Visit Programs and Events

Visiting Grinnell during one of our on-campus programs is one of the best ways to see what college life is like for current students. We highly encourage all of our prospective students to visit Grinnell during one of these programs; this is the ideal way to get an in-depth, personal look at the Grinnell community.

Junior Visit Day

February 18, 2019

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. 

Sign up here

Admitted Student Programs

April 7-8 and April 28-29, 2019

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 & 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 & 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

ED students, you can expect the formal invitation and program registration information in mid-March. All other admitted students will receive this information in their acceptance packet.

Admitted Student Days

March 29 and April 15, 2019

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 & recreation centers
• spend the night on campus with a current student (available for April 15th program, only)

ED students, you can expect the formal invitation and program registration information in mid-March. All other admitted students will receive this information in their acceptance packet.

Discover Grinnell

Typically held in September and October, Discover Grinnell is our fall preview program for prospective students. It’s a great way to get a broad overview of the Grinnell experience, whether you are just getting started with your college search or finalizing your application list.

Come join us and discover everything that Grinnell can offer you!

Over the course of two days, you’ll have the chance to:

• attend class
• tour campus
• interact with current students and other prospective students
• meet faculty and coaches
• attend sessions on student life, the individually-advised curriculum, the First-Year Tutorial, study abroad, and research and internship opportunities

**Registration is limited and only available online.

Diversity Travel Opportunity

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:

• Diversity Travel Opportunity application
• 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.