liek0806

I love the idea of Reed, I was wondering what schools are like reed in terms of the student body being quirky, and lively.

easy13wayout

I hear Hampshire College is similar to Reed. However, I don't think, in my opinion, that any other school is actually like Reed. It's one of a kind.

liek0806

Definitely, how about schools similar to reed. Would Vassar and Wesleyan be two?

wbwa

Reed is in its own niche world.

But definitely look at Wesleyan. Vassar less of an overlap.

Be sure to look at Carleton and Oberlin. Might also consider Grinnell, Haverford, Swarthmore and Whitman.

kayakmom

with interesting people

Caleno

Try U. of Chicago. Like Reed, a paragon of quirky and lively.

Weskid

I liked Reed a lot back when I was looking at colleges (mainly because of the student body). I also really liked:

Wesleyan (ended being my first choice), Brown, Vassar, Carleton, Pomona, Oberlin, Occidental, Skidmore. Of those, Wes and Oberlin reminded me the most of Reed. Carleton also had a similarly quirky and intellectual, though less alternative, atmosphere.

I agree that UChicago is a possibility, as is Swarthmore. Those two, along with Reed, are often listed together as having similarly intense academic experiences, and both have quirky student bodies (though not in quite the same was as Reed, so you’ll have to see if they also appeal to you).

Some other possibilities: Pitzer, Grinnell, Colorado College. If you like the Portland area, I’ve heard good things about Lewis + Clark as well, and it might serve as a good match or safety.

On the more alternative side, Hampshire, Evergreen State and Bard have overlap with Reed.

liek0806

I love the idea of Reed, I plan on applying as a transfer for Fall 09 and wanted to start compiling a list of schools similar to Reed, so I appreciate everyone's contributions. I was definitely thinking Pitzer.

liek0806

With a school like Swarthmore, I can see how the comparisson can be made in terms of the rigorous academics, but are the student bodies similar in being fun and quirky. I've read college guide books, and they always state Swarthmore as having more of a student body who are all about studying and school.

berryblossoms

It is pretty hard to categorize Reed along with other schools, but here are some schools I applied to and I know many other class of 2012ers also applied to...

Macalester
Oberlin (this place especially...)
Bard
Wesleyan
Carleton
Swarthmore
Lewis & Clark
UChicago
Hampshire
Grinnell

Weskid

This depends on who you ask...some say that the student body is slightly quirky but focused on school, others would say its in the fun and quirky catagory. I think it would be worth looking into more for you (either visit before application go out, or maybe, if you can't do that, apply and then visit if you get in), though if you come up with a good list of other schools you love, it might not be.

Crispin

I think Reed and Swat students are roughly equal in how focused they are on studying. You have to be highly focused to make it through Reed, pass your Junior Quals, write your thesis, and make it through your Oral defense.

In my experience Swat kids are less quirky than Reedies, a little more conservative in how they dress, and also seemingly more well-balanced in how they live their lives and handle their work loads.

vossron

In addition to those mentioned so far, St. John's College and Reed are similar in that both are distinctive and unusual.

carolyn

Another possibility: Sarah Lawrence.