Lyndon Brown, Grinnell College

Lyndon lived most of his life abroad in Asia and the Middle East, and attended the American School of Dubai for three years. But when it came to college, Lyndon returned to his home country, landing in the heart of the U.S. Midwest. The Grinnell College freshman explains what attracted him to a classical liberal arts education and shares its distinct advantages.

IO: Hi Lyndon. What initially drew you to apply to Grinnell? Was it always on your radar, or did you discover it later in your college search?

Lyndon: I discovered Grinnell College in Iowa after taking a summer economics course at UCLA and realizing that a large public university wasn’t the right fit for me. I felt sure I wanted to attend a high-caliber school, but preferred the idea of studying in a customized academic environment with smaller class sizes. My dad attended Occidental College because he also preferred personalized learning, and this inspired me to look into liberal arts colleges.

IO: How did you confirm this feeling, and what ultimately made you choose a liberal arts college – and Grinnell in particular – over other options?

Lyndon: I considered larger universities and enjoyed some of the tours, especially the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a few University of California schools. However, as I toured more campuses, I found myself continually drawn to the liberal arts college experience and emphasis on undergraduate teaching. After doing further research and learning more about Grinnell College, its strong academic opportunities, large endowment, and reputation for supporting students who are applying to graduate school, I knew I wanted to apply. 

IO: Grinnell is known for its open curriculum and a history of student self-governance. How have they shaped your experiences?

Lyndon: Grinnell’s open curriculum was a significant factor in my decision to attend. I really liked the freedom to take classes that aligned with my interests rather than having to “check boxes” to meet general education requirements. Recently, I learned more about self-governance at Grinnell through a class all students take called First-Year Experience. So far, I enjoy the flexibility the open curriculum offers, as it allows me to focus on subjects I’m most passionate about. Before arriving, I knew I enjoyed economics, but I’ve also discovered that I’m very interested in pre-law studies and history as well.

IO: What has been the most surprising or enjoyable aspect of the academic experience at Grinnell?

Lyndon: The level of engagement with professors has been one of the best parts of my experience so far. Grinnell College doesn’t have a graduate school, so there are no Ph.D. students teaching classes; professors teach all classes. They typically hold office hours twice a week for two hours, which has been incredibly valuable. I make a point of attending these sessions regularly, as the one-on-one learning opportunities have helped me understand the material on a much deeper level.

IO: How would you describe Grinnell’s student community, and what is the social scene like at a smaller, rural college?

Lyndon: Grinnell’s student body is definitely diverse – around 20% of students are international. I’d say the community is very intellectually curious and open-minded. The social scene is what you make of it. Due to the town's smaller size, most socializing occurs on campus. Student organizations and residential houses host a variety of events, such as house parties, providing plenty of opportunities to connect with others.

IO: Are there any particular traditions, clubs, or other activities that you’ve especially enjoyed?

Lyndon: I have joined a few clubs and have really enjoyed them. One of them, Pioneer Capital Investments, has helped me develop my investing skills. The club manages a portion of Grinnell’s substantial endowment, a fund that grew significantly due to the investment strategies advised by Warren Buffett when he served as a trustee. I have also joined the Mixed Martial Arts club, where I have been an assistant coach for Muay Thai. Both activities keep me busy in a rewarding way.

IO: Did the reality of attending Grinnell align with what you expected when you applied? 

Lyndon: I knew college would be more challenging than high school, and that’s definitely been the case. While AP classes claim to be college-level, my courses at Grinnell have been significantly more complex. The biggest adjustment I had to make was managing my time more effectively. Homework takes longer, and I’ve learned that starting assignments and studying earlier is essential. On the plus side, I only have a couple of hours of class a day, which is an advantage. That’s the tradeoff for having more homework.

IO: How has Grinnell supported your career development, internship search, or research interests? 

Lyndon: Grinnell offers excellent career resources. I have already visited the Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) several times because it offers resumé reviews, workshops, and some networking opportunities. At networking events, I’ve had the chance to connect with alumni who have shared valuable advice about their career paths after Grinnell. It’s an incredibly helpful resource, especially for those who are still figuring out their future plans. I have considered pursuing a career in law and am testing that interest by taking a law class this semester, but I am still undecided about my career goals. 

IO: Have there been other unique educational or practical opportunities that you have done or plan to do? 

Lyndon: I have been looking into internships for this summer at a regional bank headquartered in Iowa City. I met with CLS, and they provided support with interview preparation as well as funding options for some of the unpaid internships I was considering. Budgeting for housing and food was a concern, but the CLS Department had resources available to alleviate my worries. Their guidance has been incredibly helpful in navigating the internship process. 

IO: What advice would you give to high school students who are considering liberal arts colleges but may not be familiar with them?

Lyndon: Keep an open mind. Initially, I wanted to attend a large school with a well-known name. However, after further research into liberal arts colleges and first-hand experience on a large university’s campus, I had a much clearer idea of my preferences. Liberal arts colleges offer a level of academic flexibility and personal attention that can be hard to find at larger universities.

If you think you might want to attend graduate school, I would take a serious look at liberal arts colleges, as they are known for offering excellent preparation. Additionally, consider the jobs students secure directly after college. Many liberal arts colleges are well-known among employers, who frequently hire their students.

Finally, I would recommend speaking to current students to gain a better understanding of the campus life and culture. I spoke to some Grinnell students during the application process, and they all sounded incredibly enthusiastic and excited about the College. This feedback made me feel more confident in my decision.