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First-Year Applicants

A way of seeing and being you’ll find only at Grinnell College.

Choosing where to further your education is a big decision. But look closer: There’s something here at Grinnell, something you won’t find anywhere else. A place that embraces you for who you are, and inspires you to think deeply in every way. It’s full of individuals with sharp minds and open hearts. A community thriving on diverse perspectives and intellectual trailblazing. A community of Grinnellians.

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    Request Information

    Let’s get the process started.

    If you’re considering Grinnell, start by requesting information. This will give you access to additional information about application timelines, scholarships, and the college search process. You can take two minutes to submit a Preliminary Application. If Grinnell is at the top of your list, consider applying Early Decision.

  • Students at the Student Org Fair on campus

    Applying to Grinnell

    You can do this.

    You can start by taking two minutes to submit a Preliminary Application. Eventually, you’ll need to fill out a Common Application, but there’s no separate application fee. Standardized test scores are optional. We’d love to meet you, so we recommend (but don’t require) you interview with us.

    Once we receive your application, we will send you a user name and instructions on how to check your application status.

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    Distinguishing your Application

    Admission to Grinnell is highly selective.

    Although no single factor guarantees admission, it helps to have had a challenging, balanced high school curriculum. Generally, competitive candidates will have completed:

    • 4–5 academic subjects for each term in 10th–12th grades
    • 4 years of English
    • 4 years of natural science, 2 of which should be lab science
    • 3 years of a foreign language
    • 2 years of social science (3 recommended)
    • 4 years of mathematics (including calculus for students interested in STEM)

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