest is up to you. I think you will have your answers once you visit, assuming affordability. Also- all of these schools have options in the event you change your major, develop additional interests etc.
When/if you visit these schools it would be beneficial to look into clubs, volunteering, internships etc. These activities do not have to be directly related to the major. For example, Purdue has clubs helping local families etc.
It looks like Purdue has a pre genetic counseling club, and Minnesota has several biology/genetics related clubs. Check them out!
Is NC State still on the list of affordable options (you mentioned this school above)? Look into their genetics club- you will find science volunteering opportunities, guest speakers, community service, lab visits, research, etc.
Congrats and good luck!
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