<p>What are some colleges on the West Coast that share similar academics and philosophies as Reed?</p>
<p>Whitman College</p>
<p>The Claremont colleges in CA.</p>
<p>Pitzer College</p>
<p>Fact is that there is no comparable college on the west. Whitman and Reed and Pitzer and the rest are comparable in size only, with each of them doing dramatically different things in all other defining aspects.</p>
<p>That’s what I figured. Thanks for the input, guys!</p>
<p>Um, Reed IS on the west coast (albeit not close to the coast).</p>
<p>Sorry, question was a bit foggy, but I realize that. I’m fro the west coast and Reed is my number one pick, and I was just seeing if there are any Little Reeds out there, but apparently not. And you can get to the ocean from Portland in less than two hours.</p>
<p>I disagree that Whitman and Pitzer are dissimilar from Reed in every respect besides size. There is a fundamental character of liberal education shared by all and some resulting similarities. What you don’t find replicated much is Reed’s student culture. </p>
<p>One school I might suggest is University of Puget Sound. Same region, similar size, both liberal arts, both with a strong outdoorsy student body, UPS has a little flair for the dramatic, but not nearly as much as Reed.</p>
<p>The western small Ivies: Pomona, Claremont, Pitzer, Scripps, Harvey Mudd.</p>
<p>^trust me, those places aren’t very much like reed</p>
<p>however, if you’re willing to look across the coast, consider Hampshire College</p>
<p>Pitzer is the only very liberal climate in the Claremont colleges. Although you won’t find the same type of academic freedom as at Reed (the open curriculum), I would also suggest Whitman. And look at U of Puget Sound, and Lewis & Clark. The student body is somewhat similar. Are you instate CA? Definitely apply to UCSC if so. A safety could be Humboldt if in CA. And then there’s Evergreen in WA (30K OOS).</p>
<p>If looking at all out east, then Hampshire (does have open curriculum), Warren Wilson, Antioch (reopened this year), Marlboro, Bennington, Bard.</p>
<p>“Reed (the open curriculum)”</p>
<p>Um, Reed does not have open curriculum. Everyone takes Hum 110, and then has distribution requirements to fulfill (a course from this group, that group).</p>
<p>I really would rather not go out east. I visited Lewis and Clark and ruled it out, I just didn’t get the right vibe while there. And while I realize UCSC is liberal, I would really like to stay out of the public schooling system if at all possible. It looks like the Claremont Colleges seem to be the best bet in CA. And yes I am from CA. And where is Whitman?</p>
<p>Whitman is in Walla Walla, Washington. Imagine saying “Walla Walla WA” every time you tell your personal story for the rest of your life.</p>
<p>It seems to be a very fine school, and is in a much sunnier part of the PNW than Portland.</p>
<p>If you want “Western” but not necessarily West Coast, you may also want to consider Colorado College or St. John’s College (Santa Fe).</p>
<p>I was super close to going to Whitman and was torn between there and Reed for a long time. Reed is definitely known for being a little more drug-happy; Whitman kids are really outdoorsy, pretty much the quintessential liberal arts school. The town is SMALL but the area is beautiful (hours and hours from any big city however). I highly recommend a visit.</p>
<p>Reed is sui generis.</p>
<p>Oops, I could have sworn Reed was open curric. Thanks for correcting me! </p>
<p>You are in state CA and not applying to any UC’s? really? It’s really hard to grasp that coming from the east coast where there are loads and loads of students dying to have your state school options!</p>
<p>^ I think I have finally arrived at that conclusion. </p>
<p>Thanks for all the input, guys.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t get any financial aid in the UC or CSU system, I know this because my brother recently graduated from a UC. I know the UC’s have a good academic reputation, but they are just way too big for me. I’m looking at under 7,000 students, and no UC comes close to that. Plus, every UC campus I have been on made me feel alienated. </p>
<p>Basically, I’m looking for a small college experience, but not so small that it’s like high school. So, between 1,000 and 7,000 students. And a city atmosphere would be great.</p>
<p>The closest thing to Reed (which is really quite unique) in an urban environment would be Macalester, in Minneapolis. You might also want to take a look at Colorado College (which has a block schedule).</p>