<p>I just can’t accept the fact that the GPA is “mid-level”</p>
<p>A 3.0 is mid level – over 3.7 unweighted with strong curric. I cannot consider mid-level.</p>
<p>OP - the reason Reed has such a high acceptance rate is because the applicant pool is made up of people who really want to go there. If you’re not from the Portland area, Reed is a school that one comes across after doing a ton of research. The reason HYPSM have <10% acceptance rates is because they are well known, even by the non-college going community; i.e. a lot of people blindly apply “just to see.” Reed is a very boutique school. I’ve had friends who were accepted to USC & Berkeley who were rejected/waitlisted at Reed. Reed is VERY intense, probably the most intense liberal arts school in the country, so the people who end up getting degrees are clearly very driven, passionate, and intellectual. I think it’d be a great fit based on what i’ve read, and the fact that you think you know everything about a few books required in 2 courses you would take there shouldn’t let you discount it.</p>
<p>That being said, I still think you have a very good shot at the Ivies and elite LACs such as Amherst, Williams, and Pomona. Not a shoe-in, but definitely worth a try. Don’t count on getting in though, and have some saftey schools that will offer you merit $$ on your list as well.</p>