I am a current junior for whom Reed is a top choice. I really love the intellectual, quirky atmosphere and the devotion to knowledge for its own sake found there. However, I know Reed has a reputation for being extremely liberal. I’m not saying this is a bad thing, I’m not a conservative and in fact consider myself an independent (socially liberal, fiscally conservative). This being said, some of my notable extracurriculars and leadership roles have been with more conservative organizations. I am an Eagle Scout and will be attending Boys State (put on by the American Legion) this summer. While I’m sure this won’t hurt my application, will the weight of these extracurriculars on my application be lessened due to the fact they are with conservative organizations? I only ask because someone said it might have a negative effect on my application, I’m not saying the admissions department has any political bias or anything.
Also, on a related note, I was wondering about how Reed views leadership. I know they value intellectual individuals and the mind above all else (which I love), so I’m curious as to how they view leadership positions like Eagle Scout. I’m not too worried though, because I would certainly consider myself an idiosyncratic intellectual and I have the ECs to prove it. Thanks for the input!
Water polo and Thespian Society don’t make you an “idiosyncratic intellectual.” Worry less about being an Eagle Scout and more about your sub-2000 SAT.
@poopertrooper
My test scores and other ECs are mine to worry about, seeing as that wasn’t even in my question. I list the ECs that are most relevant to the college I’m getting chanced for; I have a variety of other interests and hobbies. There is no need for you to be rude. You didn’t even address the original question.
I don’t want to come across as mean or anything, but Reed isn’t for you. You come across as very pretentious and conservative (surely a self-proclaimed intellectual would be able to see the irony in proclaiming oneself socially liberal and fiscally conservative in the status quo political system). People would mock a person who is a self-proclaimed intellectual and brags about achieving Eagle Scout. Also something to note, Eagle Scout isn’t a leadership position as much as it is a high rank achievement.
Also have you considered BYU or Liberty University? Alternatively, try applying to a state school, I feel like you would find more fulfillment in a fraternity than in the life of the mind.
@yaboythegriffin
I don’t believe I bragged about my achievement. I mentioned it so I could gain more knowledge about how it would be perceived. And if you’re going to attack me, saying I’m pretentious for calling myself intellectual, go ahead I guess. I believe an intellectual is someone who enjoys learning and knowledge for its own sake; if I identify as one, I fail to see how that makes me pretentious. I mentioned my politics as an addition, not even a part of my main point and I feel as though your whole reason for your attack is them. I am not here to argue politics, and your comments are completely uncalled for. You want to talk about being pretentious? The comment you made about the irony of my views was very pretentious. And no I don’t understand the irony, I guess that makes you much more intelligent than me. Finally, your last comments about being in a frat and BYU were juvenile and uncalled for. A huge part of the reason I want to go to Reed is so that I can get the best education I can and be around people who challenge me intellectually. I love the fact that there are no frats at Reed. I truly hope that people at Reed aren’t like you: stooping to insults and attacks the moment there is a difference in opinion.
Pay no attention to posters that have 1 post. They are here to stir up trouble.
My son was just accepted to Reed and will probably go. I think the thing they look at most, is your ability to handle the extreme academic rigor. Yes, it is learning for learning’s sake, but the workload is extreme and at times very stressful. I have talked to many Reedies and they all basically say the same thing that I just said. My son’s ECs were summer academic programs, a few volunteer activities, and music. He had in school awards for math. He hates leadership of any kind. That is just not who he is.
I don’t think that your ECs will hurt you, but what will actually help is you committment to learning. a great GPA, an interesting essay that shows your fit, and your LoRs. My son’s LoRs made it very clear that he was a joy to have in the classroom, a great participant, and eager to help others. (We had the opportunity to read them).
After returning from an admitted students reception, it became clear among those who were serious about going to Reed was that there were quite a few people who seemed socially awkward and a bit…different…my son included.
As to your specific ECs, I can only speak as the mother of my own child. My kid would have hated scouts, and would never have gone to Boy’s State. To him, that type of leadership would have been way to stressful and uninteresting. But that is just one future Reedie.
Good luck and remember you have a lot of choices besides Reed. So don’t worry about getting into one specific school take a look at everything that is out there.
There’s nothing wrong with being socially liberal and economically conservative – that’s what true Libertarians are. Wanting to increase and protect liberty – both social and economic – is right in line with our nation’s founding principles. Life, Liberty, Property. Right?
As for whether you’re a fit for Reed, I think the most important thing is that you are willing to work hard.
I wouldn’t be too worried about being a moderate in the US political context; I’m sure Reedies won’t mind a differing viewpoint: discussions become boring when everyone agrees.
It is really sad to see people on the forum making such hurtful comments to a kid who has a genuine question. If you can’t help or don’t have a valid input to the OP’s question, it’s better to keep quiet than be hurtful. It would be nice if people can be respectful of others on this forum.
Those who register solely to denigrate another member are properly ignored.
Reed welcomes Gold and Eagle Scouts. Ballerinas, too. Reedies have been described as a majority of outliers (a well-rounded individual would then also be an outlier). An overnight stay as a HS junior or senior is highly recommended.
For what it’s worth, my son has been very active in Scouting and is an Eagle Scout, and was just admitted to Reed RD. Scouting was an important part of his extracurricular activities, but he has a number of others as well. Doesn’t appear to me that being an Eagle Scout was at all an impediment.
I know of a couple Libertarians at Reed. Yes, if you express economically conservative views, there’s a good chance you will be disagreed with and people will argue with you, including me possibly, but most people at Reed are pretty chill, and we love anyone who wants to love everyone as fellow humans and be nerds at the same time. I’m almost certain you’ll get an excellent education here if you work for it.
I was admitted into Reed for the class of 2020. I’m not conservative, and my narrative is different than yours, but if you like Reed, go for it. I’ve gotten to know people who work in admissions really well and they’re very cool people. I’m sure they’d like reading about someone who’s a little different than their typical applicant. That being said, students at Reed are extremely liberal – but political views don’t define friendships and educational experiences. Your extracurriculars are good. They won’t hurt you. Just apply, man! See what happens!
