<p>We just got back from commencement weekend at Grinnell. It was the first time we'd been back in a few years and, of course, our first commencement. The college made a whole weekend out of it--starting with a senior talent show on Saturday night--through the picnic after graduation on Monday. It's clear there is a really tight community of students who are bright and engaged -- really interested in learning, doing, questionning -- not just going through the motions. After four years, my son has mixed feelings about leaving. He's sad to leave all of his friends, but happy to be moving on to the next phase of life. His major complaint with Grinnell was getting in and out of town. A car would have helped. He's planning to move to Chicago, where there are lots of Grinnell alumni and, no doubt, an active alumni group.</p>
<p>Over the four years he's been there, the college has invested in student "quality of life" facilities -- the new dorms, physical fitness center and the amazing new Joe Rosenfield Center (dining hall and student activities building). They are also about to finish an addition to the Science building -- and are planning for the next phase of the athletic facilities. Grinell has about the best facilities I've seen in a small college. All-in-all, it was a great four years - that flew by faster than we could have imagined.</p>
<p>My son will be starting there in August. We also feel the campus is a really special place, even more so with the new student center. I wish they's start sending us "welcome to Grinnell" stuff.</p>
<p>bethievt, my daughter just finished her first year at Grinnell and I do remember our thoughts a year ago. We were very anxious for contact with the school. My D wanted to know her tutorial options, roommate info, etc.</p>
<p>I now realize why you most likely will not begin receiving info until the middle or end of June, the staff is extremely busy from April until the first week of June. April is busy with visiting seniors trying to make final decisions, May with class registration, "Hell Week", and finals. Then graduation weekend as described by Snorky above and next weekend is Alumni weekend. You will begin to receive info, they just have to "clear the decks" first.</p>
<p>I noticed from another post that your son will be attending the GOOP canoe trip for first years. My daughter participated in that trip and really enjoyed it! If you have any questions about anything, I would be happy to try to answer them! My daughter had a very good experience this past year.</p>
<p>I guess I'm just an impatient person. I'm sure they are busy. When we visited last year in April, I wasn't aware that they were also hosting accepted students. This year, I realized how much work that must be. I think the admissions dean is also retiring?</p>
<p>I'm hoping the GOOP will be fun for him. He's never camped for more than one night at a time, but he really wanted to take the first opportunity to meet fellow students. I do think he will love Grinnell.</p>
<p>Bethievt,
If you haven't made reservations for Family Weekend (Sept. 28-30), you may want to do that ASAP. There are two new hotels in town, a Best Western and a Comfort Inn. We have also stayed at the Country Inn and Suites and the Days Inn. There are 2 bed and breakfasts but they are already booked for Family Weekend.</p>
<p>I've already made reservations at the Country Inn and Suites for that weekend. Looking forward to driving him there in August for the GOOP (it also means he can move into dorm early) and then coming back for orientation. We will get lots of points at that place!</p>
<p>Queener,
The canoe trip is for incoming first year students. It is called GOOP (Grinnell Outdoor Orientation Program) and takes place the week prior to new student orientation. You can take a look at the website for specifics, it is listed under Athletics, then Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP), then GOOP. My daughter participated last year and thought it was great. Let me know if you have any other questions.</p>
<p>I was considering Grinnell but I only had a few reservations. I know that it is a very small school with a 1000 something students. Does anyone know if the community/atmosphere can seem... TOO small at times/stifling? Is there a lot to do? Good social life? Also, as of now I have a 3.35 gpa (ehh I know) with R 750 W 750 and M 770 for the SAT. SAT IIS: MAth 2C=760 and Bio E=740. How are my chances? I have lots of extracurriculars/sports and music and art awards and such things like that. I'm just really worried about my gpa.</p>
<p>We found out about the canoe trip on the website under students and then outdoor education program. I guess I was haunting the website, impatient for more info after son chose Grinnell. Or maybe he found it himself. I'm surprised too that they don't mail or e-mail info to all incoming students.</p>
<p>Grinnell also send out an email to our son's Grinnell email account about the canoe trip. Instructions to set up the email account was sent in the "new student" packet he received.</p>