Grinnell's admission board believes that strong, consistent performance in a challenging college-preparatory program is the best indicator of your potential success in college. The recommended secondary school program includes:

• four years of English
• four years of mathematics or through Pre-Calculus
• three years of a laboratory science
• three years of a foreign language and
• three years of social science
  

Roughly 50% of our decision is based on the high school transcript (GPA, class rank, the rigor of your program, how well you took advantage of the opportunities available to you), 25% is based on standardized test scores (ACT/SAT-- we accept either), and 25% of our decision is based on Promise of Contribution (extracurricular activities, essay, recommendations, and an interview if you had one). An admission interview is not required but is highly recommended. Interviews are available on campus or around the country and the world by staff and alumni.