You may have already decided that Grinnell is a good fit for you. Now we have to decide if you're a good fit for us. At Grinnell you will have the chance to tailor an academic program specific to your interests and future plans. At the same time, you can choose from hundreds of student groups, internships, sports, and concerts. As you evolve, so do the ways the College's resources meet your needs and interests.
Grinnell's resources as a liberal arts college are unparalleled. There are no limits to the ways you can grow.
Applying to college is a bit like going on Facebook. As you create your profile, you have to pick and choose what best represents you. You will create an image of yourself for us through the application process. But how can one document possibly capture the entirety of your personality, achievements, and goals?
Fortunately, Grinnell College is not a one-dimensional place, nor do we look for one-dimensional applicants. Our admission process aims at the whole person, not just what we see on paper. Forms, test scores, grades -- sure, those are important. We seek intelligent, high-achieving high school students who are prepared for the rigors of Grinnell academics. But we also look beyond the paper at your personal statement, high school involvement, interview, and campus visit. We look to see if you have that special combination of intellectual commitment and personal spark that makes a Grinnellian.
The pages in this section will give you more information about admission options, timelines, financial aid, application instructions and related links.
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.
We also require the 2011 Grinnell College Common App Supplement, which is also available Common Application website. Please visit their website to register and submit your application and supplement form. (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.)