Why Grinnell

Colleges and Universities A-Z Grinnell College
101

<p>D decided to go to Grinnell over Wellesley, WashU, Carleton, and Bryn Mawr. She is very happy, and bemused by how few of her southeastern classmates know where it is. She considers it a lack of creativity on their part.</p>

102

<p>Congrats! Ds chose Carleton over Grinnell and just sadly wrote the letter to his Grinnell adcom. He really liked the school. The good news is one of his best friend’s chose Grinnell!</p>

103

<p>Congrats everyone! There are some great schools mentioned above.</p>

<p>To those going to Grinnell. My son chose Grinnell too and will be attending this coming fall. We are very excited and I look forward to continuing communications with you all here on CC.</p>

104

<p>I’m dropping the check in the mail for my son today
 the information on CC has been a big help. We’re really pleased and proud. Now
 to PAY for it!</p>

105

<p>If it hasn’t been mentioned yet, there is also a Grinnell parents’ listserve that you will be invited to join. It’s a great way to be connected, share info and ask questions of other Grinnell parents.</p>

<p>Youdon’tsay–I know just what you mean. It felt very hard to say no to so many wonderful schools. I’m sure your son will love Carleton.</p>

106

<p>Grinnell for us too!!</p>

107

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<p>How fun - SDoncc, I have b/g twins (juniors) and that was the same reaction - S was happy to go to school in the cornfield and D was not! We were quite impressed with Grinnell and would love it if S winds up there.</p>

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<p>That is SUCH the right attitude! I love it when hs seniors have such a mature attitude.</p>

108

<p>bump
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109

<p>bump
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110

<p>Very few northeasterners think to look at colleges in the midwest. Too bad for them!</p>

111

<p>Well, it’s hard enough to overcome the stereotypes without CC contributing with the header on the Grinnell site here:</p>

<p>“Amid the cornfields, most of them overcame loneliness, doubt – and the cold
”</p>

<p>This quote makes it sound like Grinnell sits in a cornfield, instead of in the center of a small college town of 9,000, about an hour in each direction from two cities.</p>

112

<p>You’re right, M’s Mom. It is an amazing place and I do try to open the eyes of my friends to the incredible value of some schools at a distance.</p>

113

<p>Bringing this thread back for those who are considering Grinnell this year.</p>

114

<p>the cornfields actually are beautiful! My son took a bike ride and reported that the scenery was “stunning.” This part of Iowa is beautiful, with rolling farmlands and wide open blue sky. On the way back to the airport after parents’ weekend, I thought the harvested fields were such a golden brown, they looked almost bronze.</p>

<p>To add to my earlier point about the variety of clubs, I have since learned that Grinnell has ExCo - experimental college, in which interested students (and others in the community, maybe?) teach a class about something they’re interested in. It might be dancing, cooking, whatever! These meet weekly and are just for fun. Other schools have this type of thing, too, but i only just learned about it at Grinnell through my son’s participation.</p>

115

<p>We well understand bemusement in the southeast–inward response: So how many folks in the Iowa/Wisconsin/MN etc have heard of Davidson?</p>

116

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<p>NCparent, probably quite a few. Why? Davidson, unlike virtually every other LAC, has a Division I basketball program, which means ESPN Sportscenter, which means publicity all over the country. I first heard of Davidson because I was watching Sportscenter highlights of NCAA basketball. Take away the DI basketball and what you are implying would be correct. </p>

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<p>The way ExCo’s work at Oberlin is similar, but they are not “just for fun.” You earn either .5 or 1 credit toward your degree. However, the number of ExCo credits that you can take toward your degree is extremely limited. I don’t remember the exact total, but it’s something like 6 credits, with a limit on how many you can take during any academic year, but that still allows for a decent number of ExCo courses during a student’s four-year matriculation. ExCos are a great way to learn something new including some fairly non-traditional stuff and earn a half or full credit in the process. Most ExCo’s don’t even require a paper or written exam. Grades are “pass/no pass.” But it’s impossible to fail an ExCo, really, unless you literally don’t show up or participate to any extent. I guess that’s the “fun” part. They are a relief from the rigor of your regular academic course load and a chance to learn about something that will never appear on the College’s regular course curriculum.</p>

117

<p>Here’s the number one reason “Why Grinnell:” because the corn kernels purchased at the farmers’ market makes the best stovetop popcorn!!</p>

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<p>How far is it to the coffeehouses and restaurants of the town - assuming there are any ? a walk?</p>

119

<p>about two blocks!</p>

<p>and, yes, there are coffeeshops, restaurants and stores in the town center, which has some historic buildings, beautiful plantings by the Garden Club, and a town green. Then there are things like Walmart, hardware store, supermarket and fast food restaurants places on the main road that leads towards the highway. </p>

<p>We had some really delicious meals in Grinnell!</p>

120

<p>The food is pretty good in Grinnell and many of the menus have a gluten free section. The coffee is good and the movie house plays new movies. I always have a great time when I go. I try and book at the local B&B so that I can walk every where. No need to drive unless you want to go to some of the historical sites located nearby or want to go to Iowa City or Des Moines. If your child goes book move in week asap at the B&B and book parents weekend too. Do this as soon as you find out that they got accepted. Otherwise you will have to stay at a chain motel/hotel. The B&B is very nice and the breakfast is great. Reasonable rates too.</p>