Think about the first year as a whole — you’ll likely take about 8 four-credit classes your first year. Simultaneously, you’ll begin to plan for your second year.
- Before you arrive, make sure you have completed any placement activities with departments such as languages, math, and computer science. You will learn more about these activities in module 4.
- You will take your First-Year Tutorial in the fall. Your Tutorial instructor will become your Faculty Adviser and will meet with you several times during New Student Orientation to discuss many of the themes presented here. Preparing now will make your conversations more effective and will give your adviser a better sense of your curricular interests.
- In the spring semester, you will take a one-half credit class called the First-Year Experience where you’ll develop skills that will contribute to your personal success and well-being during your time at Grinnell.
- Study a variety of disciplines and explore as many interests as you can.
- Think broadly about different ways of learning. A diversity of courses helps balance your workload with different types of learning tasks.
- You will have exposure to subjects not taught in most secondary schools. Even familiar subjects are often taught differently at this level. Most students’ goals change over four years, and it’s important to keep your options open for several different possible majors.
- Further develop your writing skills, not only in the Tutorial but in at least one other reading and writing course during the first semester.
- Strengthen skills in mathematics and languages — these will serve you well in your life at and beyond college.
- Think about extracurricular activities, including work on campus, as a way to explore some of your areas of interest. There is a lot of learning outside of the classroom.
How should I plan for a major? What other curricular opportunities are available?
A major is required for graduation. All majors require a minimum of 32 credits but many require more. Specific major requirements can be found on the Departmental Advising Suggestions page. Students must declare their major by their fourth semester.
- Build a foundation by taking introductory courses in several departments, so that you will have a range of choices for a major.
- Don’t rush your choice of major. Explore several fields before deciding. (You will also have time to continue other interests after you declare a major.)
- Explore early those fields which are highly sequential (especially the sciences, math, and foreign language). Use the Departmental Advising Suggestions for this purpose.
- Don’t focus exclusively on your choice of major. Your total program and the skills you develop here are more important for most jobs and graduate schools than the specific major listed on your transcript.
- Consider a Concentration if you want to go deep in another subject.
- Remember to explore study away options early with your Faculty Adviser. There are many ways to study abroad! Aside from semester-long options, there are opportunities to study away during the summer and as part of a class. For example, consider applying for a Global Learning Program course in the spring semester of your first year.