<p>One simple objective measure of Reed’s intellectualty is its per capita rate of future PhD’s, fourth in the U.S. after CalTech, Harvey Mudd and Swarthmore. The rate is higher partially due to the lack of majors where PhD’s are less common, so you’re with students whose goal is not so BA/BS job-oriented; Reed is one of the grad school prep colleges. Reedies are outliers (said Reed’s former president). </p>
<p>Visit (overnight when possible) as many schools as you can, apply to those you like. Don’t overthink this so much at this stage.</p>
<p>I think this article describes Reed well: [The</a> Paradoxes of Reed](<a href=“http://www.reed.edu/apply/news_and_articles/reed_paradoxes.html]The”>http://www.reed.edu/apply/news_and_articles/reed_paradoxes.html)</p>