Grinnell students are genunine, interesting, involved, highly inteligent people who want to work to make the world a better place. I've made so many life-long friends. Friendships at Grinnell are so much deeper than the frienships I've seen at state schools because Grinnell attracts a very unique student--someone who's driven, motivated, and eager to be the best they can be in a challenging, socially-conscious environment.
Grinnell students come from all over the US and all over the world. We are about 11{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} international and 15{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} multicultural. I do, however, wish Grinnell was more diverse racially and ethnically because if you're a white American, it's intirely possible to surround yourself only with friends who look just like you--and that doesn't really broaden your horizons much. But, Grinnell is more diverse than some other schools in terms of sexual orientation--which I love! Grinnell students are much more open about their sexuality than many other institutions' students are. I think this is because Grinnell makes a big effort to be an accepting environment toward all. Grinnell students come from every socio-economic backgrounds. Although there are lots of wealthy students, they aren't the type of wealthy students you'd meet at an Ivy League school. You wouldn't know right off the bat that they were rich, and you don't need a lot of money at Grinnell to have fun. No one's ever talking about private jets, beach houses, or family investments. People at Grinnell love you for you and not for how much money you have.
A student who cares a lot about appearances, money, and social status would definitely be out of place at Grinnell. A student who isn't interested in intellectual conversations would also be out of place at Grinnell.
Most Grinnellians wear jeans to class although in the Spring and Summer it's common for girls to wear casual skirts or dresses. Normally, people don't really dress up for class, and girls who frequently wear heels to class are out of place. T-shirts are really common. Basically, appearance isn't a huge priority for Grinnellians. It's more about what you have to say.
Students at Grinnell are very politically aware and active. Not everyone is up on all the latest world events, but most people are at least interested. Because Grinnell is located in Iowa, presidential politics are big and nearly everyone is interested in the political theater that is the Iowa caucus. Most students are left of center, but if you aren't, you'll still be able to find people who match your political views, you'll just have to look a LOT harder.
Grinnellians don't talk about how much money they'll earn one day. Instead, they talk about how much they'll make a difference. Lots of Grinnellians work with non-profits or corporations that are socially responsible. Don't expect to get a degree at Grinnell and become a millionare. Grinnell opens your eyes to the plights of the real world and you can't help but want to improve some little part of that world once you leave Grinnell.