<p>The chemistry department at Reed is really good but I’m not familiar enough with the chemistry depts in other LACs to know how it compares.</p>
<p>International enrollment hovers around 10-15%. The entering freshman class is only about 350 people, so that would be 35-50 internationals. There is enough financial aid allotted to assist about 25 of them. [Reed</a> College | Admission | Reed College Admission Office](<a href=“Apply - Admission - Reed College”>Apply - Admission - Reed College)</p>
<p>There are sub-free dorms. I don’t know where you are getting your information, but goody-goodies who resort to drug use due to overwhelming stress sounds a little crazy when compared to the reality of Reed. To reiterate emeraldkitty, you can’t graduate from Reed while doing hardcore drugs all the time. The academics are simply too demanding for it to really be a party school. Of course there are some students who do drugs, mostly marijuana, but usually not to the point where it interferes with school. Those who do will likely fail out, drop out, or be expelled.</p>
<p>Also I don’t think it’s accurate to say that a ‘large percentage’ of the student body smokes. Last I heard it was a quarter or less and that stat might have been inflated. There was a lengthy discussion on CC about smoking at Reed by some parents of prospective students and other unrelated adults who wanted to weigh in, but I’d take it with a grain of salt. I’ve never heard actual students complaining that smoking is a widespread problem. There are 2 places on campus where it can be a point of contention, but most students who smoke try to be conscientious about it and would stop or move elsewhere if asked. Talk to some current students and see what they think. </p>
<p>Actually I would highly recommend talking to many current students, faculty, and staff about Reed and your concerns, and relying a little less on hearsay and stereotypes promulgated on the internet. It would be ideal if you could visit Reed and see it for yourself, but that might not be feasible as an international applicant.</p>