For Counselors

You may already have students in mind. Ones who are curious about practically everything. Ones who are passionate about making a difference. Ones who seize opportunities. Ones who are accepting dynamic, genuine, influential, inquisitive, and resolute.

As a counselor for high school students or a college advisor for a community-based organization (CBO), you are among our most important partners in identifying students who will thrive at Grinnell. And the individually advised learning they undertake here will equip them to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

Let us support you:

Join our counselor mailing list

Request materials

Peek behind the scenes

A cohort of Laurel Scholars sits at a restaurant table

Laurel Scholarship and Mentorship Program

This program is a Chicago-based, small mentorship program that offers pre-arrival programming, a full-tuition scholarship, and additional need-based financial aid to assist with the cost of room and board for those who qualify.

Nominate a Laurel Scholar!

students walking on campus in front of Gates Tower

President's Scholarship for Community Building

The scholarship recognizes future Grinnellians who demonstrate intercultural understanding, empathy, cooperation, community-building, and an interest in positive change-making.

Nominate a President's Scholar!

Identifying Strong Applicants

What makes a competitive applicant?
Generally, competitive candidates will have completed:
- 4–5 academic subjects for each term in 10th–12th grades
- 4 years of English
- 4 years of natural science, 2 of which should be lab science
- 3 years of a foreign language
- 2 years of social science (3 recommended)
- 4 years of mathematics (including calculus for students interested in STEM)
Class of 2027 Profile
- SAT ERW – 700-760 (mid-50 percent range)
- SAT Math – 720-790 (mid-50 percent range)
- ACT – 31-34 (mid-50 percent score range)
- 30% domestic students of color
- 20% international students
- 17% first-generation students
Overview of Application Process

Application Requirements
International Applicants

Guidance for Counselors of International Students

Grinnell is one of the most international liberal arts colleges in the United States. With 20% of students being non-U.S. citizens from 55+ countries and 80+ citizenships, our students find support from the Office of International Student Affairs, our Friends of International Students Program, and more. If you are working with an international applicant, there are a few things that make the application process for international students different that you should know: from how students are read in our process, to what documents are required. We encourage you to reach out to the Office of Admission with specific questions and share our virtual visit opportunities with your students.

Information for International Applicants and Prospective Students

International Admission FAQ
Affording Grinnell

Financial Aid

Grinnell is proud to practice need-blind admission for domestic students and meet 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students, regardless of citizenship. We also offer merit-based scholarships that range from $12,000-$25,000 per year.

Scholarships and Grants

How to Apply for Aid

Financial Aid FAQs
Working Together

Partnerships

Our diverse community is comprised of students, faculty, and staff from many socioeconomic, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds, and we work hard to keep it that way. One way we do this is by partnering with community–based organizations (CBOs) or national and international organizations designed to help create college-going cultures in underserved communities. We are proud to work with many organizations, from QuestBridge, to the Davis United World College Scholars Program, and more.

Check out our full list of partner organizations
For Your Students

Visiting Campus

The best way for students to get a sense of the academic and social atmosphere at Grinnell is to visit.

Individual visits can include student-led campus tours, information sessions, interviews, class visits, and informal question-and-answer sessions.

Large-scale programs occur every season and range from winter Junior Visit Day to fall Discover Grinnell to spring admitted student programs.

Diversity travel opportunity allows students from diverse backgrounds to apply to visit Grinnell for free during one of our fall Discover Grinnell programs.

Virtual presentations are available upon request and can include an admission counselor and current students.

Group visits are welcomed for students from high schools and community-based organizations upon request.
Welcome

Counselor Visits

We think Grinnell is a pretty special place, and we love it when high school counselors, teachers, coaches, independent counselors, or representatives of community-based organizations come to see it for themselves. We are happy to host you on campus for a tour, information session, and a meeting with your region’s admission representative (if they are available during your visit). Schedule your in-person visit to Grinnell today.

Can’t come to our campus? Our admission representatives host a variety of events throughout the world every fall and spring. These public events may include presentations from admission and financial aid staff, faculty, current students, and alumni. We also partner with other colleges and universities to host events that allow prospective students to learn about similarities and differences among a variety of institutions. Check out what events are happening near you.