Pieter Hansen ’19

Admission Counselor

Offices, Departments, or Centers: Admission ,

Hometown: Worthington, Ohio

Degree: B.A. (Grinnell College)

Undergraduate major: Political science, concentration in global development studies

What I love about my territory: In the process of meeting so many incredible students and counselors, I love the pour-overs at Stauf's in Columbus, walks at the Wildflower Garden in Minneapolis and the Duke Gardens in Durham, and browsing Politics and Prose in the D.C. area.

What I love about Grinnell: The sunrises and sunsets are incredible!

Hobbies/activities: I enjoy evening bike rides, iPhone photography, Settlers of Catan with my colleagues, rewatching “The Office,” and — when I'm on the road — plane-spotting at new airports.

Advice about searching for schools: Find a place where you feel comfortable as a prospective student. Adjusting to college and finding success and happiness is much easier if you're in a place where you feel at home.

Advice about applying to schools: The application essay is a great place to share your personality, but don't feel pressure to write something profound. Some of the best essays I’ve read are about a favorite daily ritual or a fun memory. If you pick a topic that you enjoy writing about, the final product will likely be better.