Grinnell College - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

The pride and joy of Grinnell College is its academic reputation. When the football team loses, it’s negative 11 degrees outside, potheads smell up the lounges, and another giant pit has replaced an outdated building, Grinnellians can always fall back on the great education. Most classes are challenging but very rewarding, and most professors challenge students to think critically and demand a lot. Anything that is assigned helps student understand what they’re studying, rather than just passing out a deadline. Few professors give excessive homework, but this doesn’t mean it is easy—professors expect papers to be well thought-out and well written.

The fact that most of students are intelligent does not mean that everyone does well. The atmosphere is not competitive, and bad grades are common. Students are put on academic probation and can be subject to expulsion. The only course required is the Freshman Tutorial, a writing class that focuses on interesting topics. Your tutorial professor is automatically your advisor until you declare a major.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Most of the classes for my major... Most of the classes for my major (sociology) were interesting. The professors tried their best to make the class time go by fast. Most profs are older men who have a lot of experience in their field. We‘re starting to get more minorities and women professors, which is good. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Professors are very accessible,... Professors are very accessible, and they’re willing to help any student who comes to see them. They are engaging in class and very informative. The professors are concerned, not only about a student’s performance in class, but their general well-being in life. The classes are generally quite interesting. There are some classes that aren’t as good as others (i.e. statistics), but most classes are interesting and fun. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Your academic experience here... Your academic experience here depends entirely on the department you choose. They are all very willing to have one-on-one interactions with students; they enjoy their subjects, and they are genuinely interested in helping you in whatever way they can. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Classes are challenging, but well... Classes are challenging, but well worth the effort if you wake up in time to get to them. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Most of my teachers have been... Most of my teachers have been incredible, but a few have been really bad. Even at worst, professors are accessible at almost all hours and are competent in their field. At best (and best is often the case), the teachers serve to inspire and create an environment of comprehensive enjoyment for the material outside the classroom. I hated high school, but these classes are great. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

Did You Know?

The only required classes is the First-Year Tutorial and the requirements for your major.

In a fit of gender correctness, Grinnell uses “first-year student” instead of “freshman,” although some faculty prefer to use the term “freshling.”

Best Places to Study:
Burling Library, Bob’s Underground Café, “the Elbow” in Noyce

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