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Apply to Grinnell

You’re ready to take the next step in becoming a Grinnellian.

We’re here to tell you what you need to know, connect you to resources, and answer any questions you have.

Admission to Grinnell is highly selective, which simply means we get more applicants than we have room for in our classes. We have room to enroll only a limited number of new students each year. With that said, you can stand out from the rest by taking a challenging, balanced high school curriculum, and applying Early Decision can certainly increase your chances.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive community of scholars from a variety of backgrounds and with different worldviews. We believe that interacting with others of differing viewpoints can introduce you to new perspectives and expand your thinking — plus, it makes life more interesting

If that sounds like you, we encourage you to consider some next steps:

Request more information (1 minute)

Submit a Preliminary Application (2 minutes)

Submit a Common Application (available Aug. 1)

Tips From Our Admission Experts

Tina Elfenbein

The Application Essay

How can I write my best college essay?

Grace Robertson-Lloyd ’16

Test Scores

Should I submit standardized test scores at a test-optional college?

Still image of Emma O'Polka Armah ’12

After Applying

What happens to my college application after I submit it?

First-Year Applicants

We’re here to help you with the application process and answer any questions you might have.

Let's begin
Meet your admission counselor
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    Application Requirements

    There’s no minimum GPA or test score to get into Grinnell. We look at the full scope of your application to determine if we’re the best fit for you.

    Explore Requirements
  • Grinnell students on campus

    Early Decision Applicants

    If we’re your first choice, you should consider applying Early Decision. Not only is the acceptance rate higher than with Regular Decision, but you’ll receive your admission decision months earlier. That’s true whether you apply Early Decision I or Early Decision II.

    Apply Early
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    International Applicants

    One in four Grinnell students come from outside of the United States, representing almost 50 countries and speaking more than 60 languages. We invite you to begin your application process today.

    Learn More
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    Undocumented Students (including DACA-Designated Students)

    Admission

    Grinnell welcomes applications from all students, regardless of citizenship or visa status. If you are an undocumented student (including DACA status), you should submit the same first-year or transfer application as any other student. Similar to all other applicants, Grinnell will review your application holistically, taking into account all pieces of your application file.

    Financial Aid

    We meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students — including undocumented students — without loans. To apply for need-based aid as an undocumented student, you will need to submit the CSS Profile and submit a signed copy of your parent federal tax form (if required to file) and W-2s, as applicable. If you cannot work and do not have DACA status, you may receive an optional Grinnell College Loan in place of the student employment, which is typically $3,000 for new students and $3,150 for returning students.

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    First-Generation College Students

    If neither of your parents has completed a four-year degree, then Grinnell College considers you a first-generation college student. Even if that isn’t exactly your situation, all of the resources described in this section are available to you.

    Find Support
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    QuestBridge

    We’re proud to partner with QuestBridge, a national nonprofit organization that connects high-achieving, underserved high school students with educational opportunities at some of the best colleges and universities in the United States. Every year, QuestBridge provides these opportunities to low-income high school students across the country through its College Prep Scholarship and National College Match programs. We're also honored to participate in Questbridge's national college admissions conferences every year.

    Explore Further
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    Interviews

    An interview isn’t required for admission (and you may only interview once), but it’s a great chance for our staff to get to know you more and find out if Grinnell is a good fit for you. We offer interviews on campus, off campus, and online. 

    Schedule an Interview
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    Recommendations and Portfolios

    What do others have to say about your work ethic and leadership qualities? We'll find out in the letters of recommendation that are required with your application. Additionally, auditions and portfolio reviews are not requirements for admission, but students interested in the arts are welcome to submit their work for us to review.

    Tell Us Your Story

Transfer Applicants

We’re here to work with you and make sure you have the resources and guidance to complete the application process.

Transfer to Grinnell
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    DMACC Preview Program

    We’ve partnered with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in an agreement to encourage qualified DMACC students to consider transferring to Grinnell College.

    Look Ahead

Advanced Scholars Program

This program gives outstanding high school students the opportunity to take classes at Grinnell College.

Get an early start

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