<p>I think Grinnell fits what I'm looking for in a college (small with intellectual and kind of off-beat students), but I may not have a chance to visit before I apply. I know that no one except an admissions person can really tell me what my chances are, but if anyone cares to give me an idea of whether Grinnell would be realistic for me, I'd appreciate it. If it is realistic, my parents have said that maybe we could visit in August - but getting to Iowa isn't easy or cheap, and we have already spent a lot visiting other colleges so they're kind of not thrilled with the idea and think I should just apply and visit if I get in. Is it hard to schedule local interviews with Grinnell? Will Grinnell hold it against me if I can't visit campus?</p>
<p>Anyhow, here is my information:
Male, won't need financial aid
4.1 weighted GPA, 3.80 unweighted right now, might be a little higher after first semester next year
4 years math, English, history, science, foreign language
6 AP courses/6 Honors courses, which is very good for my high school
SATs: 730reading, 710 math, 680 writing, 760 Literature, 750 Math 2
Will be at least a national merit commended scholar
I'd say my activites outside of school have been pretty solid and I have pursued some unusual interests/talents on my own as well. So far, admissions people at other colleges where I have interviewed have seemed enthusiastic about what I've done outside of school, but I know that probably is how they are with everyone.
My teacher recommendations should be good. My guidance counselor doesn't know me, so not sure about that one.</p>
<p>Thank you for any comments you may give. Also, if anyone has any information about the philosophy and economics departments at Grinnell, I would love to hear it. Also, would it help at all to send in an extra recommendation from an extra teacher or from my supervisor where I do community service? Thanks!</p>
<p>Philoboy,</p>
<p>My Dad is a Grinnell grad (philosophy major). I have visited the campus a few times with him. It's a very attractive place -- a blend of Collegiate Gothic (think Hogwarts) and modern architecture. There are a number of impressive new buildings including several residence halls, an athletic facility and a student center. The science building is undergoing expansion and renovation. While the campus and facilities are very impressive, the town of Grinnell is, by comparison, underwhelming. </p>
<p>In terms of pure academics, there are few better places in the US for undergraduates. While Grinnell doesn't have distribution requirements, it is known to be a very rigorous school, comparable to Carleton and Swarthmore. My Dad's classmate is a senior member of the Economics faculty. He teaches courses in behavioral economics, game theory and microeconomics. I believe the program is quite strong, sending its graduates to top-tier consulting firms and to top-ranked graduate programs. The philosophy program has expanded in the last decade, adding several new faculty members. It offers an extensive range of courses and is viewed to be strong. The two most popular departments at Grinnell are history and biology. Grinnell College, as you may know, ranks very highly in terms of the graduates per capita who earn the Ph.D.</p>
<p>As to your chances of admission, I consulted my Dad who serves as an alumni admissions interviewer. He says that you look quite competitive, but you should find a way for your ECs to stand-out more clearly. He also suggests that your recommendations come from people who've known you well over extended period of time. This increases the liklihood that they'll add real insight into the process. He also advises, if you do visit, that you go when the school is in session -- it will give you a greater sense of the place. If don't go, don't worry, it wont' be held against you. Grinnell will find someone in your area to interview you.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Wow! Thank you so much Balletgirl, that helps a lot. Please tell your father that I said thanks. I am going to try to visit, but because of school and the amount of time my extracurriculars demand, I won't be able to visit in the fall when classes are in session. :( But, maybe during the summer will at least let me talk to someone in admissions and take a tour. Thank you.</p>
<p>Check out Iowa Private College week if you're planning on visiting this summer. It's in early August, and the campus is a little more active than it usually is during the summer since a fair amount of people come in to see it.</p>
<p>You still have time to get to know your GC. Make a point of it. My son's HS GC asked parents for brag sheets and had the students pick teachers who knew them well to fill out a short questionnaire on them. Also interviewed him several times before writing the rec. If yours doesn't, try to be pro-active to get to know him or her. You do sound like a good candidate. My son chose Grinnell over 9 others. He felt he couldn't do better academically and the students felt just right to him. It's a lovely, lively campus, but a VERY small town and they DO have winter, so prepare for that.</p>
<p>TheBuse - just want to say thank you. I printed out the information about the Iowa College Week for my mother, and that helped convince her that one more college visit would be worth it. So, we'll be heading to Grinnell in August. I know it would be better to visit in the fall, but I'm happy just to be visiting at all. I will let you know how it goes. Bethievt, Thank you for the suggestions about gettng to know my guidance counselor. I'm going to be in her office as soon as school opens!</p>