Melinda J Drees

Hometown: Fontanelle, Iowa

Degree: B.S. (Northwest Missouri State University)

Undergraduate major: Accounting

What I love about my job: I truly enjoy assisting international students and global nomads with the application process. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction when I am able to help a student clearly understand what documents we need to have submitted, or how to get them submitted to us so that we can accept them as “official.” Sometimes it takes some collaborative problem-solving to come up with a solution that works for both parties, but when we find a solution, it’s a win-win!

What I love about Grinnell: I love the small-town feel, seeing families out for walks and bike rides, the sounds of children laughing and playing in the neighborhood, the annual return of the lightning bugs each June, and the fact that I can drive to almost anywhere in town in about five minutes.

Hobbies/activities: I enjoy remodeling my home, crocheting, and working in the yard.

Advice about searching for schools: When my own children were doing their college searches, a good friend and colleague in the admission business gave our family some advice. He said that we should do our research, visit if we can, but in the end to be sure to listen to our gut. Which school feels right to you?

Advice about applying to schools: Many schools offer an online application portal where you can follow the status of your application file. At Grinnell, we call this an Applicant Status Page. Pay close attention to your portal to be sure that you are submitting all of the required documents on time, and that the colleges/universities are receiving them and processing them as you expect.