Reed College

Reed is either a heaven or hell. Is it tough? Yes, but definitely doable (with the exception of maybe physics). I think it is a place that requires a lot of self-motivation, but that because you are around such wonderfully brilliant people it can be at the same time disheartening. Reedies are all as a rule very intelligent (that kid I disagree with in conference aside). Still although it might be intimidating... hell you're surrounded by fucking brilliant people. It's like they put all the interesting kids who didn't really fit in with the normal stereotypes in high school and was really smart as well in one place. Is it liberal... yes.... very much so. Don't come if you are a die-hard Republican or very religious. Still, I think most people are willing to consider ideas if they can be intelligently defended and intelligently defend their own. Are there drugs? Yes, lots and lots of them. It is a work hard/ play hard school with a lot of people cutting loose from a lot of stress. Still I know people who don't do any drugs or drink at all and no one cares or pressures them. People here are friendly, but not in an artificial I'm-sucking-up-to-your-face kinda way. Social interation is meaningful or not at all so to speak. Like I said before a lot of people here are wonderful, brilliant, interesting people.

1st Year Female -- Class 2007

Education Quality: A+, Extracurricular Activities: B-

As another commenter pointed out, Reed will kick your ass. It doesn't matter who you are--more than five times as many Reedies have graduated with the Rhodes scholarship in their pocket than have graduated with a 4.0. If that doesn't scare you, it should. It means that you have to sacrifice--or at least risk--any potential attendace at a professional school. As a rule, grad schools know what Reed grades are about and make allowances, so they won't hurt you there. Medical schools, law schools, etc. don't know Reed's rep and are too high-falutin' for you to convince them that you've been held to a higher standard. You should think seriously about another school if you think you might want to go to med or law school.

Beyond that, Reedies in general are the dorks of high school. That doesn't mean that there aren't athletic or attractive people here, but they're certainly not the rule. Come here if you're already resigned to, or even enjoy, spending most of your nights in the library (weekday and weekend). Come here if you are self-sufficient, and don't need somebody to hold your hand. Come here if you like being treated like an adult (we have a drug and alcohol policy but it's not enforced--if you can't control yourself and flunk out due to drugs, it's your own damn fault). You are over 18, anyway, right? Maybe it's time for you to take responsibility and grow the f*ck up.

Don't come here if you would ever consider joining a frat/sorority. That sort of weak, needy individual gets eaten alive on a daily basis here. If you visit as a prospie. stfu in class. Do NOT try to contribute to conferences.

4th Year Male -- Class 2004

Education Quality: A+, Social Life: D-