<p>Sorry, but it is a fact that Reed is more rigorous academically, even though West Point is more rigorous in everything else. Most rankings simply do not measure academic rigor – not USNWR, and not Forbes. USNWR focuses largely on reputation and selectivity, while Forbes focuses on career success after graduation. Neither one can tell you how much you might learn at college.</p>
<p>You sound like you belong at Reed, except that Reed students generally are not interested in ROTC.</p>