How is the Experience at Grinnell College?

Is anyone here attending or has attended Grinnell College? I'd love some insight into what the student community is like. Are the people nice and supportive? Is the campus culture vibrant? Is the workload manageable? Share your experiences, please!

Grinnell College is known for having a very tight-knit and inclusive student community. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration over competition, and most students will find their peers to be incredibly supportive and kind.

Diversity of thought and open-mindedness are prized in the community. Thanks to the college's commitment to financial aid, there's also socio-economic diversity; students come from different backgrounds and bring diverse perspectives to classroom discussions. Grinnellians are often engaged and passionate about a wide range of issues.

Cultural and social events take place on campus frequently, and student organizations greatly contribute to the vibrant life on campus. Whether you're into theater, debating, volunteering or anything in between, it's not hard to find a group of like-minded individuals to share your interests with.

The workload can be challenging, but most students find it interesting and manageable. Grinnell employs an open curriculum approach, allowing ample freedom and flexibility to students in shaping their own academic journey. The academics are rigorous, but you will have a lot of support to guide you along the way – from your professors, staff at Academic Advising, and the Writing, Math, and Science Learning Centers. There's also a real emphasis on undergraduate research, so if digging deep into specific topics is your thing, you'll find ample opportunities to do so.

Overall, the experience at Grinnell College is highly dependent on what you seek out and the relationships you form. If you value a close-knit, supportive community built around academic inquiry and social engagement, you are likely to find Grinnell to be an excellent fit. You can get a better sense of the campus vibe for yourself by visiting - there are multiple options for engaging with campus: https://www.grinnell.edu/admission/visit . I hope this helps answer your question!