Visiting campus is the best way to discover whether Grinnell is the right fit for you. Although you can get a sense of place over the website, there's no substitute for walking around campus, talking to students, and sitting in on real classes to get a true sense of the College.
We want you to have a great experience when you visit so we recommend visiting at a time when you can meet students and professors, sit in on classes and experience activities on campus. We also know that it may not be possible to visit when we are in session so we want you to come when it is convenient for you and your family, especially if you have plans to be in central Iowa this summer!
- The Office of Admission is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and many Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
- First Semester Visits: September through early December
- Second Semester Visits: Late January through April
As you are planning your visit, please check the Campus Visit Calendar to be sure we are offering the options that you would like to include in your visit. In order for us to best serve your needs during the academic year, please make your reservations at least 10 days in advance of your arrival date by telephoning the Office of Admission at 800-247-0113 or 641-269-3600, preferably before making your travel arrangements.
In order to fully experience Grinnell's academic and social life, you may decide to visit while classes are in session. You'll have the opportunity to see what it is like to be a Grinnell student by living and learning amongst Grinnell students.
We offer the following visit options to prospective students and their families during the academic year:
- Campus Tour — A student-guided tour of campus approximately one hour in length.
- Information Session — An informal group/family information session with an admission representative highlighting Grinnell College opportunities.
- Interview — An evaluative interview between an admission representative and the prospective student, usually during the senior year of high school. Interviews are required for Early Admission and Home Schooled students and strongly encouraged (not required) for all applicants. Interviews must be completed prior to the application for admission deadline.
- Class Visits
- Appointments with professors and/or program directors (e.g., coaches, music directors)
- Overnight stay in a residence hall — Overnight accommodations available Sunday through Friday for prospective seniors and Sunday through Thursday for prospective juniors throughout the academic year. Please note that due to the large number of admitted seniors visiting campus during the spring, secondary school juniors may stay overnight from September through February only.
- Transportation to and from the airport — when the prospective student is traveling alone.
Grinnell College wants to make appropriate accommodations for your visit if you are a student with a disability or traveling with a family member with a disability. To help us make these arrangements, please mention your needs when you call.