Grinnell Biology Major

Academics are challenging, rewarding, and fulfilling than I ever would have expected. Most everyone would say that it is tough, but I left the school having grown academically and having formed bonds with my professors that I will never forget. In my experience, I never heard or saw evidence of students competing with each other. In fact, I would not have made it through certain science classes had it not been for the generosity of my fellow students. Science students often work through homework assignments together, which raises the level of learning. Class participation at Grinnell is important to almost every professor.
Professors at Grinnell are incredible. Every single prof knows every single student in his/her class and will go to considerble lengths to help. Students are encouraged to visit office hours. I have been to lunch multiple times with more than one of my professors.
The biology department is fun, lots of cool profs who are generous with their time and always give you a smile and a hello in the hallways. There are also weekly biology seminars held for the department that are enthusiastically attended, where students and visiting professors share their work. Many departments have this sort of sense of solidarity with their fellow majors.

Grinnell's student body is incredibly diverse. Coming from a large city on the west coast, I learned so many things from people all over the country and all over the world. Many of these people are still my closest friends. No student would feel out of place in this open, caring environment where everyone feels comfortable to speak their mind in a casual setting.

Grinnell has a very large list of activities for a small school and better yet, anyone can be involved. Beginners are always welcome to anything. If you have an interest and its not available, the school will fund you to start and lead a group dedicated to that interest. There is anything ranging from intramural sports to improv. Many people would say that the ultimate frisbee team is one of the most popular groups on campus.
On the weekends, there is so much to do that does not involve drinking. The college brings professional music and performing arts groups to campus and students see all shows for free. New release movies are also played on campus and student music group concerts abound. There is also a game room in the student center and there are so many odd-ball events going on that you can choose between things like dive-in movies at the pool or observatory open house nights. On the other hand, even though there is no Greek life at Grinnell, students are always up for a good time.

Grinnell is the best thing that has happened to my life! I came to think of the faculty as family.