I am really in quite a dilemma here. I'm an international that has been accepted to both Reed and Oberlin, and from what I've read and heard from many different sources, it seems there are a few things that set the two apart. I have some questions...
1. What is music life like at Reed? Music is a very large part of my life, despite my priority being the sciences. I have read in some previous threads that something that resembles a jazz combo exists, and I play jazz too, but what about a full orchestra or wind ensemble?
2. How bad really is the workload for science students? I guess in the end it will boil down to time management between pot smoking and partying and doing work, but it seems physics students are driven to the brink of their sanity. I might take up chemistry instead though, since it makes more sense to me.
3. This applies to both schools, and may not be most appropriate in this forum, but anyways... If one wishes to pursue chemical engineering in grad school, is it possible to take pure chemistry in undergrad and go on? Is it difficult to do so? And what role would Reed's reputation play in the grad school admission process if that were to be available?
Hi psykick, firstly congratulations on your acceptance to two amazing and prestigious colleges!
I'm going to be joining the Class of 2014 myself (accepted in 2009 and on deferral), so I'm not exactly an authority figure here, but I'll try answering your questions anyway. Although, if you haven't already, I suggest you join the Reed College Class of 2014 and post your questions there-many freshmen Reedies would be glad to give you detailed responses, but not many log in to college confidential anymore.
1. I'm a music ignoramus and I can't give you a technical answer, but all I know is that there are lots of music lovers at Reed and Reed has a strong Music Department for its size. Oberlin, on the other hand, has a huge conservatory so that's obviously more advanced, but I don't know how much interaction there is between the college and the conservatory.
2. Physics/Chemistry majors in any college do have it harder than other majors because the sciences are lab intensive, so at Reed the stress maybe magnified. However, like you mentioned, it boils down to time management and what your priorities are-some Reedies are devoted to studying to the point that they don't indulge in anything else, others have a more balanced outlook and pursue extracurriculars, and yet others involve themselves in parties, alcohol, drugs, but the general consensus is you have to study, no matter what else you do.
3. It is absolutely possible to take a pure science in your undergraduate years and pursue a Masters in Engineering. It isn't difficult-especially with a place like Reed where the sciences are known to be far more demanding than usual. In that sense, Reed's reputation does play a key school in graduate school acceptance-Reed makes you work at an almost doctoral level during college so that has to count for something. Also, Reed offers dual degrees with Columbia and Caltech for those interested in getting a BA and BS in five years, so that's another option-which I believe Oberlin has to. However, to a degree Reed may prepare you better for graduate school in the sciences/engineering than Oberlin, but the difference won't be too big.
Good Luck making the choice but do join the Facebook group for more detailed responses.
Also, Reed offers dual degrees with Columbia and Caltech for those interested in getting a BA and BS in five years, so that's another option-which I believe Oberlin has to.
While it sounds good, few students actually do the 3+2 program. After three years at Reed, students have to apply to be admitted to the program at Columbia/Caltech. Furthermore, funding/finaid for the last 2 years is not guaranteed.
The 3+2 program is absolutely NOT a dual degree program. After three years at Reed, students have to apply to be admitted to the program at Columbia/Caltech. Furthermore, funding/finaid for the last 2 years is not guaranteed.
I'm not sure I get what you mean. In essence, it is a dual degree, ie. it provides you with two degrees in five years. I'm not factoring in acceptance because that's taken as a given, if you want two degrees, you obviously have to be well-qualified and academically sound and only then will you be accepted. Also yes, Financial Aid between the engineering school and the college can differ-if that is another criterion for psykick to consider.
However, does anyone know about getting into med school from Reed? I'm absolutely IN LOVE with the school, but a wee bit terrified that med schools won't feel the same affection and awe that I do for Reed (seeing as it is tiny and basically a secret hidden honey-hole of academia).
I know graduate schools are aware of its awesomeness, but how about med schools?
IceKeep: I don't know if you're still checking this thread, but there is an ice rink about half an hour away by bus at the Lloyd Center mall. I don't think there's a hockey league there, but there are skating lessons and a curling league (which I'm currently a part of).
Hello. I'm a first general student who is currently in the middle of my undergraduate at an Illinois school where a former Reed professor teaches. Dr. Agyen recommended Reed to me after I took her Language and Gender class. My current major is linguistics and I'm looking into the graduate program at Reed. I can't say I have the best G.P.A. because I'm not a "regurgitate information verbatium" kind of student; I'm more like a constructive thinker. I've already received the official info packet but I have a few more questions.
1) What's the tuition per semester for Graduate students?
2) How hard is it to find paying Work studies/T.A. positions and full time jobs around campus/Portland?
3) What are the requirements for admission?
4) I know they always say that scholarships are easy to find. (Starting to think that the people who say that willy nilly has never had to fill out scholarship applications.)
How easy is it to get financial aide and does it usually cover all the costs?
5) What's the policy for transfer students/first time students for housing/academics/etc?
6) How expensive are the surrounding apartments?
That's all I can think of for the moment. Thank you in advanced.
Foxtail: I'm confused. Are you looking to attend Reed for a graduate degree? The only program like that they offer is the Reed College | Master of Arts in Liberal Studies | Home program, which is mostly designed for local residents looking to do part time study to get a Masters over time. The costs are here: Reed College | Master of Arts in Liberal Studies | Costs and Financial Assistance . But this is not a program with TA's or things like that. Maybe your professor is confused about the graduate program? The whole idea of a *college* is that it doesn't normally grant graduate degrees.
hey, i am high school junior in Lake oswego high school, who'd like to go Reed, and the common data set says it prefers SAT over ACT. IF I take both test, which I plan to, would you recommend to write both test score in application?
