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Grinnell College Visit Report by M's Mom

Visit to Grinnell College in July 2007 by M's Mom
(Parent of Student, HS Class of 2008)
(Member since February 25 2007 with 760 posts)
 
6 of 8 people found this visit report helpful

Visit Activities:


Admissions Interview: Yes - The interview with my son lasted over an hour: If you take the trouble to visit, I guess they take the time to really get to know you.

Campus Tour: Yes - We had our own guide-as did the other family visiting at the same time. Our guide couldn't have been nicer. Again, if you take the trouble to visit, you get treated royally.

Campus:


Friendliness/Courtesy of Students:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent



Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent



Appearance of Campus:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent
Some construction going on for the new rec center-otherwise very attractive.


Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent



Dormitories:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent



Security/Safety:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent



Overall Campus Impression:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent


Off-Campus:


Area Immediately Around Campus:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
A cute neighborhood-feels very 1950s.


City/Town/Community:
3 - Good
3 - Good
Grinnell is a very small town and the campus is the main event. However, you are only an hour from Des Moines and Iowa City.

Campus Visit Notes for Grinnell College


Visit Description:

Contrary to reports in a now outdated college review, the dining hall food at Grinnell's new student union compares favorably to the highly rated dining halls at Bowdoin and Colby (we ate at all three). S is vegetarian and health conscious so this matters to him.

New dorms are very nice: Not sure about the older ones. S's dorm has air-conditioning, high ceilings, a kitchen on his floor, and is very clean and bright.

Grinnellians, even those not from the mid-west, seem to absorb some of the local culture, which is extremely friendly, unpretentious, unrushed, and helpful. Strangers say hello on the street.

Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:

The Phoenix Cafe has especially good middle-eastern influenced fare. Saints Rest is a nice coffee shop.

Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):

Check out the telescope at the observatory. The Grinnell History Museum is funky-see the hair art. And some interesting architecture, including the 'Jewel Box' by Louis Sullivan.