This college guide uses the most recent data available provided by the U.S. Department of Education. This information was last updated on April 25th, 2023.
Grinnell College Admission Requirements Guide
Whether you’re just starting to consider Grinnell College as an option or are well into the application process, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the Grinnell College undergraduate admission requirements. After reading this guide, you will understand what needs to be done to maximize your chances of being admitted to this institution’s undergraduate program.
Grinnell College Acceptance Rate
The Grinnell College acceptance rate for the most recent class was 10.54%. With such a low admission rate, it may be difficult to separate yourself from other applicants. After all, this is one of the most competitive undergraduate programs in the nation. However, the achievement of being accepted into this university is nearly unmatched. This guide will provide you the necessary checklist to enhance your college application and give you the best chance of being admitted.
Grinnell College SAT Score Requirements
The SAT is a standardized test that measures college readiness and educational foundation. The SAT has been used for nearly 100 years to test prospective students in mathematics, reading, writing, and language. Here are the SAT metrics to take into account when applying to Grinnell College.
Grinnell College Average SAT Scores
When looking at the undergraduate students who were in the most recently admitted class, the average Grinnell College SAT Score was 1450.
Grinnell College's SAT Score Choice Policy
Grinnell College does accept the SAT ‘Superscore’ policy. This means that applicants who have taken the SAT several times may submit their best scores for each section, rather than submitting every full report. For example, if you received a higher score on your Reading section during your first test, but received a higher score on the Mathematics section on your second test, you may combine these scores for a comprehensive ‘Superscore’.
Grinnell College ACT Score Requirements
The ACT was founded in 1969 and serves as another college readiness measurement tool. The four subject areas are: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Here are the details regarding Grinnell College’s ACT Requirements.
Grinnell College Average ACT Scores
When examining the most recently accepted undergraduate class, the median ACT Score for Grinnell College is 32.
Here is an updated range of Grinnell College ACT scores segmented by the three sections of the exam: English, Math, and Writing.
ACT Scores of Undergraduate Students Recently Admitted to Grinnell College: | |||
| 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | |
| English | 30 | 33 | 35 |
| Math | 27 | 30 | 33 |
| Writing | |||
Grinnell College's ACT Score Choice Policy
Grinnell College allows individuals to submit their ACT ‘Superscore’. This means that they are able to select and combine their best subject scores across multiple tests.
Grinnell College Application Requirements
Grinnell College is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and receives countless applications each year. However, getting accepted into Grinnell College is not an easy feat and requires meeting certain application requirements with zero margin for error.
Does Grinnell College Use the Common App?
Like most major U.S. schools, Grinnell College does use the Common Application for their admissions process. The Common App is a unified application that prospective students use to apply to undergraduate colleges and universities. It allows applicants to use a single application that can be sent to as many colleges as they apply to, instead of repeatedly inputting the same demographic and academic information per school. Grinnell College may request additional materials, such as supplemental essays and questions, but the primary application structure remains the same.
Does Grinnell College Require Letters of Recommendation?
Grinnell College requires 2 letters of recommendation from teachers. These letters of rec, or ‘teacher evaluations’, are used to assess what type of student you are and your strengths in a learning environment. It is highly recommended to ask teachers that you have a strong relationship with to write these letters of recommendation, as they can attest to your academic and interpersonal skills. Try to find teachers who are familiar with your character, rather than just test grades. Remember that the goal is to show Grinnell College that you are a comprehensively complete applicant.
A recommendation letter from a school counselor or guidance counselor is required to apply to Grinnell College. High school counselors are constantly writing letters of recommendation for students, so asking them to create one for you is a fairly straightforward process. Ensure that they are at least somewhat familiar with your character and goals, as the purpose of this letter is to show Grinnell College that you are a comprehensively complete applicant.
Grinnell College Application Checklist
See our application checklist for Grinnell College below to ensure you complete and submit the proper materials.
Required Application Materials:
- Completed Common App
- Standardized Test Scores, such as the SAT or ACT
- 2 Letters of Recommendation from Teachers
- 1 Letter of Recommendation from a School Counselor
- Personal Statement (College Essay)
- Grinnell College Application Fee or Fee Waiver
- Academic Transcripts (at the time of submission and when senior year first semester grades are released)
Optional Application Materials:
- Additional Recommendation Letters (Teacher Evaluations)
Grinnell College Facts & Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grinnell College Public or Private?
Grinnell College is a private, non-profit university. Private universities’ primary sources of funding are through tuition, donations, and endowments. Although tuition may be higher at these nonprofit institutions, generous financial aid packages are more common than public schools. Tuition rates do not differ between in-state and out-of-state students.
How Many Students Does Grinnell College Have?
Grinnell College is known for having a smaller student body. Our latest data indicates there are 1713 undergraduate degree-seeking students enrolled. With a fewer students in each classroom, individuals are able to engage more with their classmates and professors. Office hours are accessible, and opportunities for networking and relationship-building are vast at Grinnell College.
How do I apply to Grinnell College?
Make sure you have all of the required application materials we covered on hand. You can learn more about the application process for this particular institution at Grinnell College’s Website.
Where is Grinnell College?
Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA. To visualize where Grinnell College’s campus is based in relation to Grinnell’s downtown area and landmarks, take a look at the interactive map below.
Grinnell College Campus Map
Final Thoughts on Applying to Grinnell College
Hopefully this guide helped you to learn more about the admissions requirements for Grinnell College. When applying to colleges, remember to keep in mind that not every school will be a good fit. Take the time to evaluate what’s most important to you, such as the school’s academic opportunities, financial aid benefits, and location. All of the application components we covered are important – take your time to put your best foot forward. The College Grid team wishes you the best of luck on your college applications!
Sydney Janssen
As a valedictorian in high school, I developed a strong passion for learning and pushing myself to achieve academic success. Now, as a first-generation college graduate, I'm excited to share my experiences and insights with others who may be navigating similar paths through College Grid.