We are excited that you are applying as an international student! Grinnell College is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States, and is highly regarded internationally. If you enroll at Grinnell, you will find a large, vibrant community of students from all over the world. Welcome!
Please read the instructions below and follow the Related Links for more information on applying to Grinnell. Still have questions? Refer to our International FAQs for answers!
- Early Decision I: November 15
- Early Decision II: January 2
- Regular Decision: January 2
- International Transfer: May 1 (fall entrance only)
Note: International applicants who are interested in the Early Decision option must contact our office prior to submitting an application.
Your academic performance so far is the best indicator of your potential for success as a Grinnell student. We will consider the difficulty of your course load, the quality of your school program, your writing skills in English, and your scores on standardized tests (SAT and TOEFL).
We encourage international students to apply early – by late December is advisable. Financial aid is available for international students; contact the Financial Aid Office for information.
Since Grinnell College uses the Common Application, most of the required application forms are available for electronic submission and/or downloading at www.commonapp.org. The application fee is waived if you apply online through the commonapp web site.
A complete international admission application for Grinnell will consist of the following documents:
- The Common Application: Grinnell College uses the Common Application exclusively. We strongly encourage electronic submission of the Common Application and we will waive the application fee for students who apply online. Please visit www.commonapp.org to register and create your personal account.
- Secondary School Transcript: An official copy of your transcript with an original (not photocopied) stamp, signature, or seal is required. The transcript should be in the language of instruction, with an English translation (if necessary).
- School Counselor/Headmaster Recommendation Letter: Grinnell requires one letter of general recommendation from your secondary school counselor, headmaster, or principal. The Secondary School Report is required and should accompany the Secondary School Transcript.
- Teacher Recommendation Letters: Grinnell requires two letters of recommendation from teachers of your choice in core academic subjects. The Common Application Teacher Recommendation forms are preferred.
- The Common Application Supplement: This is a short form specific to Grinnell College available at the Common Application website. (After choosing Grinnell College as one of your colleges, you will be able to click on the Supplement tab to complete and submit your supplement form.)
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Score Report: Grinnell has no minimum SAT score requirements. For more information on the SAT and test scheduling, visit www.collegeboard.com
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Grinnell requires a score of 83 (internet-based) or 550 (paper-based) or better on the TOEFL for admission consideration. For more information on TOEFL and test scheduling, visit www.ets.org
- International Student Application for Financial Aid: This form is required to be considered for financial aid. If you do not wish to be considered for financial aid, you will still need to complete the International Student Application for Financial Aid and Scholarships to verify your financial resources. We also accept the College Board's International Student Financial Aid Application and International Student Certification of Finances forms.
We strongly encourage you to submit the Common Application and supplements electronically, but you can also download the forms and send them in the mail by printing them at Download Forms from the Commonapp web site.
Admission Timelines
International Transfer
International Student Financial Aid
Common Application
International FAQs
Office of International Student Affairs
Ins and Outs Newsletter for Prospective Students