<p>Obviously there is no one kind of student that attends Grinnell, but in general, what types of people attend the school? I've read things saying that the majority of the students are hyper liberal. Are the students diverse and well rounded?</p>
<p>My son is a first year. The great thing is acceptance, however, I've heard that there aren't a lot of Republicans. Still, I think diversity is rewarded.</p>
<p>Reading my previous post, I don't even understand it myself, so I'll try again.</p>
<p>Grinnell students are a pretty diverse bunch. About 15% of last year's entering class was international--they give good financial aid to international students. Another big %age was/is minority students--I think 20% last year. And students from all 50 states.</p>
<p>No frats or sororities, lots of walk-on sports. The students seem to be unconventional thinkers who are very accepting of each other. Students tend to take academics very seriously but are able to laugh at themselves. Unpretentious, casual, fun-loving, work-hard, play-hard.</p>
<p>There is a Republican club, but it may not have many members. Go to their website and look at their big wacky list of clubs. That will tell you a lot about the students.</p>
<p>bethievt, how are the sports teams, how competitive/intense are they and how much do they expect of you? My main concern (obviously) is academics, and if the time dedication required for sports is extremely heavy I doubt I could play at an intercollegiate level.</p>
<p>One of the assistant coaches of the football team got in contact with me because I have a background in football, and they want me on the team my first year even though I have a back injury, I haven't played in several years and as a result of both I have a lot of strength issues to work through that would probably keep me from playing until my sophomore year. But they're going to send me all the information active players get, they're going to put me on a program and they're probably going to have me on the practice squad my first year.</p>
<p>My main concern, as I said, is academics, so I was wondering what effect you'd think this might have as far as how time consuming it might be, how rigorous the travel schedule is, etc etc</p>
<p>I know nothing about sports except that it is generally easy to get on a team, though my son's roomie had a negative experience with the baseball coach. The basketball team has a very intense run-and-gun style called "The System" that is pretty cool.</p>
<p>The academics are rigorous but most students find the time to do extra-curriculars and community service.</p>
<p>I hope someone who knows more about sports will come on to answer your questions.</p>
<p>My brother just so happens to be on the team. They actually have just shifted to a new head coach, with the old Coach Wallace moving to Athletic Director. My brother says the new coach is really turning things around, I'd say give football a try if its something YOU like and want to pursue. You can always give it up. My brother is working very hard between academics and football but it is possible.</p>