<p>Reed is more numbers oriented than in the past. Here’s an excerpt from a recent article in Reed’s alumni magazine discussing in detail the factors that are considered in admissions — it may help you evaluate your chances:</p>
<p>""Every application is rated according to five criteria— some data-driven, others more subjective:</p>
<p>Courses taken in high school, based on rigor of classes and curriculum;
Grades, class rank, and standardized tests, including the SAT and ACT;
Personal character and intellect, based on interviews and recommendations;
Essays and application essays;
Involvement, such as extracurriculars and community service. </p>
<p>Each criterion is rated from 1 to 5, with 1 being “superior” and 5 “dismal.” The scores are averaged to arrive at a composite score for each student. Anything below 1.8 is terrific. A rating higher than 2.5 more than likely eliminates a candidate. The applicants are also rated on fit—whether they’re a good match for Reed— and yield—how likely they are to say “yes” if admitted. There are also various tipping factors that influence the decisions: weighted consideration is given to students of color, “first-gens” (first generation in the family to attend college), and children of alumni.
“”</p>
<p>You can read the full article here:</p>
<p>[Reed</a> Magazine: Many Apply. Few are Chosen. (1/5)](<a href=“http://web.reed.edu/reed_magazine/spring2008/features/many_apply/index.html]Reed”>Reed Magazine: Many Apply. Few are Chosen. (1/5))</p>
<p>As I said, this article lays out exactly what Reed looks for, and even discusses how the admissions committee evaluates applicants. It is something that everyone applying there should read. But – don’t let it scare you off. If you are convinced Reed is “the place” for you, apply! </p>
<p>Reed is a unique place, so before deciding to apply there ED, if there is any way you can visit, I would strongly recommend it. My daughter liked Reed on paper, but ran like h*ll after visiting. My son was not particularly impressed with Reed on paper, but loved it from the moment he stepped on campus and a student asked him if he could translate the greek lettering on the bags in the bookstore. </p>
<p>So, make sure you do your research. If you can’t visit, go to Livejournal.com, register, and search under interests for “Reed College.” That will turn up a link that answers questions from prospective students, and another link of a discussion forum for current Reed students. You can ask questions about Reed on both, but just reading back through a year or so worth of archives will also give you a sense of what Reed is like. The alumni magazine archives can also give you some more insights to help you decide if Reed is “right enough” for you personally to make it your ED choice. This sort of research will also help you write a convincing “Why Reed?” essay, which, according to the above article, plays a role in tipping in some applicants and keeping others out. The same with interviews - you need to know why you want to go to Reed specifically, and show that you understand what makes Reed unique and right for you during your interview.</p>
<p>Make sure to choose your recommendation writers wisely. Look for teachers who will talk about your intellectual passion, and academic potential, not just your extracurriculars. Your counselor should be able to discuss how you have challenged yourself by taking the most rigorous courses available to you, and it will be a plus if your senior year schedule shows a 4th year (or more) of core academic subjects like math, science, foreign language, social studies, etc.</p>
<p>Reed does interviews in different locations across the nation. Make sure to check with Reed admissions about when they will be in your area, and schedule your interview as soon as possible. Interviews seem very important in the Reed admissions process.</p>
<p>By the way, at this point, Reed is still not considering the writing section.</p>
<p>GOOD LUCK!</p>