<p>is a visit necessary -or just recommended -for admission, especially for an app with an ACT on the lower end of mid 50?</p>
<p>same question for an interview.</p>
<p>we are very short of funds right now and from chicago. maybe we can hit grinnell at a college fair b4 RD?</p>
<p>changing channels,</p>
<p>I saw that a goodly number of students major in math - I believe 6 pct per cb - does anyone know if there is an applied math pgm at grinnell? is there a computer science pgm, too? how extensive -how good are these? any opportunities for research here?</p>
<p>Grinnell lists having an interview as an "important’ factor in admissions on its Common Data Set, and I would think that coming from the Chicago area your child would be at a disadvantage not trying to get one, either on or off campus. My S was admitted without an interview, but we live far away and he did ask for an alumni interview (they just couldn’t accommodate him). </p>
<p>Definitely opportunities for research in all areas at Grinnell. Check out the academic offerings on the website. I know they have computer science department, but I am not really familiar enough with math or CS to answer your question more fully.</p>
<p>I think Grinnell has an admission counselor based in Chicago. Contact the admission office and maybe they can put you intouch with the representative. They could probably do an interview in the Chicago area.</p>
<p>There is a computer science major at Grinnell. I’m not sure about applied math. </p>
<p>As far as research, Grinnell has wonderful summer opportuniies for students called “MAPs” (for mentored advance projects). Students are paid a generous stipend and earn four academic credits for doing ten weeks of research on their own projects under the supervision of a faculty member. One of the perks arising from Grinnell’s huge endowment. I’m sure there are other opportunities for research as well. </p>
<p>I would strongly encourage a visit if at all possible and an interview. If you absolutely can’t get to campus (and I would think you could do a day trip from Chicago, although it would be a very long day) make sure you ask for an alumni interview. Son found his alumni interview to be a very positive experience.</p>
<p>i think Grinnell brings in kids from the Chicago area on a bus sometimes to visit the school. I’m not positive about this, but you might check with admissions.</p>
<p>I think that an interview is very important especially if at the lower end of the test scores. You should call and see if you can set up an interview. My D had a great interview in NY and then applied early decision without ever visiting the campus. She is very happy there.</p>