Grinnell College Top Questions

explore the posibilities and options. do not be afraid, trust your logic and instinct.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember in selecting a college is the importance of the all-around experience for the individual. Though academics are an incredibly important part of college, in order fo a student to truly thrive, s/he must be in an environment that is nurturing not only intellectually, but also socially. When choosing a college, the student should look for a campus that can feel like a home. The student will experience the most personal and intellectual growth when s/he is surrounded by peers who are passionate about academics and about being a part of the college community. While at college, the student should take every opportunity to engage in extracurriculars, especially those which are unfamiliar, so as to grow as a person and become more deeply inculcated into the community. My best experiences in college came from working with student government, the college newpaper, theatre, and unconventional musical ensembles such as Javanese Gamelan. College should be a time when you experience many new things, make very close friends, and begin to ascertain what it is that you want out of your life and what you wish to give back to the global community.

It helped me to visit campuses. After seeing several larger universities with city campuses, I realized I wanted a small school in a rural area. Once I figured that out, it made it a lot easier to narrow down my choices!

Start early and don't rush. Make visits to the colleges that you are interested in and make a second visit if possible to your top choices once they are determined. Visits are one of the easiest ways to feel if a college is right.

go wherever you feel right - not for the name or the reputation

Don't buy into the name of a college - I went to UCLA before going to Grinnell College because it was more prestigious, but I found that I was getting a sub-par education. I've learned that the amount I impressed someone with the name of my school wasn't as important as the educational opportunities that Grinnell has provided me. I've been able to do things at Grinnell that I never would have been able to do at UCLA because I had no sense of how to maneuver through such a big school. So: if you don't know what you want to do, go to a school that has good advising programs or strong relationships between teachers and students.

Don't worry.

Don't listen to what hs college counselors try to force you into doing.

I would say to try to visit the school and to ask the students (different races of students) on their opinion about the college along with faculty and staff. Also try staying overnight, so that the potential studnet can get a feel of the night-life at the college without thier parents. It helps.

As long as your student is committed to their education, one really shouldn't pressure himself or herself to find the "perfect" institution. There is value in what each school, student body and faculty/staff has to offer. This is NOT the most important decision of your life. Just resolve to make the most out of whichever place you end up choosing. And have fun doing it.