Grinnell: 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into Grinnell College. We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to Grinnell, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown Grinnell statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out Grinnell College on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here. If you're interesting in transferring to Grinnell, the read our transfer guide. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at Grinnell

What GPA do you need to get into Grinnell College?

Grinnell College’s average GPA is 4.03. Grinnell College does require GPA. This average GPA means Grinnell College is brutally selective - the most competitive applicants in the world are already applying to the school, in hopes of taking up residence in Grinnell, and, somehow, you need to be better. Generally speaking, if your GPA is not at least equal to 4.03 then Grinnell College may be a reach. However, Grinnell College considers the ENTIRE application - we can make up for a weak GPA with more factors that we’ll discuss below. If your GPA is equal to or greater than 4.03, you’re sitting right in the sweetspot.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. Grinnell College may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on Grinnell’s campus. These Grinnell admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.

What is Grinnell College’s acceptance rate?

Last year Grinnell College’s acceptance rate was 24.91. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

As you can see, Grinnell College is getting more and more difficult to get into. If this trend continue it’s likely that Grinnell will be even more competitive by the time you apply.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into Grinnell - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

Does Grinnell College Require Test Scores?

Grinnell College requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how Grinnell College’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.

Grinnell College SAT Requirements

Grinnell College’s average SAT score is 1425 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether Grinnell College is getting more or less competitive.

Grinnell College’s average SAT score is 1425. To be a competitive applicant for Grinnell College your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 1320, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Grinnell College a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1530.

Grinnell College ACT Requirements

Grinnell College’s average ACT score is 94. To be a competitive applicant for Grinnell College your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 88, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Grinnell College a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 101.

How hard is it to get into Grinnell College?

As you can see from the data above, Grinnell College is difficult to get into. Not only should you be aiming for a 4.03 but also SAT scores around 1425.

Grinnell College Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into Grinnell College from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.

How to get into Grinnell

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into Grinnell. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at Grinnell, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.

Main Academic Excellence that is in line with Grinnell admission standards.

1. Score at least a 1425 on the SAT or 94 on the ACT.
2. Maintain a GPA of at least a 4.03.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with Grinnell’s Values.

1. Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If Grinnell College values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
2. Volunteer in your hometown. Grinnell has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Grinnell College wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader Grinnell area in general.
3. Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. Grinnell needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.

Prepare Your Application

1. Write a stellar essay that shows Grinnell College something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
2. Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your Grinnell app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
3. Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that Grinnell’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.