What are Grinnell's distinctive features and why was it your top choice?
Ben Offenberg '11 of Glenview, IL
Intended major: Chemistry
Best thing about Grinnell: Hands down the people. Grinnell attracts all kinds of people, and the diversity among us definitely enhances the college experience.
Biggest surprise about Grinnell: I knew the profs here assigned a lot of work, but I never thought I would enjoy doing the work as much as I do. Everything they assign has a purpose.
Graciela Guzman '11 of Los Angeles, CA
Best thing about Grinnell: Grinnell is a sort of anomaly. You don't expect to find a strong science program for example in a liberal arts college, but we have one. You don't expect to have such a variety of perspectives in Iowa, but given how many different kinds of students call Grinnell home, we have that variety.
Why I chose Grinnell: I found out about it through the POSSE Foundation in September and chose it because of the history of activism, social justice, and innovative curriculum that is hands on and more one-on-one than a lot of other schools.
Pete Edberg '11 of Greencastle, IN
Intended major: two of the following: Chinese, Political Science, Math or Music
Best thing about Grinnell: Self-governance, and the fact that it works so well.
Why I chose Grinnell: The concept of self-governance and the academic freedom of having only one required course (tutorial) that wasn't part of my major were very appealing factors, but the reason I chose Grinnell was because when I visited, it was like I had found a new home. It just felt like it was meant to be.
Tequilla Manning '11 of Starkville, MS
Intended major: Chemistry with a Neuroscience concentration
Best thing about Grinnell: the endless opportunities offered, such as internships, externships, and the study-abroad programs.
Emily Francis '11 of Mission Hills, KS
Intended major: French
I chose Grinnell because: I loved the sense of community on campus. We're all here for each other.
Matt Zmudka '11 of Dubuque, IA
Intended major: Biochemistry
Best thing about Grinnell: Diversity! I come from a small city in Iowa where most people were alike, so I found it very interesting to meet people from dozens of countries and of countless backgrounds. Diversity in ideas permeates Grinnell.
How would you describe Grinnell students: We care. We don't care about the same things or in the same ways, but each of us has at least something that we care about a great deal. That care is evident in the quality of work, the vigor of activism, and the depth of dinner conversations. Passions permeate everyone's life, and that fact, more than any one topic could, unites Grinnell students.
Carly Jerome '11 of Fort Collins, CO
Intended majors: History and/or Religious Studies
Best thing about Grinnell: There is always something to do with your friends: art shows, concerts, parties, lectures, movies, etc.
Favorite thing about the town of Grinnell: I really like the atmosphere. It's both family and college student friendly. It's a great place to walk around when it is warm enough, and there are often small little festivals in the main park on the weekends.
Johnny Buse '11 of St. Louis, MO
Intended major: English
Description of Grinnell students: Everybody's unique and authentic. There's no reason for anyone to fake it here.
Hannah LaFollette '11 of Galesburg, IL
Intended major: Sociology or Chemistry
Best thing about Grinnell: If you are having a problem in any area -- mental, academic, social, etc. -- there are places to go for support and help.
Kate Baumgartner '11 of Grinnell, IA
Intended majors: Theatre and/or Sociology
Favorite class at Grinnell and why: It's tough to narrow this one down, but probably my theatrical design class. I chose this not because I am a theatre nerd, but because it highlighted the ways that professors at Grinnell put a fresh and challenging spin on materials.
Favorite thing about the town of Grinnell: I grew up here and chose to go to college here, so I (obviously) love a lot about the town of Grinnell, but I would have to say that the outright friendliness and dependability of everyone I interact with is astounding.
Mona Ghadiri '11 of Long Grove, IL
Intended major: History
Best thing about Grinnell: Hands down, I'd have to say the people. The people make all the difference at Grinnell. Everyone is understanding, intelligent, and fun. Where else can you have a conversation that includes current events, politics, religion, and Britney Spears' last hair cut?