<p>So, here’s the thing. You’re definitely doing the part of showing that you can be a part of the community, that you love Reed, and as you said, they love you back, at least a little. Unfortunately, with so many students applying, the median stats are climbing, and it’s getting harder to get past the initial filter. </p>
<p>If you were my kid, I would be poking you to <em>really</em> put on the effort now, academically. I’d be encouraging you to try to show that your enthusiasm can translate into doing the grind in school now, that you didn’t “get it” before, but now you find yourself really striving to be a part of that community. I’d encourage you to continue to seek contact with the school the way you’re doing, and to apply and cross your fingers. </p>
<p>But I would <em>also</em> be recommending that you find similar less selective schools, perhaps closer to home, or maybe close to Reed. I’d suggest that you prepare yourself for the possibility of going elsewhere, or, if you really want it, of pursuing a transfer after a year – a year that you REALLY busted ass to show you can do well academically. </p>
<p>I think, honestly, that you start out with an advantage over strong stats kids who have no interest in Reed as other than a top ranked LAC, but I don’t know if that advantage will be enough if the applicant pool this year is even larger and more competitive than it’s been.</p>