Transfer Possibilities to Reed

pennylane17
Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:15:52 +0000

I’m currently a Literature major at a community college hoping to transfer to a liberal arts college. I’ve had my eye on Reed for awhile now–it’s one of my top 3. From what I’ve researched so far, the intellectual, “eccentric” atmosphere is just what I’m looking for–and I heard it has a wonderful writing program, which is ideal for me as an aspiring writer.

My GPA is fairly low – 2.7. But before anyone tells me what I probably already know (yes, I look way beyond the horizon), please read on a little more. This is what I’m writing in the “additional comments” box on the application essay:

“During my first year at ____ , I felt that my special intellectual curiosity could not be supplied for. Instead of attending classes, I’d hide in libraries, indulging in Kafka and Salinger and daydreaming of running away to New York to become a writer. Along with a history of depression and dealing with the death of a boyfriend, I experienced a series of existential crises. This, more or less, lead to my mixed academic record. But this last spring, with the help of therapy and solace from my Literature professors, I realized that this was only temporary–and that there were many like-minded individuals out there. Having compromised my idealistic soul to work hard during my remaining time at _____ , I believe that I’ll progress to my desired place in the world.”

(If you’d care to read my whole essay, please message me.)

I did some quick calculations. If I retake the classes I did poorly in, and get A’s in all my other ones-- I should get up to a 3.2gpa by the end of spring quarter.

Do I still have a shot at Reed? Will it not hurt just to try? I’m going to be applying to Lewis & Clark and Sarah Lawrence as well–if that gives you an idea of my other (more realistic?) choices.

Anyway I am going to fly to Portland over break. I’ve already set up an interview and tour with L&C, but I don’t know if I should even bother with Reed. Please be honest, and empathetic. Thank you in advance.