<p>Hello all!</p>
<p>I'm a high school junior and Reed has been by dream college for quite some time now. I'm interested in pursuing a career in academia and I feel Reed will give me a strong foundation to achieve that goal. </p>
<p>I would greatly appreciate your input regarding my chances in gaining admission to Reed College as a philosophy major.</p>
<p>SAT I: (2250)
SAT II: US- (750) Lit (720)</p>
<p>GPA: 3.72</p>
<p>I know my GPA is low, but a difficult course load was a real strain on me.</p>
<p>By senior year I'll have taken 12 AP Classes; I took 5 this year and 3 in 10th grade.</p>
<p>I was mainly concerned about my the 3 C's I received, one in Pre-Calculus and two in Calculus. </p>
<p>Editor in Chief of school paper</p>
<p>President of Political Awareness Club</p>
<p>President of Junior Statesmen of America (Debate/politics club)</p>
<p>Staff writer for another student newspaper</p>
<p>Volunteered and was hired for a few local campaigns, one city council, one state assembly, and a congressional campaign. Have over 200 volunteer hours with these guys.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your time!</p>
<p>The reality is that getting into Reed has become difficult over the years, especially this year. Many kids with high test scores and top GPA’s were denied or w/led, and it’s hard to say whether or not you would get in even though at a glance it would seem that you would.</p>
<p>I think it will mostly come down to whether or not you apply ED, and whether or not you need any financial aid. It would be easier for you to get in during the RD round if you need no or minimum financial aid. But if the college wants you, they want you and will admit you regardless of your need.</p>
<p>My advice is to write the best essays you can, and to note that the ‘Why Reed?’ essay will be especially important.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>“But if the college wants you, they want you and will admit you regardless of your need.” I agree, and this is why financial need seldom plays a role. With your record, and assuming you’re domestic, think of your chances as 50:50; don’t be surprised either way.</p>
<p>Your numbers and ECs seem totally fine. Show personal fit in your essays and you should get in.</p>
<p>Assuming strong essays, your chances are definitely higher than 50% since the average applicant’s chances of getting in are over 30%, and the average applicant’s SAT score is over 200 points lower than yours. The average applicant’s GPA is probably lower than yours too, though not by much.</p>
<p>Fin aid may make things more difficult, but I don’t think you should worry about your numbers.</p>
<p>From the Common Data Set, showing interest and interviewing are considered important. So you should try to visit if you haven’t already (which I would recommend for Reed anyway), and try to interview if you can. My D was able to interview when the rep was in our city by contacting her directly and making arrangements. If Reed has events in your area, go to them. If they are at a college fair, stop by the table to talk, and also fill out whatever they have to track names/addresses of people who are interested. If you aren’t already, get on the email/mailing list from the admissions website if they have one.</p>
<p>Also agree that your essay will be important.</p>
<p>I think you have a great shot at Reed. But you didn’t mention your class rank or your state, so that could have some impact. But your scores and extra-curricular activities look strong enough to tempt Reed even if your GPA isn’t perfect.</p>