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Grinnell, IATest-optional~15% admit rate

Grinnell CollegeSAT & ACT Scores

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1410–1540 on the SAT and 31–34 on the ACT.

Admitted-student score ranges

Each bar shows the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile) of admitted students. Aim for the upper end to be comfortably competitive.

SAT total1410 – 1540
40080012001600

The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1410 and 1540 on the SAT total.

ACT composite31 – 34
1122436

The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 31 and 34 on the ACT composite.

Test25th percentile75th percentile
SAT total14101540
ACT composite3134

What the “middle 50%” actually means

These are not cutoffs. The 25th percentile (1410 SAT / 31 ACT) means a quarter of admitted students scored at or below it, and the 75th percentile (1540 SAT / 34 ACT) means a quarter scored at or above it. Half of admitted students land inside the range — and students are admitted both below and above it every year, because scores are only one part of the application.

Grinnell College is test-optional

Grinnell College does not require an SAT or ACT score, but will consider one if you submit it. Because the range below reflects students who chose to submit, a score at or above the 25th percentile (1410 SAT / 31 ACT) generally strengthens your application — while a lower score is usually better left off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honest answers about SAT and ACT scores for Grinnell College, from the data above.

What SAT score do I need for Grinnell College?+
There is no fixed cutoff. The middle 50% of recently enrolled Grinnell College students scored between 1410 and 1540 on the SAT, so a competitive target is around 1540 (the 75th percentile). A score near 1480 would sit close to the middle of admitted students.
Is a 1410 SAT good enough for Grinnell College?+
A 1410 sits at roughly the 25th percentile — about a quarter of enrolled students scored at or below it, so it is within range but on the lower end. Admitted students at that level typically stand out in other ways (grades, rigor, essays, activities). Aiming closer to 1540 gives you more margin.
What ACT score do I need for Grinnell College?+
The middle 50% of recently enrolled students scored 31–34 on the ACT. A composite around 34 would place you near the top of that range; 31 is roughly the 25th percentile.
Is Grinnell College test-optional or test-required?+
Grinnell College does not require an SAT or ACT score, but will consider one if you submit it. Because the range below reflects students who chose to submit, a score at or above the 25th percentile (1410 SAT / 31 ACT) generally strengthens your application — while a lower score is usually better left off.

Know your score before you apply

See where you stand against Grinnell College's ranges today, then build a plan to close the gap. The full-length adaptive diagnostic is free — no account needed to start.

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Score ranges describe the middle 50% of Grinnell College’s admitted students (Fall 2025 entering class (Grinnell class profile)); they are not admission cutoffs or guarantees. Grinnell is test-optional through Fall 2026 admission and reviews scores only if submitted. Figures are compiled from official Common Data Set and college sources and may differ slightly from the most recent cycle — always confirm with Grinnell College’s admissions office.

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