If Grinnell is clearly your first choice, you may want to apply Early Decision. This option is available only to first-year students. We will consider your application and inform you of our decision before the regular deadline. Applying Early Decision means you commit to enrolling at Grinnell if we offer you admission.
Grinnell has two Early Decision options: Early Decision I and II. The deadline for Early Decision I is November 15, and we will mail our decision by December 15. The deadline for Early Decision II is January 2, and we will mail our decision by February 1.
If you are accepted under either of our Early Decision options, you must withdraw applications submitted to other colleges. You may not apply to more than one institution as an Early Decision candidate.
International applicants who are interested in either Early Decision option must contact our office prior to submitting their application.
All Early Decision applicants must read and sign the Early Decision Agreement found on page 6 of the application packet.
Regular Decision is available for all students completing secondary schooling. The application deadline is January 2, and we will mail our decision by April 1.
Grinnell offers Early Admission to a few superior college-bound secondary school juniors, who will neither complete their senior year nor receive a secondary school diploma.
Early Admission candidates have typically exhausted their high school curriculum and have excellent academic credentials.
An interview is required for Early Admission candidates. Early Admission candidates are not eligible to apply under the Early Decision options.
Once admitted, you may decide you wish to take a year off before entering college.
If you defer, we require that you submit a short statement to the Office of Admission confirming this decision and explaining your plans for the next year.
We grant deferment for one year. You must pay your Advance Deposit, and may not enroll in another institution of higher education during that year.
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