The link in post #18 has a great outline. Student visa Issues: #8 refers to problems of a non-brand name university & worthless majors.
So what happens now? Does the OP have to wait a certain amount of time to re-apply for another visa?
@MYOS1634 On my I20, the major is listed as “Liberal arts and sciences.” I have a letter from the college which states that we declare our major in the sophomore year and a new I20 is issued after that.
@hpcsa Thank you! @twoinanddone I have reapplied indeed. Will get to know of my appointment date by today.
Email Grinnell ASAP.
Ask them in particular if they typically put “liberal arts &sciences” because even for undecided students there must be a major on the I20 - that could be a cause for rejection. Especially nowadays (not sure if you’ve followed US news but we have a new president and he doesn’t like foreigners much so it can trickle down in odds ways in embassies.)
On the off chance that the officer doesn’t know Grinnell’s standing, bring a USNWR national liberal arts colleges ranking page and a Forbes ranking of the 3-5 colleges before and after it.
But ask Grinnell.
The issue may well be the vague “major” listed, so they need to be aware of the issue (for you and in general) and ask how they’ve solved it in the past as I’m sure it’s happened before. They may even have specific advice as to ways to answer the questions.
Presumably the underlying issue resulting in the non-immigrant visa denial based on 214(b) is not related to Grinnell College or the indicated Major at all, in this case. Boiler-plate Form 214(b) should state the reason for F-1 visa refusal.
Primarily, to overturn the earlier 214(b) visa denial, OP will need to convince the Consular Officer that he/she intends to return to home country after study related stay in the United States and that his/her financial situation is such that he/she can afford all study and travel related cost without having to seek unauthorized employment in the U.S.
Proving strong ties to ones home country may seem simple on the surface, yet can be very difficult depending on personal circumstances, i.e. in cases of previous visa overstays, family members living in the US, financial circumstances etc. etc.
Unfortunately less than 1% of visa applicants are able to overcome an earlier refusal due to 214(b).
Regardless op needs to contact Grinnell ASAP.
The first paragraph in post #25 is incorrect. It is absolutely related to unfamiliar school & non-worthy or non-valued major. This is not uncommon. That is why you were asked for a list of other schools to which you applied. Officer unfamiliar with Grinnell & no specific major is almost automatic denial.
@MYOS1634 Sure, certainly, absolutely no harm in OP doing so. Nevertheless, all Grinnell College is responsible for at this stage is to issue an I-20 to the potential student and to enter his/her information into SEVIS. As long as this information is correct and complete, as it presumably will have been, there is nothing else Grinnell could possibly be doing for the admitted student at this stage. It is then OP’s responsibility to obtain an F-1 visa, in order to be able to enter the US and start attending courses at Grinnell College. Once a potential student informs an US college/university that he/she is unable to obtain a student visa, as virtually happens many, many times every summer, the potential student becomes what is sometimes described as ‘summer melt’. Sad but true.
Summer melt is different from what you’re describing.
And Grinnell, being highly selective, expects that every one of their handpicked scholars will make it to their college. Further, the college culture means they will want to help.
Sure, I trust OP will keep us posted about the final outcome. We all sure wish him all the best! Unfortunately, every summer most US Colleges and Universities have cases of admitted International Students who are unable to attend due to F or J visa refusals by US Consulates, based on stringent requirements for issuing non-immigrant visa. This is not related to Grinnell College in any way, which is simply following a well defined SEVIS process for International Students.
Post #30 is incorrect with respect to stating “This is not related to Grinnell College in any way…” in the respect that if Grinnell College is unknown to the official he or she has the discretionary authority to deny the visa. That joined with a student designed major caused the denial.
I have written to the college for recommendations on the questions in concern. Thank you so much for helping out! I have my interview next week and will inform you guys of the outcome.
So, it’s the college policy that the students aren’t allowed to declare a major until the second year in order for them to openly explore all aspects and experience liberal arts fully. The college has never had a VISA rejection based on this.
Then the official did not trust you.
The US Consulate Officer would not reject a visa application simply based on the fact that he/she might not have heard of Grinnell College. SEVIS is based on an accreditation process for participating US colleges and universities, which goes far beyond a CO having to assess the issuing institution during the visa interview. Grinnell College issuing the I-20 and stating one of their Majors, including Undecided, would most certainly not be the reason for this 214(b) visa denial.
Hi guys! Thank you for your support! My visa was accepted this time around without any hassle.
Congratulations !!! Very happy for you 
Grinnell is such a superb school and for them to admit you with such a scholarship meant they really wanted you to attend.
What did you do differently?
@MYOS1634 Thank you so much!!
The first question was same as before, relating to how many schools I applied to. This time around, I made sure to stress on why Grinnell was my first choice and informed them about the family business without waiting for a direct question. I was then questioned more on the business, my scholarship, and family properties. I wasn’t asked for any documents.