<p>I go to Reed and one of my best friends goes to Grinnell, so I have some information about both schools.</p>
<p>Let’s put it this way: Knowing what I know about Grinnell from my friend, and having spent two years at Reed, I would never swap Reed for Grinnell. Although my friend is very happy at Grinnell, I think I’m more satisfied with my college choice than her, overall. She views Grinnell as a stepping stone to a more ‘prestigious’ school for grad school, while I can’t imagine any school in the US offering me a more stimulating and fulfilling experience than Reed–a sentiment echoed by many Reed professors who got their undergrad degrees at Reed, went elsewhere for grad school, and returned to Reed to teach.</p>
<p>Both schools are small and offer a very strong sense of community. That’s not going to be an issue wherever you end up. They’re both very accepting as well.</p>
<p>If you have any more specific questions about Reed, I can answer them. (And let me hasten to assure you that it’s not “a depressing ****hole” by any means.)</p>
<p>That being said, money talks and I’d advise you to go with the school that offers you the best fin aid, should you get into Grinnell as well.</p>