Campus Visit Hiatus
Grinnell College recognizes the global implications of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and our highest priority is for the health and well-being of everyone affected by COVID-19. As a result, we are closed for campus visitors until further notice.
You can learn more about the College’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are living in unprecedented times and we appreciate your patience and understanding. The Offices of Admission and Student Financial Services will be available via phone and email during business hours to answer any questions. Please email the Office of Admission or call 641-269-3600 for more information.
Early Decision with the Experts: Get Your Guidance (Webinar)
This hour-long session is designed specifically for domestic or international parents and families who have a student who wants to apply to Grinnell College through Early Decision. The session will begin with an overview of the application and financial aid process as it applies to domestic students (Sept. 20 or Oct. 18) or international students (Sept. 16). Admission and financial aid staff will leave plenty of time to answer your questions and are prepared to demystify the Early Decision process as much as possible so that your student is ready to submit an Early Decision I application by Nov. 15, 2020, or Early Decision II application by Jan. 1, 2021. Prospective students are also welcome to attend one of the sessions.
Domestic Edition: Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020
International Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020
Virtual Discover Grinnell
Eager to learn more about what Grinnell College can offer you? Discover Grinnell is our virtual fall open house program for prospective students and families. It’s a great way to get a broad overview of the Grinnell College experience, whether you are just getting started with the college search or finalizing your application.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020
Grinnell Diversity Preview Program
Registration information coming soon
Since we cannot host overnight visitors at this time, this fall our Grinnell Diversity Travel Opportunity will instead be a virtual Diversity Preview Program. The preview program is a great way to discover your place at one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges.
The program will take place over the course of three sessions on three different days. Students may participate in one or all of the sessions, which are:
- Monday, Oct. 12, 4:30–6 p.m. CDT (Central) — What is Grinnell College and why should I want to go there?
- Learn “Why Grinnell” from a couple of admission counselors and take a live virtual tour of our campus with current students!
- Sunday, Oct. 18, 2–3:15 p.m. CDT (Central) — How students intellectually explore and engage at Grinnell College.
- Hear about academic life from currently enrolled students and participate in a Q&A.
- Sunday, Oct. 25, 2–3:15 p.m. CDT (Central) — Will I fit in? What's it really like for diverse students at Grinnell College?
- Join us for a panel with currently enrolled students and staff from the Office of Intercultural Affairs.
Registrants must be high school seniors who are either students of color (African American, Latinx, Asian, Native American) or the first in their family to attend college, and interested in a liberal arts education (arts and humanities, mathematics and sciences, and social sciences). While this program is primarily for domestic students, international students are welcome to participate.
Junior Visit Day
Winter 2020–21
Whether you’re a high school junior who is already in the thick of your college search or you’re looking to go on your very first college visit, we’ve designed a program just for you.
During our Junior Visit Day, you’ll be able to tour campus, attend class, and get an overview of Grinnell’s uniquely personalized academic program, life beyond the classroom, and our admission and financial aid process. It’s a great opportunity to meet current students, eat in the dining hall, and start to think about whether you might be a Grinnellian.
Registration will be available in the winter.
Admitted Student Weekend Programs
Spring 2021
You’ve applied and been accepted. Congratulations! We invite you to experience Grinnell’s endless possibilities at one of our admitted student programs, designed specifically for you.
Over the course of two days, you’ll have the chance to:
- sit in on a class of your choice
- spend the night on campus with a current student
- interact one-on-one with faculty members at our academic and campus resource fair
- learn about student life during small group breakout sessions with senior students
- go on a student-led tour of campus
- tour the performing arts and athletics and recreation centers
- relax and and enjoy Sunday evening activities with other admitted students
- attend panels on the academic experience, the Grinnell residential community, and post-graduate opportunities
Registration will be available in March.
Admitted Student Day Program
Spring 2021
We realize that not every student can attend one of the above admitted student weekend programs, so we invite you to spend a half-day on campus this spring instead.
Over the course of the day, you’ll have the chance to:
- sit in on a class
- hear about post-graduate opportunities and funding for internships from staff members in the Center for Careers, Life, and Service
- learn about student life and our residential community during a current student panel
- go on a student-led tour of campus
- tour the performing arts and athletics and recreation centers
- spend the night on campus with a current student
Registration will be available in March.
On-Campus Summer Preview Day
Summer 2021
Summer Preview Day is our summer open house for prospective students and guests. It’s the perfect time to visit Grinnell and explore the Grinnell community! We have a full day of activities planned, including opportunities to speak with faculty members, administrators, and current students.
From 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m., you'll experience:
- information session conducted by an admission counselor and a current student
- campus tour led by current students
- current student panel
- complimentary lunch with current students and faculty members
- mock class led by a faculty member
- presentation by the Center for Careers, Life, and Service
- specialty tours (optional)
- admission interviews (optional)
- financial aid appointments (optional)
Registration will be available in early summer.
Virtual Summer Preview Days
Summer 2021
Summer Preview Day is our summer open house for prospective students and families. It’s a great way to get to know Grinnell from afar. Current students, alumni, as well as staff in the Office of Admission and the Office of Financial Aid will be available to answer your questions about living and learning at Grinnell. During this event, you will experience the following:
- Welcome from Joe Bagnoli, vice president for enrollment and dean of admission and financial aid
- Presentation on admission and financial aid
- Campus tour led by current students
- Current student and young alumni panel
Registration will be available in early summer.
Fall Preview Day
Fall 2021
Fall Preview Day is one of our fall open house programs for prospective students who are high school juniors and seniors. We have a full day of activities planned, including opportunities to speak with faculty members, administrators, and current students. It’s a great time to visit campus and get to know the Grinnell community!
Activities run from 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. and include:
- information session conducted by an admission counselor and a current student
- campus tour led by a current student
- complimentary lunch in the Marketplace Dining Hall
- class visits
- presentation by the Center for Careers, Life, and Service
- specialty tours of Bucksbaum Center for the Arts, the Humanities and Social Studies Center, and Noyce Science Center (optional)
- admission interviews (optional)
- financial aid appointments (optional)
Diversity Travel Opportunity
Fall 2021
The Grinnell Diversity Travel Opportunity (GDTOP) offers you the chance for a free trip to campus for one of our fall Discover Grinnell program. The preview program is a great way to discover your place at one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges.
Program participants will:
- stay overnight with a current student host
- go on a tour of the Grinnell campus
- attend classes
- attend an information session on admission and financial aid
Applicants must be high school seniors, students of color (African American, Latinx, Asian, Native American) or the first in their family to attend college, and interested in a liberal arts education (arts and humanities, mathematics and sciences, and social sciences).
Applicants must submit the following:
- Diversity Travel Opportunity application (currently unavailable, keep checking in for information)
- an unofficial (or official) SAT or ACT score
- an unofficial (or official) high school transcript, showing final grades through the end of junior year
Please note that the Diversity Travel Opportunity cannot accept applications from international students or transfer applicants.
Grinnell College welcomes individuals with disabilities and strives to provide the fullest access possible during the visit process. If any member of your party requires an accommodation as the result of a disability, you must request accommodations at least two weeks in advance of your scheduled visit to ensure that the fullest range of accommodation options are available. It may not be possible to meet all requested accommodations when accommodations are requested fewer than two weeks in advance.