<p>Reed is my number one choice but I really don't know if I have a chance with my grades. I'm good in ECs and soon to be, SAT scores. Do teacher recs hold a lot of weight at Reed?</p>
<p>Teacher recs and other evidence of your academic commitment, ability, and interests are very important.</p>
<p>I dont think Reed holds much importance on ECs. your academic transcript, verbal skills(as demonstrated in SATs), Essays and Recs are important, in order of importance.</p>
<p>Reed also cares a lot about what you can bring to the community. They look for students who enjoy academic challenge AND are a bit unusual. Your essays will count for a lot, as will your recommendations. Reed often takes its chances on students who are not BRWKs.</p>
<p>To see how Reed ranks the various aspects of the app, go to</p>
<pre><code> http://web.reed.edu/ir/ReedCDS200405.html
</code></pre>
<p>and scroll down to C7 - "Relative importance of each of the following academic and nonacademic factors in your first-time, first-year degree-seeking (freshman) admission decisions." This is from the college common data set (CDS) and you'll find a lot of other info there also. </p>
<p>You might also want to see what Reed thinks about the new SAT at </p>
<pre><code> http://web.reed.edu/apply/sat_opinion.html
</code></pre>
<p>I think the personal essay is of utmost importance. Just convey honestly why you know you should be a Reedie. Convince them you belong there, if that's what you feel in your heart (and you plan on working your butt off for the next 4 or 5 years!) Good luck!</p>