Please Chance Me: Grinnell RD 2025

Colleges and Universities A-Z Grinnell College
,
1

I am a middle-class white female from SC. I attend a large public high school. I have applied to Grinnell RD, I applied to another school REA that I’m still waiting to hear back from. I am potentially majoring in neuroscience or political science.

Standardized Tests

ACT Superscore: 34 (Eng 36, Math 28, Reading 36, Science 34, Writing 10)
SAT IIs: US History (800), Lit (710)
GPA: 3.8 UW/5.0 W
Rank: 12/376
AP Scores: US Gov 5, US History 5, Eng Lang 5, Seminar 5, AB Calc 5, Bio 4, Eng Lit 3

Coursework/Senior Year Workload

I have taken about 10 dual credit classes at a local college and will finish up with 10 AP classes. My other courses have been honors weighted.

ECs
Bank of America Student Leader/Intern (national summer program)
Girls State
I teach a class at my church and also tutor in my community (approx. 300 service hours)
Marching band (all 4 years)
Policy research intern at a nonprofit
Yearbook
National Honor Society

Honors and Awards
Bank of America Student Leader (honor separate from activity itself)
AP Scholar with Distinction/AP Capstone Diploma Candidate
Junior Marshal

Essays/Rec Letters

I think my Common App essay was fine. My letters of rec should be fine, one was written by a teacher who has taught me for several years, the other by another favorite teacher. The letter from my guidance counselor should be fine as well. I heard that Grinnell sends out a supplemental essay for RD applicants, which I plan to write when it is available.

Demonstrated Interest

Since Grinnell is one of my top-choice schools, I’ve tried to demonstrate interest by applying before the merit aid deadline, filing a preliminary application, attending several virtual sessions, attending a virtual tour, and having an interview with the school. I think my interview went well, of course it could have gone better but I was pleased with it.

I would have applied ED, but I decided to take a leap of faith and apply to my dream school REA.

I’m really excited about Grinnell overall and everything the school has to offer, but before I get my hopes up I need to know if I have a chance. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thank you in advance!

2

I’m a current student and tbh I think you’ve got a really strong chance. Most years I’d feel super confident but with everything going on it’s hard to say. I know about 100 students deferred admission from ‘24 to ‘25 and they haven’t released ed statistics or stated whether or not they plan to increase target class-size from 450 in order to compensate (which would paint a clearer picture). Trump won Iowa which could theoretically decrease applications(it did 4 years ago), but the new “no loans” thing might more than make up for it. As with so many things right now, it really is difficult to say, but again, you seem like a really strong applicant. I will say though, if you would have applied early decision to Grinnell if not for that one place, you could ed2 to Grinnell. Everywhere should release decisions before January 1, which is the ed2 deadline.

1 Like
3

Thank you so much for the advice :grinning:

4

Congratulations on your achievements so far.

I can’t chance you, but expect your app will garner serious consideration.

Do you have more schools on your list, and at least one affordable safety?

Does Grinnell look affordable per their net price calculator? If so, I might also consider the ED2 strategy, should your REA school not work out.

Good luck.

1 Like
5

Thank you so much for your advice! I do have other schools I’m considering. My in-state safeties are Clemson and UofSC, and I’m looking into Duke, Vanderbilt and a couple other out of state schools that I would consider reaches or hard targets.

I did use the net price calculator, the number was a little higher than I expected but I’m hoping to earn some scholarship money between now and decision time.

6

Sounds good.

Make sure to look at the policies of each school regarding outside scholarships…many colleges require the award to be sent directly to them, or at least divulged to them. Then, some colleges will reduce your need based aid accordingly.

Grinnell says they will remove work study first. https://www.grinnell.edu/admission/financial-aid/affording-grinnell/scholarships