Visit Programs and Events

The Office of Admission is open to visitors!

Feel free to come by as a walk-in, or if possible, register in advance for a campus visit.

For more opportunities to engage with Grinnell, check out our virtual visit options. You are also welcome to contact us via email at the Office of Admission or call 641-269-3600 if you have further questions.

Discover Grinnell

Friday, Sept. 23
Friday, Oct. 7

Discover Grinnell programs are our annual in-person fall open house programs for high school juniors and seniors. We have a full schedule of activities planned, including class visits and 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!

Virtual Discover Grinnell Program

Sunday, Oct. 9 @ 2 p.m. CT

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.

Virtual Grinnell Diversity Preview Program

Saturday, Oct. 1 @ 2 p.m. CT

This preview program is a great way to discover your place at one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges. Registrants must be students entering their senior year of high school who identify as any of the following:

a student of color (American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; Black or African American; Latinx/Hispanic; or Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander)
the first in their immediate family to attend college
a member of the LGBTQIA+ community
a part of any community that would add to Grinnell College's diversity.

While this program is primarily for domestic students, international students are welcome to participate.

Early Decision with the Experts (Virtual)

Domestic Edition: Sundays Sept. 18 or Oct. 16 @ 6 p.m. CT

International Edition: Wednesday Oct. 19 @ 7:30 a.m. CT

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 or international students. 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, or Early Decision II application by Jan. 1. Prospective students are also welcome to attend one of the sessions.

Registration will be available in mid-August.

Junior Visit Day

Winter 2023

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 and get an overview of Grinnell’s personalized academic program, life beyond the classroom, and our admission and financial aid process. It’s a great opportunity to meet current students and start to think about if you might be a Grinnellian.

Virtual Junior Visit Day

Winter 2023

During our Virtual Junior Visit Day, you’ll get an overview of Grinnell’s uniquely personalized academic program, learn more about life at a small, residential liberal arts college, and hear tips from the experts on navigating the college admission and financial aid process. You’ll also be able to take a live virtual tour of campus led by current students. All sessions are optional; feel free to come and go as you please.

In-Person Admitted Student Weekend Programs

Spring 2023

You’ve applied and been admitted. 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 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 2023.

In-Person Admitted Student Day Programs

Spring 2023

Congratulations on your admission! We invite you and your family to learn more about Grinnell by joining us for a program just for admitted students. Over the course of the day, you’ll have the chance to:

hear from faculty and current students about the academic experience
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
take a student-led tour of campus
tour the performing arts and athletics and recreation centers

Registration will be available in March 2023.

Virtual Admitted Student Programs and Events

Spring 2023

Congratulations on your admission to Grinnell College! We are excited to present a variety of opportunities to get to know Grinnell through panels, programs, live virtual chats, and more. Example programs including hearing from current students about our three academic divisions, or diving into breakout rooms to ask your "real" questions about Grinnell; learning about the international student experience at Grinnell; and observing a panel about diversity, belonging, and inclusion with Intercultural Affairs staff and students from diverse backgrounds and identities.

Summer Preview Day

Summer 2023

Summer Preview Day is our summer open house for prospective students and guests. It’s the perfect time to visit Grinnell and explore the greater community. In addition to an information session and campus tour, we have a range of activities planned from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. This open house includes a current student panel, a mock class led by Grinnell faculty, a complimentary lunch downtown, and specialized tours of academic and recreational buildings. You may also register for an optional interview and/or financial aid appointment in the afternoon. We hope to see you on campus!

Virtual Summer Preview Day

Summer 2023

Join us for our annual summer preview day, hosted on Zoom! Prospective students and family members are welcome to attend. Learn the basics about Grinnell’s unique academic program, vibrant community, and more. Bring questions for Grinnell students and employees during this two-hour event.

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.